Embracing the Process: Finding Clarity in Creativity and Leadership

Why the Journey Matters More Than the Outcome in Art, Leadership, and Life

As artists and creatives, and like anyone who wants to make an impact on the world, we have our ideas of how the world should work. To test these ideas and challenge our assumptions, we create. This journey, this process, is where I find my purpose and where I believe others can find theirs too.

The Importance of Systems and Processes 

I am someone who deeply believes in the power of systems and processes. In this journey of creation, the process helps guide us toward clarity. However, clarity is not about having everything planned out or knowing exactly how things will unfold. Instead, clarity comes from starting where we are, embracing the unknown, and allowing the process to reveal the path forward. 

Clarity is our goal 

Most of the time, our assumptions are wrong, and our ideas do not work out. As artists, creatives, and leaders, it is our job to proceed anyway, knowing that we will fail and that things won’t go according to plan. Our plans may be useless, but planning is essential. We must find clarity within ourselves with each iteration and process. Whether the outcome is as expected or not, these “happy failures” are more important than anything else. 

"Happy Failures" 

Each step in our creative journey offers an opportunity for clarity. Whether the outcome matches our expectations or surprises us entirely, each iteration is a chance to learn and grow. I like to think of these moments of unexpected results as "happy failures." They are more valuable than any perfectly executed plan because they teach us about ourselves, our processes, and our craft. 

Embracing Failure and Disruption 

In a world driven by outcomes and fast-paced management, there is little room for exploration and error. Errors are seen as disruptions. As artists, we are comfortable with failure, disruption, and mistakes. Our work involves finding clarity within ourselves to deal with these challenges. Our inner guidance assures us we will reach our desired destination, even if the path is unclear. The journey, with all its twists and turns, matters. 

Adapting and Evolving 

Our processes are like operating systems. Just as any complex system, our processes have bugs. Sometimes these bugs turn into features, but other times we need to fix them or upgrade to a different operating system because past methods no longer work. One of the values we bring as artists is our familiarity with change and the ability to adapt to it. 

Conclusion 

In this journey of creation, the process is our guide. As artists, we bring a unique understanding of the creative process to the world. In a fast-paced, outcome-driven society, we offer a different perspective—one that values exploration, embraces failure, and thrives in the face of disruption. And this understanding is the value we bring to the world.