Running with Murakami
What running can teach us about how to CREATE with Intentionality
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Say you’re running and you think, ‘Man, this hurts, I can’t take it anymore. The ‘hurt’ part is an unavoidable reality, but whether or not you can stand anymore is up to the runner himself.”
—Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Have you ever attempted long-distance running? If you have, you know it’s not just about reaching the finish line, but cherishing every step along the way.
Haruki Murakami, in his book ‘What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,’ draws a parallel between his love for running and his passion for writing. In his book, he remarks, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” Reflecting on this, we understand that just like running, writing is about consistently showing up, even in the face of challenges. Giving it your all, day in and day out. The daily journey, the routine, is as pivotal, if not more, than the final outcome.
Murakami’s book is truly inspirational. After revisiting it again, I felt a renewed desire to take up running. 🏃🏻♂️Hopefully, I will find the time to do so. 😉
I highly recommend reading What I Talk About When I Talk About Running—not only for the insights on running—but also for the unique perspective it offers on how Haruki Murakami perceives creativity.
Just as Murakami expresses creativity through the lens of running, other artists have their own unique approaches to nurturing creativity. For instance, in The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron introduced concepts such as ‘Morning Pages’ and ‘Artist Dates.’ These concepts are designed to help individuals tap into their inner creativity, emphasizing the idea that creativity is a journey, woven into our daily life, and not just an occasional endeavor.
Drawing inspiration from Murakami’s dedication and Cameron’s creative strategies, I have crafted a set of principles and distilled them into a holistic framework. Fittingly, this framework took shape as an acronym: CREATE.
In this week’s newsletter, let’s explore this concept.
Introducing the CREATE Framework
Stepping into the world of creativity can sometimes feel like running a marathon—it’s a daunting and persistent challenge, no matter your creative discipline. The CREATE framework is your compass in this journey, ensuring you remain on course, attentive, and always growing.
Are you ready to hit the ground running?
‘C’ stands for: Consistency Over Outcome
Just as Murakami emphasizes the routine of lacing up his shoes every day, regardless of whether a marathon awaits or just a short run around the neighborhood, it’s the consistent dedication to one’s art that truly matters. It’s not always about the immediate rewards or accolades but about the devotion to the craft. While it’s great to celebrate sales or accolades, the real achievement lies in showing up every day and believing in your work.
Reflecting on this, Seth Godin mentions in his book The Practice, “Consistency is the shortcut.” It’s not about the applause or the immediate rewards; it’s about showing up, day after day.
Take F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as an example. The book faced initial criticism and wasn’t an instant hit. Some even criticized its core character. But today, it’s a classic.
Why? Fitzgerald believed in his vision and stayed committed, much like Murakami’s dedication to running and writing, no matter the terrain or the critics.
Fitzgerald’s novel has now sold millions of copies and is a cornerstone of American literature.
Similarly, Murakami’s dedication to both running and writing emphasizes the same point: the journey, with its consistent effort, is more significant than momentary praise or criticism.
As artists, this is an essential lesson: it’s about the work, the commitment, and the daily grind. Celebrate milestones, but remember that true success is found in dedication, not just in fleeting moments of recognition.
Key Takeaway: Consistency and belief in one’s craft are paramount. Celebrations and accolades may come and go, but unwavering dedication is the true hallmark of lasting success. Like Murakami’s runs and Fitzgerald’s unwavering faith in The Great Gatsby, it’s the commitment to show up every day and trust in your vision that makes all the difference. The journey, with its ups and downs, matters more than any fleeting moment of applause. Stay true to your art, and time will honor your dedication.
‘R’ stands for: Recognize and Combat Resistance
In his memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Murakami often touches upon the metaphorical wall that runners hit—a point where the body screams to stop, where every step feels insurmountable. This is not too dissimilar from the resistance artists face in their work, that overpowering urge to stop, give up, or change direction.
In 1935, a tragic bus accident left a young Frida Kahlo bedridden, leading her to pick up a paintbrush and channel her pain onto canvas. Kahlo’s raw and authentic artwork became her voice in an era where female artists often went unheard.
Today, Kahlo’s paintings remind us of the power of authenticity in art. But her path was marred by internal challenges, primarily ‘resistance.’
Much like Murakami’s encounters with walls during his runs, Kahlo faced her own internal struggles. This internal battle—manifesting as self-doubt, fear, or procrastination—aims to halt creativity.
Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art delves deep into this idea of ‘resistance.’ He paints it not as a barrier, but a persistent force working against creative endeavors. The stronger the resistance, the more crucial the work.
For artists, recognizing resistance is just the beginning. When doubt or hesitation strikes, see it as a sign of the value of your work. To overcome it, maintain discipline, seek mentorship, and reconnect with your passion regularly. Much like Murakami, who persists despite the challenges, push through the resistance to find the rhythm and joy in your craft.
Key Takeaway: Every artist, whether a writer like Murakami or a painter like Kahlo, encounters barriers of self-doubt and resistance in their journey. Yet, these challenges often signal the importance of the work at hand. Embracing the resistance, understanding its significance, and pushing through is essential. Just as a runner finds strength to break past the wall, artists must persevere in the face of adversity. Stay committed, trust the process, and remember: the harder the resistance, the more meaningful the work.
‘E’ stands for: Embrace the ‘Territorial‘ Mindset
Every artist wants to find a balance between making art for themselves and gaining recognition from others. It’s like a runner’s journey. Sometimes, just the act of running is more satisfying than the prize at the end of the race. The quiet moments during a long run can be just as rewarding as time in the studio or out in the field shooting for an artist.
In his book The War of Art, Steven Pressfield introduces two mindsets:
Hierarchical Mindset: Like running primarily to win medals, an artist with this mindset might create solely to please critics, galleries, studios, or record labels. The focus is on seeking rewards and validation from the outside world.
Territorial Mindset: Comparable to running simply for the love of the act itself, an artist with this mindset immerses themselves deeply in the creation process, irrespective of an audience. Here, the emphasis is on cherishing the journey over external rewards or recognition.
For both artists and runners, adopting a ‘territorial’ mindset can be a game-changer. It helps you stay true to yourself, genuine and passionate about what you do. Simply put, it’s about engaging in your passion for the sheer love of it, not just for the praise or prizes.
Key Takeaway: True fulfillment in any craft, whether it’s art or running, comes from a deep, intrinsic passion rather than external accolades. Embracing a ‘territorial mindset’ means valuing the journey and the act of creation itself. By prioritizing genuine expression over external rewards, artists and runners alike can find deeper meaning and satisfaction in their pursuits. Stay true to the process and let passion, not applause, be your guide.
‘A’ stands for: Act Professionally
Professionalism in art isn’t solely about adhering to conventions. For Murakami, his runs embody discipline and dedication, paralleling his approach to writing. He doesn’t merely train for accolades; he aims for personal growth and refinement.
True professionalism is about making intentional decisions. For Murakami, running isn’t about the medals but the rhythm, the introspection, and the tranquility it offers.
In a similar vein, consider the iconic musician, Prince. Beyond his raw talent, every song and performance was a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence. He continuously strived for perfection and a more profound connection with his music and his audience, never simply resting on past achievements.
In today’s digital age, the lure of social media is strong. Instant gratification in the form of likes and views can give a fleeting sense of validation. This easy-access, pocket-sized affirmation is addictive and can lead many astray from genuine artistic pursuits.
While some might get enticed by these transient highs, seasoned professionals like Murakami emphasize consistency and commitment. He remains unwavering, whether in his running or writing endeavors.
In your journey, it’s essential to remember that true professionalism lies in crafting work that deeply resonates with you, similar to Murakami’s running. It’s about the sacred relationship between an artist and their creation.
Chasing quick hits might seem tempting, but true professionals understand the value of sustained effort. It’s this relentless dedication, similar to the steady cadence of a runner or the meticulous craft of artists like Prince, that leaves a truly enduring legacy.
Key Takeaway: In a world where likes on social media come and go quickly, real art comes from sticking with your craft and truly loving what you do. Whether it’s Murakami running or Prince making music, it’s all about putting your heart into it and being dedicated. Don’t go for the quick dopamine hit. Go for the deep joy and lasting impact of your work.
‘T’ stands for: Trust the Journey
Every artist’s journey has its highs and lows, much like the ups and downs a long-distance runner faces. But at its core, being an artist means believing in what you’re creating, even when others might not see its value. Just as a runner trusts each step, knowing that each mile brings them closer to the finish line, an artist must trust that their path, with all its twists and turns, is leading them somewhere meaningful.
Inspiration, or the ‘Muse’, can be unpredictable. Some days, ideas might flow freely; other times, they seem out of reach. Trusting the Muse means understanding that even during the quiet moments, creativity is brewing beneath the surface. It’s like those runs where the rhythm feels off, yet persistence leads to clarity and invigoration.
