Why the Courage to Create is the Story of Now

First published on July 7, 2021

It is quite an act of courage to make something. To see possibility, to take action towards that possibility. To succeed, or, even, to fail.

Somewhere within that process is a moment, or more accurately perhaps a series of moments, where the decision is made. The possibility is seen, and the decision is made: I will do this. I will write this book, I will start this business, I will change my career.

That moment, or that series of moments, holds a fascination for me. Why do some of us make that decision? Why do we make it sometimes and not others?

It holds a fascination because it is my story. But it also holds a fascination because, I believe, it is our story. It is the story of this moment in time. Rolling out in front of humanity is possibility. The incredibly connectivity that we have been gifted by the technologists has multiplied that possibility almost infinitely. No longer are the possibilities restricted by geography or by wealth (almost everyone has access or can gain access to a smart phone or computer and can set aside, say, 12 minutes a week). And so each of us has the opportunity, the real opportunity, to seek the tiny niche that we are uniquely suited to fulfil. Uniquely suited because our upbringings (the good and the bad) have prepared us for it. Uniquely suited because our interests and passions have given us insights that not everyone has. Uniquely suited because we have sat through boring jobs which, nonetheless, taught us something. Uniquely suited because of our talents, and the moments that happen by some coincidence of fates to bring us deep joy.

And so, now, there is a unique place where our perspectives count. Where there is a problem that can be solved or an opportunity that can be grasped. Where there is possibility for us. For me. For you.

We can find that place. That, too, is an act of courage, of course. To accept that we might have something to offer. To accept that we might be able to make a difference. And then, of course, to find that space and make that difference. To see the possibility, however small or large, and begin.

It is our story, too, because the world is full of problems. So close to heaven, and yet simultaneously so close to hell.

Emerging (we hope) from the pandemic will create hundreds of thousands of new problems and hundreds of thousands of possibilities. It looks, to me, like it may be just as much a moment of Kairos as entering the pandemic. And so, for those who are smart and brave there is opportunity. There is possibility.  

And yet still, each of those acts require courage. That most inspiring – to me, at least – of human characteristics. The facing of fear. The first step. The leap of faith. The moment where we don’t know if we will land, if we will succeed. The moment when, even as we step, we know we are changed forever. We know there is no way back. We know when our foot lands, whether we have succeeded or failed, we will be changed forever.

It is quite an act of courage, indeed, to make something. To see possibility and to take action towards that possibility. It is quite an act of courage, indeed.