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What Space Do You Own?

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The other day I read Mitch Joel’s excellent post about what he learned from the film Becoming Elmo. Mitch argued that the people who are brilliant at what they do are able to sum up their “one thing” very succinctly, and that they build their life and work around it. It’s their core. Their base of operation. The filter through which all of their work sifts.

For several years we’ve used the tagline “The arms dealer for the creative revolution” when describing what AC is and does. We exist to equip creative pros with the mindset, tools, and relationships they need to do their brilliant work. Often this means helping people clear obstacles out of their way. More often, it means helping them get out of their own way. (And as fellow creative pros, we’re often dishing out advice with fingers pointed squarely in our own chest.)

At the heart of it, I think we’re freedom fighters for the creative class. On a personal level, my most effective work is always centered around one thing: bringing freedom. Freedom to make. Freedom from judgment. Freedom from fear. Freedom to take risks. Freedom to fail. Freedom to succeed.

So my two words? Bringing freedom. It’s what I structure my life and work around. I love (LOVE!) seeing people set free.

Weekend challenge: Very simple – what are your two words? What space do you own? Add yours here.

Todd Henry

Todd Henry

Todd is the founder of Accidental Creative, the author of The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice, and an in-demand speaker and consultant .
Todd Henry

@toddhenry

Todd Henry
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  • http://twitter.com/patientvoice Kathy Johnson

    Patient’s words

    • http://www.accidentalcreative.com Todd Henry

      Nice! Thanks for being the first to jump in the pool, Kathy… :)

  • Terry Brown

    Facilitate success

    • http://www.accidentalcreative.com Todd Henry

      Fantastic. Love the word facilitate.

  • http://iconart.us/ Matthew

    Empower individuals.

    It’s quite broad, I know. And I love your words, ‘Bringing Freedom’, Todd. I’ve been thinking quite a bit of freedom and responsibility. They seem to come in equal measure. My favorite T-shirt right now has the words “Freedom Artist” scrawled on it in a very liberated hand-written style. I feel called to live up to this statement. But my freedom seems to be tied to the practical reality of needing to create things that empower others. You’ve done that here. Thanks!

    • http://www.accidentalcreative.com Todd Henry

      Love it!

  • http://flickerofgenius.com/ Jamie Alexander

    Even though I write about creativity, I think my site has an underlying goal of improving peoples lives through becoming more creative.

    My two words are – sharing bliss

    • http://www.accidentalcreative.com Todd Henry

      Ooh – I really like that a lot, Jamie. I’ll check out your site.

  • http://twitter.com/kevinely kevinely

    Harness creativity.

  • fjr

    I will add two options:

    Loving hugely
    Opening doors

  • http://www.arterruption.net/ Saya

    Pursuing  Poise 

  • http://twitter.com/ChelseaRising Chelsea Rising

    Cyborg innovation.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=13747980 Stephanie Jacobs Morris

    Creative Compassion

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=13747980 Stephanie Jacobs Morris

    Creative Compassion

    I’m a psychologist and a creative… writing a blog: http://drstephm.wordpress.com/ and taking photos… and intending to write a book. I have a feeling that creativity and compassion will be at the heart of it. 

  • Wes Roberts

    Wild, Todd…your two words were also mine.  :-)

  • http://www.writeawaywithme.com/ Beth

    My two words: Sharing stories

    My work is based on facilitating writing, philosophy and storytelling workshops for kids. We all have stories to tell – they are the absolute heart of who we are. For me, it’s all about encouraging kids to find their voice -that’s where the real jewels are!

  • Claude Aimee

    Joy creating!

    As an artist, JOY is the one most important factor that feeds my creations, and support me, moment by moment and also makes it impossible for me to care if the oeanut gallery will like what I’m creating.
    When I teach art, the first thing I tell the students is that they are here for the joy of making art. That if what I askmthem to do doesn’t bring them joy, they are under no obligation to do it. Art equals joy, and Joy equals art for me.

  • http://www.davidpmariano.com/ Dave Mariano

    growing leaders

    I read Mitch’s post too and loved it. When he wrote the phrase “one thing,” did any else think of the movie City Slickers with Billy Crystal?

    • http://www.accidentalcreative.com Todd Henry

      Yes, absolutely.

  • http://twitter.com/rdopping Ralph Dopping

    inclusionary growth

  • Kathryn Leonard

    Transparent breakthroughs

  • http://www.whiteboardbusiness.com/ Dallon Christensen

    Improving productivity

    (My focus is helping service-based businesses and creatives improve how they manage their creative projects to get more done).

  • http://twitter.com/DaveWellman DaveWellman

    Design Success

  • Andrea | HomageStyle.com

    Creating home.

  • Juli Kaufmann

    Being change.

    (Alternatively, I prefer Fixing shit, but its not always appropriate to say so bluntly). 

    http://www.fixdevelopment.com

  • http://twitter.com/hearttales hearttales

    Healng hearts