Consider filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Celebrated for classics like “Seven Samurai,” he wasn't exempt from criticism and setbacks. As Roger Ebert noted, Kurosawa faced significant challenges in financing new films after some commercial failures. But he persisted, driven by his unwavering belief in his stories. Today, his films stand as testaments to his dedication.
So, trust in what you’re creating. Believe in your journey and the inspiration that drives you. With trust, you’ll find the strength and passion to continue, no matter the obstacles.
Key Takeaway: Every artistic journey, like a marathon, requires faith in the process and persistence in the face of challenges. Whether it’s the fluctuating presence of inspiration or external setbacks, trusting in your own vision and passion is essential. Much like Kurosawa’s unwavering dedication led to timeless classics, your belief in your craft will pave the way for enduring success. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and let your passion guide you.
‘E’ stands for: Engage with Feedback, Evolve, and Elevate
Think of feedback like a runner checking their speed and form. Just as runners change their pace or style based on tips or race results, artists should listen to feedback. But, just like every running tip isn’t right for everyone, not all feedback will fit your vision. The key is to figure out which advice helps you and which doesn’t.
Advancing in your creative career is similar to becoming a better runner. By using feedback, you can improve. This doesn’t mean changing your whole style for others, but tweaking it based on helpful suggestions.
Every piece of feedback, like every run, teaches you something. Use it to make your work better, pushing beyond what you thought you could do. Stay open to learning, and your art will shine brighter.
Key Takeaway: Feedback in artistry is similar to a runner adjusting their stride. Not every suggestion will align with your vision, much like not every running tip suits every runner. Welcome advice that helps you, figure out if it fits, and use it carefully. As you refine and grow, your art, like a seasoned runner, will only become more refined and hopefully resonate stronger.
There you have it. These are the core principles of ‘CREATE.’
But remember, CREATE is more than just a checklist or a set of rules—it’s a compass designed to guide your creative journey. It’s built to be flexible, fitting the unique needs and challenges of every artist.
Just as The Artist’s Way introduces tools like ‘Morning Pages’ and ‘Artist Dates’ to nourish daily creativity, the CREATE Framework ensures your creativity keeps flowing and remains vibrant.
Let it guide your artistic endeavors, leading to not only the creation of authentic and meaningful work but also fostering your growth as an artist.
So, how can you weave these principles into your daily routine?
Let’s take a look…
Using the CREATE Framework in your daily life
To make the most of the CREATE framework, you need to not only know it but live it. Here’s a clear and easy-to-follow guide:
Get to Know the Framework: Really understand what each part of CREATE stands for. It’s all important for helping you grow as an artist.
Plan Your Time: Set regular times when you’ll work on your art, like every day or every week. This helps with staying consistent.
Check Yourself: Every so often, think about how well you’re following the CREATE principles. For example, are you really focusing on what matters most to you?
Fight Off Doubts: Recognize when you start to doubt yourself and find ways to push past those feelings.
Write Down Your Experience: As you use the CREATE principles, keep notes on what you’re doing, any problems you run into, and what you achieve. This can help remind you of how far you’ve come.
Just Create: Sometimes, make art just for the fun of it, without worrying about what other people will think.
Listen to Others: Feedback is a big part of the CREATE framework. Get opinions on your work from friends, mentors, or anyone else you trust. Use their thoughts to help guide your growth.
Join a Group: Find or start a group where people share feedback. This can help you refine your work. Here’s a great one: The Artpreneur Society
Invest in Yourself: Spend some time or money to get better at your craft, whether that’s by taking classes, buying better tools, or anything else.
Take a Moment: Before you start working, take a few minutes to clear your mind. This can help ideas come more easily.
Keep Adapting: Being an artist means always growing. Keep an open mind and be ready to change your approach based on what you learn.
Use the CREATE framework as your guide in your creative journey. It’s not about strict rules. It’s about finding your own pace, dealing with challenges, and aiming for both success and personal growth. Everyone’s path is different and CREATE is here to help you along.
While an artist’s journey is filled with challenges, the right approach can transform these into milestones of growth.
The CREATE framework offers artists a pathway not just to external success, but to internal fulfillment. By embracing this structure, artists can navigate their paths with greater clarity, purpose, and resilience.
That’s it for this issue of The Intentional Artist.
If this resonated or was of help, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Artfully yours,
Chris
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