I’ve been reading Mastery by Robert Greene and I was struck by his call to the apprentice “to revert to a feeling of inferiority” in order to learn all that could be learned. While he is focusing on the apprentice, I think everyone–amateur and professional–should resort to opening their minds to what they don’t know and embracing the wisdom of others.
Often times, I struggle with the negative aspects of inferiority: insecurity, lack of confidence, comparing myself with others. But this is not the inferiority that Greene is describing, which is grounded in humility and curiosity. It is the opening of the mind to new possibilities by not being constrained by the “expert” within.
How are you tapping into the power of inferiority? Are you allowing yourself to view things from the perspective of a child? Or are you embracing the stale methodologies of your past glory?
For me, I am pushing myself to draw more by using a step-by-step book meant for children. In fact, I remember this book from middle school. The adult in me wants to act all high and mighty, but the child inside says, “Whee! This is fun! I love drawing like this!”
This is the power of inferiority. To draw like a child. To enjoy. To learn. To not be trapped in the agony of what is known and what is safe. To play.