I stumbled upon this really inspirational show called "Art Happens Here with John Lithgow" (Check out the trailer here).

Picture this: John Lithgow (yeah, the dude from 3rd Rock From the Sun and a gazillion other things) willingly subjects himself to the horrors and joys of going back to school.

And what's the catch? He's there to prove a point about the magic of arts education. From dance to ceramics, silk-screen printing to vocal jazz ensemble, Lithgow dives headfirst into it all, showcasing how creativity can be the ultimate life hack

In his own words, Lithgow states:

"The arts give young people all sorts of tools to move on in life, even in the other areas of academia...They teach them discipline and hard work and patience and collaboration and cooperation and civility. They give young people an early sense of empathy....Hi everybody I'm John Lithgow. Come along and watch me go back to school. Printmaking, ceramics, vocal jazz ensemble, and dance. And celebrate arts in education with a bunch of incredible kids. It's called Art Happens Here."

Now, let's talk about you…

You are never too old to learn or grow. (and I'm not just saying that because I keep getting older...)

It's easy to get stagnant. Complacent. Comfortable.

When was the last time you tried something new? Perhaps something you really suck at? (we don't like that part. We want to be immediately great out of the gate!)

But hey, that's where the magic happens. It's about breaking through those self-imposed ceilings and embracing the chaos of learning something new. (yes, messy)

So, here's the challenge: sign up for a class in a completely alien (yes, a nice call back to 3rd Rock show.. wink, wink) creative discipline. Watch how it shakes up your world, how it breathes new life into your tired routine. And if you're feeling a bit lonely on this journey, fear not! Join us at the Daily Creative Habit Membership for some much-needed company.

In the end, just remember: age is just a number, and learning is a lifelong adventure.

Whatever you do, just be sure to never stop learning and growing. Your creativity depends on it!

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!