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"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." -Cecil Beaton
This quote hits the nail on the head... so much so that I felt like I would be doing an injustice if I didn't share it. Everything Cecil Beaton is saying here is the heartbeat behind everything Chris and I believe in as business people and creatives. It is the push behind the things in which we strive for.
It seems like Chris and I have always gone about things in a way that makes people cock their heads to the side and say "huh??". The vein of convention is not one that runs thick in our blood. We have come to appreciate and embrace the feeling not feeling understood. In fact, we welcome it because typically it means we are doing something right. One of my favorite books, "Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity" by Hugh MacLeod speaks life into this sentiment. MacLeod says, "The more original your idea is, the less good advice people will be able to give you." Good ideas have lonely lives and more often than not are initially rejected by people. Basically, know you're onto something when everyone thinks you're nuts.
It takes a daring and unconventional spirit to step out there with an idea, concept or theory. Everything in us tells us not to. Everyone around us tells us we're crazy. It takes courage. It takes everything BUT the status quo. It takes being unconventional welcoming the uncomfortable feeling of being misunderstood by others.
I think about explorers like Columbus who had the insane idea that the world was round when everyone thought it was flat. People thought the guy was totally off his rocker, but without him risking everything and trusting his crazy gut instincts we wouldn't know what we know today. Columbus was daring. I think about someone like Jackon Pollock who was the first artist to paint in a particular style called Abstract Expressionism. Controversy followed Pollock and his style of work throughout his life and continues to even after his death. Most people just didn't "get it," they don't understand. But thank God that didn't stop him from adding his beautiful and interesting aesthetic perspective to the world... it is one that has inspired so many others that have come after him.
The basic idea.... We know we are doing something right when everyone else tells us we are nuts. When that happens, don't shy away... BE DARING! The better our idea is the more pull back we will receive from others. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think every successful person has to be slightly insane to get to where they are. They go against the grain. They do the opposite of that which they feel. They don't listen to others telling them they are crazy. They just do. They dare to be different... even if that means they fail.
Thoughts
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This is so good. Perfect timing! My dreams totally needed a boost today. Your words and photos encourage others to dream and take action.
I have a hard time making decisions because I dont want to be wrong, I do not want to be judged but I know I can not please everyone, loved this post because it encourages me to do it the Feuza way, no apologies right?
gotta read that book now
I''m smiling now, thank you!
You must not be reading the same comments I do, for your blog is filled with love, admiration, and support for all you do. Having said that, I know how tricky it can sometimes be to convince your clients that your ideas will be fabulous, no matter how much you promise. So I am guessing those cocked heads are coming from those on the other side of your camera, but as soon as they see the results, I bet they realise who's actually far from crazy - just full of creativity. Thanks so much. xx
Great post......Some favorites:
Don't refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase - that's what wild geese are for.
I dip my pen in the blackest ink, because I'm not afraid of falling into my inkpot. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is? ~Frank Scully
So I'm a student majoring in hospitality, kind of obsessed with weddings and event planning and pretty things in general. I've been reading your blog for a while and just love what you have to say. It's extremely inspiring to hear from a successful person to follow my heart and sometimes fail but most importantly, stay true to myself. Thank you so much for sharing this message. And your pictures are beautiful, so kudos! :)
I love reading your blog!
Awesome post Sarah, I had to read it a few times to make sure it sunk in :)
I am one of those people who resists embracing the uncomfortable in all areas of my life, but you make an excellent case for reversing the trend! Thanks for the gentle nudge and inspiration to get started...
Such and inspiring post, thank you Sarah!
"To be great is to be misunderstood."-Emerson
Sarah. You really struck Gold on this post. You are so inspiring. thank you
Sarah. You really struck Gold on this post. You are so inspiring. thank you
Sarah. You really struck Gold on this post. You are so inspiring. thank you
thank you for reminding us of this. one of my favorite quotes of late is from henry ford. he said "if i had asked them what they wanted, they'd have said a faster horse". being innovative is key.
I couldn't agree more...Sarah. The husband and I, looking back at our lives and careers, didn't follow the "path" nor "philosophy" laid out or advised. If the average person looked at it on paper, I KNOW they'd cock their heads too and wonder how in the world it worked. But we were determined to follow our instincts, and now I look back and am really proud. We are made and are making our OWN eccentric path. Bravo. You two are bad ass.
Thanks for sharing it really hit home!
Thank you for this. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you for writing this, and that you for reminding and reaffirming what my heart already knows. I've been holding back from some big leaps lately, asking millions of people for advice and losing faith in my original concept when I don't get the reception I was hoping for. It's time to jump - and you just pushed me a little closer to the edge of embracing the audacious, crazy, risk taking self that has been living inside this safe little shell.
Jeanette
Wonderful words of wisdom - thank you - needed this post today :)
Thank you! This is very inspiring!
Thanks for sharing it really hit home!
Thank you! This is very inspiring!
i can't imagine anyone thinking you're crazy. everyone i know thinks you are genius.