Stuck at home wondering what to do? Use this time to expand your mind and equip yourself to go after your dreams by gaining knowledge through books. Here are five books, in no particular order, that I recommend all creatives read! Wondering if you are creative? Click here.
The Artisan Soul by Erwin Raphael McManus
Do you know that feeling of when you sit down with a good book and it connects with your soul leaving you with a sense of the divine? That’s what it was like when I read this book. Erwin explores the intersection of our creativity and God in a poetic and beautiful way. Ultimately showing us that it is not the work we do but our lives that is the greatest masterpiece.
Some of my favorite takeaways:
“Creativity should be an everyday experience. Creativity should be as common as breathing. We breathe, therefore we create.” – Erwin Raphael McManus
“If God created us to be successful at something, then he has called us to work hard at it. I am absolutely convinced that a spiritual gift and hard work were never intended to be mutually exclusive.” – Erwin Raphael McManus
“If you work hard enough, your hard work will eventually be mistaken for talent.” – Erwin Raphael McManus
The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield
Written almost as diary entries, Stephen addresses what keeps every creative from putting the work in – Resistance. From a Biblical perspective, I see resistance as our flesh that has been crucified and now we must renew our minds to who we are in our born-again spirit.
Sometimes, the biggest battle is just getting started. If you find yourself in that place this book might just be the kick you need.
Some of my favorite takeaways:
“Procrastination is the most common manifestation of Resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize. We don’t tell ourselves, “I’m never going to write my symphony.” Instead we say, “I am going to write my symphony; I’m just going to start tomorrow.” – Stephen Pressfield
“There’s no mystery to turning pro. It’s a decision brought about by an act of will. We make up our mind to see ourselves as pros and we do it. Simple as that.” – Stephen Pressfield
“Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.” – Stephen Pressfield
The Power of Imagination by Andrew Wommack
This book is not specifically written to people doing creative work but the Biblical principles in this book will take you to the next level. Our imagination is a powerful God-given tool. When we get a hold of this truth we can begin to use our imaginations to conceive God ideas.
Some of my favorite takeaways:
“Your imagination is responsible for creating the roadmap that your life follows. Whether you realize it or not, your life is exactly the way you’ve imagined it to be.” – Andrew Wommack
“If you can’t imagine yourself doing what God has called you to do or experiencing His promises, you’ll never see those things come to pass with your physical eyes.” – Andrew Wommack
“But you have to take the seed of His Word, plant it in your imagination, and let it germinate so that you can conceive victory.” – Andrew Wommack
Vision Possible by Butch & Julieann Hartman
Butch & Julieann have years of experience in the entertainment industry and know how to bring a vision to pass. A quick read and power-packed with practical wisdom, this book will help you overcome roadblocks. If you want to become clear on your vision this is the book for you.
Reflection questions are included at the end of every chapter.
Some of my favorite takeaways:
“But what separates the successful people from the non-successful is one simple word: courage.” – Butch & Julieann Hartman
“However, be sure to focus on only one idea at a time. Better to get one dream off the ground and flying than to have many ideas sitting on the runway but never taking off.” – Butch & Julieann Hartman
“You and your friend both have the same 24 hours in a day. But your friend seems to utilize the time much more efficiently than you do. Why is that? Simple: your friend has a learned a magic word. It’s called organization. Why is this word so important? Because, without this word, everything becomes chaos. When chaos is the primary word in your life then nothing will ever get done.” - Butch & Julieann Hartman
Make Your Dreams Bigger than your Memories by Terri Savelle Foy
This book is for any person who has let their past get in the way of their future. Terri openly shares about her past and how the devil tried to keep her stuck in shame and regret. Her testimony and practical strategies will motivate you to go after your dreams. Chapter challenges are also included in the back of the book.
Some of my favorite takeaways:
“If the past is still being relived in your mind, it becomes your present and ultimately destroys any chance of you experiencing a purposeful future.” – Terri Savelle Foy
“God can accelerate things in your life, but you have to at least put your foot on the gas pedal.” – Terri Savelle Foy
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned in getting healed from all the hurts in my life is that it takes discipline.” – Terri Savelle Foy
What books have helped you in your creativity and purpose? I’d love to hear in the comments below. Now, it’s time to get reading and stay tuned for Part 2!
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