Feedback = Power
So here are three tips to help you on your journey to creation and success!
Think like a scientist and experiment (test, test and keep on testing).
Course correct and apply your new insights.
Ask for help.
1. Think like a Scientist:
When I say to think like a scientist, I don’t mean trying to be smart. What I’m saying is to perform actions like a scientist. And that is to run experiments. The sole purpose of scientists and researchers is to find answers to a theory by way of testing things. Using “If-Then” hypotheses, they go about setting up experiments to uncover answers. Rarely do scientists get their answers right away and it usually it takes several failures to uncover a solution. It could even take several hundreds of tests depending on what researchers are trying to find out. But with each failed experiment, they gain knowledge. They know what worked and what didn’t and they keep going. Test after test, experiment after failed experiment., they persist knowing they are getting closer to the truth.
The same actions a scientist takes can be applied to your creation process, whether it be writing a book, crafting marketing content or building a business.
Failure = Power
Taken from “The Diary Of A CEO” by Steven Bartlett, he discusses how failure fast and often helps you achieve success quicker. Just like a scientist.
In his book, “The Diary Of A CEO”, Steven Bartlett explains how in order to achieve success, you must fail often and fast. What does that mean? He describes a feedback loop. To scientists, this feedback loop is valuable because it provides them helpful insights (knowledge).
Using the mathematical idiom of “A=B=C”, Bartlett essentially states that failure is a powerful ally on your journey to success. Now we don’t always have to fail but we shouldn’t be afraid of it either. Scientists know failed experiments still provide helpful information. They use what they learned and run the test again. The faster they can fail, the faster they get information, the faster they can get to a solution.
I like the idea of Feedback = knowledge. When I was writing my book, I had no idea whether I was writing a story my readers would like. In my mind it was great but how would others react? I needed a fresh pair of eyes. Hence, an editor (who also was my beta reader), read my draft and provided valuable feedback (thanks Fiona)! Her professional insights helped me alter my first draft and essentially ‘course correct’ towards a better storyline. Without her constant feedback, I’d be sailing aimlessly in the water. My story would have gone to nowhere, having no linear progression or story arc for the reader to enjoy.
So, think like scientist. Run those A/B or split tests. Ask your friends and an editor to read over what you wrote so far. Research and begin building that online business and ask other people for their opinion. The faster you get feedback by running your tests, the fast you’d get to success.
2. Go on a different path and apply your new knowledge.
Sometimes on your creative journey, you get sidetracked or you veer ‘off course’. When I was writing my book, I had already written my ending but reaching that end tough. I had written pages full of scenes but they weren’t aligning with my overall story. So, using the idea of the feedback loop, I would send drafts constantly to my editor. With each piece of info I received back, I applied them to my story, which made my writing that much more coherent.
After you run your ‘tests’ and got some helpful feedback, you simply have to apply that new knowledge. Take what you know and take action on a different route. Scientists don’t run the same exact experiment. They change a variable or alter the apparatus based on what information they got from their previous observations. What’s good of all that useful feedback if you don’t use it properly, right?
“You have to risk Failure to succeed.”
The more feedback you receive and the quicker you can apply them, the faster you’ll reach your goal. It just takes time and persistence. Take consistent action towards your goals. Even when you fail along your way (which is inevitable), you learn something. That’s why so many successful people - from companies to entrepreneurs - aren’t afraid to fail because they know they’ll get feedback. They’ll get data. And they can use that data to try something new.
3. Ask for help.
Asking for feedback shouldn’t be a scary thing but for some people it is. I had that fear for years. I knew I needed to get another set of eyes on my writing but the fear of judgement and what others would think about my writing scared me. Asking for feedback and constructive criticism takes courage and normally people don’t do that because it’ll hurt their ego. It was only until I was able to control that fearful part of me (read more about controlling ego and your fears) that I was confident enough to ask others for help.
Eventually, you have to overcome that fear or else you’d be stuck. You wouldn’t move. You wouldn’t make progress on your creative journey. Creating something, like a book or a piece of art, invites judgement and opinion no matter what. You’ll learn, like I did, to take that criticism and make it useful.
For my book, I ask friends online and searched for help on forums for feedback. You’ll be astonished at how nice people are. I was and I got a lot of useful insights into my writing.
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
And asking for help or feedback doesn’t mean you’re useless or not good enough. Far from it. It simply means we’re stuck and sometimes we just need a helping hand. By willingly seeking advice, you’re taking control of your mindset and shunning away that fearful side. You’ll become more open and receptive to other’s criticisms. And that gives you power.
So, feedback = power. Seek out that feedback loop. Ask anyone; your family, friends and even strangers about your work. It’ll be scary at first, but you’ll get used to it. Remember, be open to feedback and criticism. That’s how we learn and improve.
Check out this amazing video about FEEDBACK from Joe Hirsch!
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