4 Key Lessons From Big Magic. “Creativity is sacred, and it’s also not sacred“
“Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Elizabeth Gilbert is an award-winning writer of both fiction and non-fiction. Her memoir, Eat, Pray, Love, spent 57 weeks in the #1 spot on the New York Times paperback bestseller list. with over 6 million copies in the US and published in over thirty languages. Big Magic was also an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. “A must-read for anyone hoping to live a creative life.
In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert talks about how to be creative without letting fear get in the way. She explains that being creative should be fun, not stressful and that it’s okay to make mistakes or feel unsure sometimes.
The book is all about being brave, trying new ideas, and enjoying the process of making things—whether it’s art, writing, or anything else. It’s like letting your imagination run free without worrying about being perfect.
Here are four simple ideas from Big Magic that can help you be creative and have fun, even if you feel scared or stuck sometimes.
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic is a powerful guide for anyone looking to live a more creative and inspired life.
Whether you’re an artist, writer, or someone who simply wants to explore your creative side, this book offers practical and empowering advice.
Let’s dive into the top three lessons that can help you embrace creativity, overcome fear, and live a life filled with curiosity and wonder.
“Fear is natural when you’re trying something new,” says Gilbert, especially in creative work.
Gilbert explains that fear often shows up to protect us from failure, but it doesn’t have to control us. Instead of trying to fight or eliminate fear, allow that S.O.B. to be there, but don’t let it make decisions for you.
Think of fear as a backseat passenger on a road trip. Says Gilbert, It’s allowed to be there, but it doesn’t get to choose the destination, and it certainly can’t drive the car!
By acknowledging your fear without giving it power, you can take action on your creative ideas even if you feel nervous. Remember: You got this fam!
Action Tip: The next time fear pops up, remind yourself that it’s part of the process. Say, “Thanks for the warning, fear, but I’ve got this!” and keep fcking going.
Many people avoid starting creative projects because they’re afraid of not being good enough. Gilbert says creativity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about having fun and expressing yourself.
Waiting for the “perfect” idea, time, or skill level often leads to frustration or inaction. The time will never be perfect.
Instead, allow yourself to create freely without worrying about the outcome. Even if what you make isn’t perfect, it’s still valuable because you’ve learned and grown through the process.
Remember: Creativity should feel lighthearted and playful, not heavy and stressful.
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert
Action Tip: Start a project just for fun, with no pressure to make it perfect. Try drawing, writing, or baking—anything that feels enjoyable and helps you explore your imagination.
Sometimes, the pressure of not being able to pay your bills can crush your creativity. Worrying about money makes it hard to focus on your art or ideas. That’s why having a steady income—even from a day job that isn’t related to your creative work—can be a lifesaver. It takes the pressure off and gives you the freedom to create without stress.
As Elizabeth Gilbert puts it, “Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all.” She reminds us that art is both hard work and an incredible gift, but the magic happens when we approach it with a playful spirit.
Gilbert believes that ideas are alive—they float around, looking for someone to bring them to life. When an idea comes to you, it’s like an invitation. If you ignore it for too long, it might move on to someone else who’s ready to take action.
This doesn’t mean you have to drop everything and act immediately, but it’s important to pay attention to the ideas that excite you. Even if you’re not sure how things will turn out, the experience of working on an idea can be magical and rewarding.
Action Tip: Keep a notebook to write down ideas as they come. When one sparks your interest, take a small step toward making it happen—like sketching a design, writing an outline, or doing quick research.
The lessons in Big Magic remind us that creativity isn’t just for “professionals” or “geniuses”—it’s for everyone.
By letting go of fear, embracing imperfection, and acting on your ideas, you can live a more creative and fulfilling life.
Whether you’re dreaming of writing a book, starting a new hobby, or simply adding more creativity to your daily life, these lessons can guide you toward discovering your inner magic.
Start creating today—what’s one idea you’ve been excited about but afraid to try? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
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