Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

The Creative Act: Book Overview & Exercises (Rick Rubin)

A man on a couch reading a book with a guitar on the couch next to him.

Do you want to learn how to tap into your natural creative instincts? How can you live your life with sustained originality and imagination? The Creative Act, a book by music producer Rick Rubin, argues that every person is an artist, explaining that creativity isn’t about what you make, but a way of being in the world. The Creative Act isn’t just for artists or musicians—it’s a guide for anyone looking to live a rich and creative life. Continue reading for an overview of this inspiring book.

How to Be Lucky: 3 Techniques From a Psychologist

A black and white image of a woman crossing the finders on both hands because she's trying to be lucky

Is it possible to learn how to be lucky? What can you do to turn around bad luck? According to psychologist Richard Wiseman, it’s possible to manipulate luck in your favor. He shares that if you brighten your outlook, broaden your horizons, and learn to turn your luck around then better luck is more likely to find you. Here are Wiseman’s tips on how to become lucky, from his book The Luck Factor.

Where Does Creativity Come From? Rick Rubin’s Answer

What exactly is creativity? Where does creativity come from? Are there people who are unable to access it? In his book The Creative Act, Rick Rubin asserts that anyone can access creativity. He posits that creativity isn’t something one simply does, but rather an expression of self. Keep reading for an explanation of what creativity is and how you can harness it.

Mindfulness and Art: Why You Need to Pay More Attention

A man sitting on a park bench watching people because mindfulness and art are connected

How are mindfulness and art connected? Why should you pay more attention to your surroundings? If you want to be more creative, then you need to learn how to be more observant. Daily distractions such as cell phones make tapping into creativity more difficult. Here’s what Rick Rubin has to say about artistic mindfulness.

How to Avoid Bad Luck: Look on the Bright Side

An older man on a sidewalk looking at a black cat, trying to avoid bad luck

Does bad luck seem to follow you? Do you want to know how to avoid bad luck? Many people revert to superstitions to prevent bad luck, such as avoiding black cats, not opening umbrellas indoors, and so on. But psychologist Richard Wiseman says that avoiding bad luck can be as simple as changing how you view it. Here’s Wiseman’s take on bad luck from The Luck Factor.

Why Creativity Is Important to Individuals and Society

A brain with different colored paints coming from it, signifying why creativity is important

Why is creativity important for every adult? What does it actually mean to be creative? Rick Rubin, music producer and the author of The Creative Act, says that creativity is important for the collective human experience. He goes on to explain that creativity isn’t limited to artistic endeavors—it includes business ideas and scientific theories as well. Keep reading to learn why Rubin says creativity is so important.

Why Creativity and Play Are Important for Adults

A man coming out of a cardboard box to signify the importance of creativity and play in adults

Why are creativity and play so important? Why do adults lose their sense of curiosity as they age? Children are innately creative and open to possibilities. But, as we age, we tend to lose our creativity and start thinking convergently. In his book The Creative Act, Rick Rubin says that adults need to recapture their sense of openness and play in order to be creative. Here’s Rubin’s advice on remaining playful and open as an adult.

How to Build Creative Habits, Even When You Aren’t Inspired

A cartoon of a girl writing in a journal on a desk, she is practicing creative habits

How can you train your brain to switch into creative mode? Can you be creative even if you’re not feeling inspired? Music producer Rick Rubin says that it’s important to build creative habits into your schedule rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. He explains that creativity is like a muscle that must be built up over time. Here are Rubin’s suggestions for building your creative habits.

How to Be More Creative: 5 Tips From The Creative Act

A woman with headphones on relaxing in a field of flowers, following recommendations on how to be more creative.

Do you want to learn how to be more creative? Is creativity a habit? Where can you find inspiration? American record producer Rick Rubin offers advice for anyone seeking to be more creative or who is stuck in a creative block. Some of his advice includes mindfulness, creating creative habits, learning to be more open, and more. Continue reading if you want to learn how to become more creative.

How to Overcome the 3 Most Common Barriers to Creativity

An image of a woman's face that is half black and white and half in color, representing overcoming barriers to creativity

Are you stuck in a creative rut? What are the most common barriers to creativity? How can you overcome them? In his book The Creative Act, music producer Rick Rubin says that there are three main barriers to creativity: self-doubt, expectations, and having a predetermined purpose. Thankfully, he also gives some advice for overcoming these barriers. Keep reading for Rubin’s advice on overcoming creative blocks.