If You Build It, They Will Come
Ray: I have just created something totally illogical.
Annie: That’s what I like about it.
- Field of Dreams
When was the last time you saw Field of Dreams? It’s one of my all-time favorite movies, and it has a lot to teach us about creativity.
The movie was adapted from W.P. Kinsella’s first novel Shoeless Joe. Kinsella spent a year writing the book. Screenwriter/director Phil Alden Robinson loved it and spent two years turning it into a screenplay. It took three more years for the film to get made. That’s five years of development.
Test audiences loved it, but there was a problem…
The studio wanted to change the title from Shoeless Joe to Field of Dreams. Can you imagine the horror Phil Robinson must have felt? He devoted five years of his life crafting this perfect screenplay only to have the studio arbitrarily change the title to something he considered really cheesy.
Robinson phoned Kinsella, the creator of the novel, and said, “I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is the movie is testing well. The bad news is, the studio doesn’t like the title Shoeless Joe.” And to his utter shock, Kinsella replied, “That’s okay. I never wanted to call it Shoeless Joe anyway - that was the publisher’s idea. I wanted to call it Dream Field.”
That was good enough for Robinson - he knew it was destiny.
Field of Dreams is about listening to your inner voice. It’s about creating illogical things that come from your heart. It’s about doing all this despite the critics and people who think you’re nuts. It’s about living the mystery, taking leaps of faith, not knowing where the road will lead you. It’s about connecting with the people you love while you still have the chance.
I encourage you to make Field of Dreams your next DVD rental - or better yet - buy the anniversary 2 DVD edition with commentary and bonus features. You’ll learn a lot about the creative process and I guarantee you’ll be inspired all over again.
I leave you with an inspiring scene from Field of Dreams. Be sure to leave a comment!
Hi Mark,
That movie is a great one. The message is fabulous, and it shows what can happen if we believe in ourselves and in our dreams. Perseverance and determination pay off…patience is the key.
For anyone who is doubting themselves or their dreams/desires, it’s a top pick, must see.
Hi Mark - I’ve learned that the building part is the first part. And it’s a starting place that motivated me when I was most scared. the other stuff that follows that helps keep “them” coming is part of the process too. but if i had to worry about that from the start, i wouldn’t have started at all! your site looks cooler and cooler every time i visit! i love it here!
@Barbara - I’m glad you agree! You’re right - the patience part is huge.
@Christine - Welcome! I’m so touched that you visit my blog and I truly appreciate the encouraging words. You made my day. I’m glad you brought that up about “building” being the first step. You can build it, but if nobody knows about it, how can they come? Marketing is obviously the next step. Doing consistantly good work creates word-of-mouth, etc. Again, thanks!
great example for young people–
keep up the great work
b
Thanks Mark! I needed to read that. I have created a vision that is totally illogical according to most that just glance at my new blog, or that I try to explain it to them, but in time people are growing to understand the point of it. Although more computer savvy people grab on to it immediately. But it is really discouraging when you try to explain to someone what you are doing and they just stare at you blankly and go “so what will do if it doesn’t work?”
Hmmm…the answer to that question is not really an option in my mind! LOL
@Bernard - Welcome to the cafe, and thank you so much for the kind words.
@Dr. Nicole - First of all, I’m so glad there’s a doctor in the house.
I think blogging is still new for the majority of people out there. I still hear people say “what’s a blog?” and I even hear major radio hosts talk about how they “posted a blog”…so it’s not completely mainstream yet. How can they understand what you’re trying to do? They can’t. Good for you for attempting it. I see it as an “experiment” - but one I’m excited about because many artists & bloggers developed large audiences and are selling their work direct to the fans. New times call for new strategies!
I love Field of Dreams - definitely time to watch it again! Clarity of vision, unwavering faith and the courage to leap… what an inspiring message.
Creating life from the inside out. That’s the key isn’t it Mark? To tap into source that is creation, and allow it flow from you into the world. Havent’ seen FOD for several years. I will do it! Thanks for your input into my early am foray.
Mags & Harmony - glad you appreciate the message! Harmony…creating life from the inside out. I really like that - it’s worth tacking on my bulletin board. Thanks!
Ah what a lovely film this was - haven’t seen it for ages.
I love that we are capable of being illogical, eccentric and different: that we can swing onto tangents and arrive and a place we never even conceived of at the start. We just need to follow our dreams…
Dreams are often seen as ‘illogical’ yet there is profound meaning in them. Infact it’s often when we stop applying ‘logic’ to them and see them as a whole that the meaning comes clear. They are a beautiful eloquent language that can often convey a multitude of messages within a single symbol.
But that’s me going off on a tangent
I love that movie, and it’s been far too long since I saw it. It’s now on the list to watch again soon. It’s inspiring and moving, and has a spiritual quality to it, maybe because we are watching a man struggle with his inner visions and make them a reality against what seems to be insuperable odds. And he doesn’t do it with force, but with quiet determination.
Leah - Nice tangent!
You’re right - so much meaning in one dream symbol. Have you ever written down your dreams? Rich imagery. Incredible.
Jay - welcome to the cafe! I like what you say about how Ray accomplishes his goal with “quiet determination”…very cool insight. Thanks.
Mark -
Wonderful post. I firmly believe in power of focus and keeping the inner fire burning regardless of what world thinks about what we do. If we know our destiny, nothing can stop us from achieving what we set our mind to.
I’ve a related post that you and your readers might find interesting.
http://www.successsoul.com/200.....nner-fire/
Thanks,
Shilpan
Ya know what else about baseball and creativity? It is often said that baseball is special because you can make the Hall of Fame and fail to hit the ball 7 out of 10 times. No one makes the analogy between baseball and artistic success better than Kevin Costner. He’s had a wild run of critical and box office hits and misses. And here, just to prove that failure is a necessary ingredient to success (subject of an earlier post), is a pristine example.
Shilpan - thank you!
Cliff - you raise such a good point. I didn’t even think about that. For every Field of Dreams, Coster has a Waterworld. Thanks!
I think my field of dreams is starting my business. ONe of my mentors told me he hoped I wasn’t making a big mistake. I told him not to worry about me. I would be just fine. I feel really great about my idea and getting my business going. I am passionate about it really. It lets me be me which is what I need to be!
Mark: Field of Dreams should be an inspiration to all. The mind is a wonderful place to visit. Well done!