What Does a Cup of Tea have to do with Your Creativity?
“The perfect temperature for tea is two degrees hotter than just right.” - Terri Guillemets
Before I explain what a cup of tea has to do with you and your creativity, let me ask a question:
Do you ever worry that people don’t appreciate your work?
I’ve noticed that sometimes, even when I do my best work, some people don’t seem to like it. Or worse - they ignore it. There’s no reason for them not to like it, really - it’s good, professional work.
You might expect criticism from strangers or competitors, but friends and family? They’re supposed to love everything you do!
But they don’t. Not always.
Even your colleagues and mentors will criticize you - people you respect. Ouch!
This is one of the harsh realities of being a creative person - especially if you work alone. You want that boost of encouragement and validation. But here’s the thing…
You are not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.
It’s just a fact. The sooner you accept it, the happier and freer you’ll be.
Some people love chamomile tea but not Earl Grey. Some like green tea, others like peppermint.
Think of yourself and your creative work in the same way - as a particular flavor. Even if you’re the tastiest strawberry on earth, some people will still reach for a banana.
Don’t you find it amazing how millions of people love Barry Manilow’s music yet millions hate it at the same time? Still, Barry plays Copacabana again and again for his fans who adore him. He doesn’t change his flavor to win over Metallica fans, or Jay-Z fans. He knows he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay.
People will criticize you. It can be helpful. Maybe your cup of tea could use a little sweetening, or a twist of lemon to add some zing. Stay open minded, for sure, but if you like your cup the way it is, by all means leave it alone. Your true fans will love you for it.
What flavor tea are you? How is your creativity like a cup of tea? Leave a comment!
Hi Mark,
This is a great analogy.
When I started my blog to help new bloggers, I knew straight up that my articles would not appeal to seasoned bloggers. Since they never were intended to be my target audience, I accept the fact my writings won’t interest them.
Surprisingly, a few seasoned bloggers have dropped by on occasion and commented. Although that’s always great for the ego, I keep true to my original intent, and continue to write for a specific audience.
We can’t be everything to everyone. Trying to do so only sets us up for disappointment.
Great post, Mark!
As for me… well, I’m actually a cup of coffee
Hi Mark - this is a really great point. Not everyone can be our audience and I guess that’s something we have to bear in mind when criticism gets us down.
Very helpful advice for me right now! Thanks. I guess it’s like that concept i come across again and again in the branding literature: to be something you cannot be everything.
@Barbara - Good to know you stayed the course. Reminds me - There will always be a need for “beginner” courses - we need teachers who are willing to teach us the basics. More seasoned vets are obviously beyond that, so they’re not the target audience.
@Mags - me too. with cream and sugar.
@Cath - glad you appreciate it. It’s especially tricky when a mentor doesn’t subscribe to our interest. You gotta keep singing your song anyway.
@Cliff - glad it helped. And ooh - I love that quote - “To be something you can’t be everything”. Did you hear that folks?
Hi Mark
I know when I was younger I felt absolutely crushed if (heaven forbid) someone didn’t like what I created (music, writing or otherwise). Somehow along the way I discovered how important it is to stay true to yourself and find your own voice. Trust that it will carry you to where you need to be and attract the people it needs to attract. A sunflower doesn’t try to become a rose just because a passer by doesn’t look it’s way. The sunflower stays true to it’s creation. It is diversity that keeps our planet viable and fertile.
Leah - thanks for your comment. I used to be the same way. I like your sunflower example. I’m always amazed at how some people are born to be firefighters and others accountants. There’s some sort of cosmic balancing act happening methinks.
I was one of those people who wanted everyone to like everything I did or I felt crushed. It’s taken me a long, long time to get to the point where I can say ’so what?’ I’m now attempting a novel. Not for the first time, but for the first time daring to write exactly what I want to write without thinking about who’s going to read it and what they will think.
It’s a painful process at times, but it has to be done. And hopefully, it will be done well.
Me? I think my style is like a cup of rooibos tea. An unusual flavour and certainly not to everyone’s taste. Many will find it unacceptable. But some will come back for more, and to those I will speak.