Book SummaryThe Adjacent Possible, by Nancy Hillis

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Adjacent Possible

The Artist's Inner Path

Hillis emphasizes that artistic creation is an inward journey, above all. The psychological and emotional aspects of the creator are the bedrock upon which a fulfilling and prolific creative life is built.

Psychological and Emotional Aspects of Creativity

This section dives deep into the artist's inner world, highlighting the vital mental shifts necessary to unlock your artistic potential. Hillis lays out the psychological groundwork for a fulfilling and authentic artistic life.

Importance of Having Faith in Your Own Abilities and Creative Instincts

Above all, Hillis stresses the significance of having self-confidence. This means trusting your creative instincts, judgments, and decisions—even (and especially) when those judgments guide you toward unfamiliar artistic territory. This inherent self-trust is the source of truly original art, freeing you from the need to reproduce others' creations or even your own past successes. When you learn to trust yourself, you give yourself permission to experiment, to venture into unfamiliar areas, and to let go of the fear of failure. Hillis believes this is the point at which the most authentic and surprising art is born.

Practical Tips

• Start a "confidence journal" where you write down daily achievements, no matter how small. This practice helps you recognize and celebrate your own successes, which can boost your self-esteem. For example, jot down anything from completing a workout to speaking up in a meeting. Over time, reviewing these accomplishments can reinforce a positive self-image.
• Implement a "Flip a Coin" week where for every small decision you face, you flip a coin but pay close attention to your gut reaction to the result. If you feel relief or disappointment, note it down. This exercise helps you become more aware of your true instincts and learn to trust them.
• Start a 'creative constraints' journal where each week you impose a new limitation on your work, such as using only one color, writing without certain letters, or composing music with an unfamiliar instrument. These constraints can often lead to innovative thinking and help you trust your creative process when faced with the unfamiliar.
• Implement a "Flip It" exercise whenever you catch yourself leaning on previous successes or others' ideas. Write down the concept you're tempted to replicate, then actively brainstorm ways to invert or alter it to create something new. For example, if you previously succeeded with a minimalist design, consider how maximalism could offer a fresh approach for your next project. This method trains your brain to think divergently and fosters creativity.
• Implement a "Skill Swap" with friends or colleagues, where you teach each other something you're proficient in. This exchange not only broadens your horizons but also reinforces the trust in your ability to learn and teach new things. For example, if you're good at cooking, you could teach someone a recipe, while they could teach you basics of a new language.
• Create a "Failure Resume" that highlights your past failures and what you learned from them. This exercise can shift your perspective to view failures as valuable learning experiences rather than setbacks.

Overcoming Fear, Self-Criticism, and Insecurity

The path of the artist is inevitably fraught with self-doubt, fear, and the ever-present voice of self-criticism. Hillis recognizes these feelings as natural companions on the artistic path and provides strategies for navigating them. She encourages the reader to reframe these negative thoughts, viewing them not as obstacles but as opportunities for development. Instead of silencing self-doubt, Hillis suggests facing it head-on, viewing it as an indication that you are pushing your boundaries and exploring new territory. This encapsulates the concept of the "soul's dark night," which she borrows from spiritual traditions to describe those periods of intense self-doubt that often precede creative breakthroughs. By acknowledging and facing these challenges, Hillis argues, artists can eventually learn to trust themselves and their own creativity.

Practical Tips

• Start a "Creative Confidence" vlog series documenting your artistic process, including the moments of self-doubt and fear. Sharing your journey with others can foster a supportive community and provide a platform for mutual encouragement. As you articulate your experiences, you may find clarity and strength in your vulnerability, which can be empowering for both you and your audience.
• Implement a "fear-setting" exercise once a month where you define your fears, the worst-case scenarios, and the steps you could take to prevent or repair them. For instance, if you're afraid of failing at a new hobby, write down how you could prepare for it and how you'd recover if it doesn't work out. This strategy helps to demystify fears and makes them more manageable.
• Engage in role-reversal exercises with a...

The Adjacent Possible Summary Creating Art

This section explores how to apply Hillis's principles. Hillis provides tangible steps you can take to nurture and develop your creativity, from cultivating the right mindset to creating a consistent creative practice.

Fostering a Curious and Exploratory Mindset

Hillis argues that approaching creative endeavors with curiosity and a thirst for exploration is crucial to unlocking new possibilities. This means remaining open to the unexpected, welcoming uncertainty, and letting your creative journey unfold organically.

Finding Worth in "Unattractive" or "Failed" Works

As we discussed above, Hillis emphasizes not dismissing "ugly" or "failed" artworks. These seemingly unsuccessful pieces can be stepping-stones toward new and original creations. She argues that welcoming errors and appreciating what didn't succeed can bring about creative breakthroughs. She challenges the notion of "failure" altogether, encouraging artists to view each work as an experiment, a learning experience that contributes to their overall growth and development.

Practical Tips

• Transform your "failed" artworks into a collage that tells a new story. Gather pieces of your past projects...

The Adjacent Possible Summary Overcoming Challenges and Doubts About Yourself

This section offers methods and strategies for navigating the inevitable challenges artists face. Hillis leads you through how to build resilience and maintain creative momentum when confronted with insecurity and negative feedback.

Avoiding the Trap Of Seeking External Validation

Hillis highlights the danger of relying on others' validation for artistic fulfillment. While it’s natural to desire recognition and praise, she stresses that building a sense of self-worth solely on the opinions of others can be detrimental to creativity.

Relying on Inner Wisdom Over Outside Opinions

Hillis emphasizes the importance of developing a strong internal compass, having confidence in your artistic vision and judgments over the opinions of others. This means learning to discern which feedback is helpful and which is simply noise. She encourages artists to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief, trusting their intuition and their own understanding of what makes their work meaningful and authentic.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal "value cards" game where you write down different values on individual cards and prioritize them through a sorting exercise. This activity...

The Adjacent Possible Summary The Adjacent Possible and Creative Evolution

This section introduces the book's central idea: the "next possible step." This is a flexible and developing framework of possibilities that guides artists towards ever more authentic and surprising artistic expression.

Understanding the "Adjacent Possible" Idea

The "adjacent possible" is a key idea from evolutionary biology that Hillis applies to the realm of creativity. The concept suggests that there are possibilities available to you at all times, a realm of potential just beyond the horizon of your current knowledge.

How Each Artistic Choice Opens Up New Possibilities

Hillis emphasizes the dynamic nature of the "adjacent possible," explaining that each decision, each action, each brushstroke creates new paths forward, opening up possibilities that were previously invisible or even nonexistent. She encourages artists to embrace experimentation, knowing that every action, even those that may seem “wrong” or “ugly,” can lead to unexpected and exciting creative discoveries.

Practical Tips

• You can foster innovation by setting aside a "wild card" hour each week to explore new interests or skills that are not directly related to your current projects or...