Beginner's Mind
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few" -Shunryu Suzuki
Design, or any creative endeavor, as a profession parallels life. In life, as in our work, we are always in the process of change and evolution. Our unique individual experience enhances personal growth which clearly affects our creative expression. So it is important to keep an empty or a ready mind at every moment. When a mind is empty, it is open to everything, ready to be inspired by the subject or solutions we seek. Its capacity for ideas is without limit.
As children, we asked many questions about life and how the world around us worked. We lose this basic curiosity as adults because we are afraid to look foolish or dumb. We carry with us excessive baggage of our opinions and are too quick to jump to conclusions based on our beliefs about ourselves, others or situations. Why not create the space for not knowing? Every situation or encounter has something to teach us--even our clients. Having this attitude helps us become better at what ever we do. Also, don't cheat yourself from greatness by being your own worst critique. Give up the attachment to the outcome and you'll always approach the problem with an open mind. Remember that the emptiness of a cup makes it useful, so empty your cup now!
When I look back at the work I've done in the past or maybe even yesterday, I cannot tell you what I consider my best work or what my favorite is because I honestly feel I have not reached my own potential. Even after almost two decades in the design profession, I am still in the process of mastering my craft. Remember that great things have no fear of time. Once you stop considering yourself as a student you will cease to learn. This is the essence of what "Beginner's Mind" is all about.
Design, or any creative endeavor, as a profession parallels life. In life, as in our work, we are always in the process of change and evolution. Our unique individual experience enhances personal growth which clearly affects our creative expression. So it is important to keep an empty or a ready mind at every moment. When a mind is empty, it is open to everything, ready to be inspired by the subject or solutions we seek. Its capacity for ideas is without limit.
As children, we asked many questions about life and how the world around us worked. We lose this basic curiosity as adults because we are afraid to look foolish or dumb. We carry with us excessive baggage of our opinions and are too quick to jump to conclusions based on our beliefs about ourselves, others or situations. Why not create the space for not knowing? Every situation or encounter has something to teach us--even our clients. Having this attitude helps us become better at what ever we do. Also, don't cheat yourself from greatness by being your own worst critique. Give up the attachment to the outcome and you'll always approach the problem with an open mind. Remember that the emptiness of a cup makes it useful, so empty your cup now!
When I look back at the work I've done in the past or maybe even yesterday, I cannot tell you what I consider my best work or what my favorite is because I honestly feel I have not reached my own potential. Even after almost two decades in the design profession, I am still in the process of mastering my craft. Remember that great things have no fear of time. Once you stop considering yourself as a student you will cease to learn. This is the essence of what "Beginner's Mind" is all about.
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