Die Vampire, Die!

THERE’S A BRILLIANT SONG that every creative person — no, make that every person — should listen to and embrace. (If you’re taking a breath, you’re a creative person.) The song is called “Die Vampire, Die!” from the Off-Broadway musical, [title of show]. (Yes, that’s the name, including the brackets.)
        Why should you care? Because this song is an anthem to staying true to your inspirations and creative spirit. Because we all face criticisms and restrictions and, worst of all, self-doubt. And when we allow our paths to be redirected, when we allow our inspirations and passions to be altered or squashed — particularly by the vampires in our own heads — then our efforts weaken, our impact dissipates, and we slide into the “Zone of Mediocrity” that Kathy Sierra so piercingly describes in her blog, Creating Passionate Users.

It’s tough to stand firm, to follow your inspirations when others (or the voices in your head) are saying “No” or “That’s crap” or “You’ll fail”. It’s easy to give in, to say, “Yep. You’re right.” and then walk away from something that could, just could be the masterstroke you’re looking for.
        It’s even harder to trust the lightning bolt of inspiration when it isn’t accompanied by a thunderclap or a thirty-foot tall lightbulb. Often, it creeps in on little-cat-feet and quietly makes you say, “Ooh, that’s an interesting approach ...”
        WELL, FOLLOW THE DAMN THING! It’s could well be more compelling than the path you’d been on. Even if it’s not, you still may find something unexpected that can help make your pitch memorable, and help move your audience to action.

Life is so much richer when we follow those inspirations.

 

<btw #1>
I wanted to include a link to the song, but couldn’t work it out. So go to iTunes, type “Die Vampire, Die!” in the search box, and pay the 99 cents. Besides being such a great kick-in-the-ass, it’s very funny. Kudos to composer/lyricist, Jeff Bowen. Anyone with the spark to use “Baba Ganoush” in a song is my kind of writer.

<btw #2>
I’ve cited Kathy Sierra’s “Zone of Mediocrity” post before (in Ban “Safe” Presentations), but: a) today’s post is about more than just presentations; b) Kathy’s post is particularly relevant; and c) it’s worth revisiting.