Why Your Next Big Idea Might Just Be a Classic

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Jul 1

How Jim Henson Turned Rejection into Creative Gold.

If you haven’t seen the Ron Howard documentary yet, do yourself a favor and watch “Jim Henson: Idea Man” on Disney Plus. (It’s a game-changer!) After watching I found myself swirling in thoughts and inspiration.

Let's take a dive into the genius of Jim Henson and discover some valuable lessons for our own creative journeys.

Jim Henson: The Ultimate Idea Machine

I've always felt a deep connection with Jim Henson’s work—way more than Disney, to be honest. Disney was an occasional trip to fantasyland - it was "out there." But Henson? He was in my living room every day, making me laugh and feel understood. (I mean Sesame Street, the Muppets, on and on). His humor, creativity, and relentless pursuit of ideas are something we can all learn from.

Lesson 1: Curiosity Fuels Creativity

Watching the Disney Plus documentary “Jim Henson: Idea Man” was a solid reminder of his relentless curiosity. Henson didn’t just stick to one thing; he followed his ideas wherever they led (Even when they never led to becoming a real thing, like the night club he envisioned). It’s this curiosity that drove him from project to project, making him a true creative powerhouse.

Takeaway: Don’t box yourself in. Let your curiosity guide you. Explore new mediums, experiment, and keep the creative flame alive.

Lesson 2: Embrace Failure

Let’s be real—most of what we create won’t be instant hits (cue sad horns). Henson’s Muppet Show faced rejection after rejection. "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" were initially flops. Yet, they’re now classics.

Takeaway: Failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey (but it still stings in the moment). Every rejection is a step closer to your next success. Keep creating, no matter what.

Lesson 3: The Joy of Making

Henson’s life and work are a testament to the joy of making. The process of creating—drawing, painting, sculpting, designing, writing, performing—is fulfilling in itself.

Takeaway: Focus on the joy of creation. Whether it’s a masterpiece or a forgotten project, the act of creating is what truly matters.

Lesson 4: Creativity as a Calling

Being a creative is no easy feat. It’s full of hurdles, both internal and external. Someone once told me (in a former career life), “You go into ministry because you can’t not do it. But it’s not for the faint of heart.” The same goes for creativity. It’s a calling, something you can’t shake off.

Takeaway: Embrace your creative calling. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Keep making, keep dreaming, and keep pushing forward.

Like Jim Henson, I’m driven by the need to create. I’ve made everything from drawings and music to events and books. Not everything has been successful, but the process has shaped me into who I am today.

Be inspired by Henson’s legacy. Keep chasing your ideas and turning them into real things. We need those real things—both for ourselves and for the world.

Keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep being awesome!

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mike brennan

Mike Brennan, author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, is not just a Creative Consultant and Communicator; he's a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity in our lives. In his book, Make Fun a Habit, Mike takes readers on a captivating journey, drawing from personal experiences of resilience and moments of light in the darkest times. Through this journey, he uncovers the secrets to rediscovering fun, infusing every day with play, and unlocking our innate creative potential.

Mike's expertise extends beyond the pages of his book, as he has been instrumental in helping renowned clients such as Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and yes, fun, into their work. His artwork has graced prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona. His educational journey includes studying in New York City and graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology and The School of Visual Arts.

What sets Mike apart is his commitment to helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of creativity in their daily lives and businesses. He offers a unique Daily Creative Habit process, honed over a decade of personal practice, to empower individuals and businesses to integrate innovation into their routines. His methods encompass time management, goal-driven creativity, and a sustainable approach to making innovation a seamless part of daily life and work.

In a world where the daily grind often overshadows the pursuit of happiness, Mike stands as a beacon of hope. His message is clear: embrace the adventure that life offers, and discover how incorporating creativity and fun into your routine can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling existence. Through his words, art, actions, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Mike inspires us all to make fun not just a habit but a way of life.