How to Fly a Horse

02The Real Process of Creation: Trial, Error, and Perseverance

Ever wondered why some people seem to have a knack for creating, inventing, and discovering new things while others struggle? Well, it's not because they have a magic wand or a secret formula. It's because they understand that creation is a process, not a sudden event. It's a journey, not a destination. It's like climbing a mountain, where each step, each stumble, each fall, and each rise contributes to reaching the summit. In the world of creation, trial and error are the stepping stones. They are not just random attempts but are integral parts of the process. Each attempt, whether it leads to success or failure, adds a piece to the puzzle. It's like a scientist in a lab, experimenting with different elements, failing, learning, and then trying again. In the book "How to Fly a Horse," the author Kevin Ashton shares the story of Thomas Edison, who made thousands of unsuccessful attempts before he could invent the light bulb. Each failed attempt was not a setback but a step forward, bringing him closer to his goal. But what keeps creators going despite the trials and errors? It's their perseverance and resilience. They don't give up at the first sign of failure. Instead, they learn from their mistakes, refine their ideas, and try again. They understand that the road to creation is paved with failures, and each failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. For instance, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, was rejected by multiple publishers before she found one who believed in her story. Her perseverance and resilience paid off, and today, she is one of the most successful authors in the world. Failure, as scary as it sounds, is a valuable part of the creative process. It's not a dead-end but a detour that leads to a deeper understanding of one's work and more effective strategies for success. In "How to Fly a Horse," Ashton shares the story of James Dyson, who made 5,127 prototypes of his vacuum cleaner before he got it right. Each failed prototype was not a waste but a lesson that helped him refine his design and strategy. The beauty of the creative process is that it's universal. It's not confined to a particular field or profession. Whether you're a scientist, an artist, a writer, or an entrepreneur, the process remains the same. You experiment, you fail, you learn, you try again, and you keep going until you succeed. The book is filled with examples from various fields, reinforcing the universality of the creative process. So, the next time you find yourself struggling with a creative challenge, remember that it's not about having a magic wand or a secret formula. It's about embracing the process, with all its trials, errors, and failures. It's about persevering, learning from your mistakes, and never giving up. Because that's how you fly a horse. That's how you create, invent, and discover.

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