Develop Your Creative Range

The book Range by David Epstein should be required reading for all college freshmen and for those who are not completely satisfied in their careers. The book is filled with examples of individuals who dabbled in several different areas before they found the path that suited them best. Even after they found it, they continued to expand their range. They had a slower start but quickly make up the difference and often surpassed hyper-specialized individuals once they found their calling.

The key is to try things outside of your area of expertise. Learn from those outside of your industry and profession. Dive deep into topics that interest you and then move on without guilt. No knowledge is wasted. Your vast knowledge base will help you make connections that others may miss.

A Few Ideas to Expand Your Creative Range

• Read a book related to a topic outside of art that interest you. Time to pick up that book on nebulas that you’ve always wanted to read but thought it would be a waste of time.

• Take a class. Learn a new skill. Have you always wanted to try acting? Learn a new instrument? Martial arts?

• Switch. Have you felt the pull towards a different career? Maybe it’s time to consider it more seriously. How can you test it out to see if you’ll really enjoy it?