New ideas are always resisted, even if they’re great. You know that. Maybe the idea seems too far-fetched and ambitious, or perhaps it’s so simple that everyone who didn’t think of it is hoping it’ll fail. That’s it right there – sadly, there are people out there that don’t want an idea to take off unless it’s theirs. Such are humans, unless they know better.

And it’s hard to deal with that. Because maybe you just had the epiphany of a lifetime and no one gives a damn. It’s ignored, criticized, called stupid and pretty soon you’re believing the words coming out of everyone’s mouths instead of how you really feel. So make like Hugh MacLeod and ignore everybody. If you need to vent and shout “Fuck him/her”, do it (in your own privacy). But know that when I say ignore everyone, know that I really just mean ignore unconstructive feedback. Criticism without an explanation drives me mental, but learning from people constructively tearing you down is essential. Learn to recognize the difference and channel any rage you have into energy towards your projects.

Photo by William Mahnken

Just think how ridiculous a lot of things we have today were at conception. Weren’t the first trips into outer space ridiculed by doubters? Wouldn’t social media seem ludicrous to explain to someone 20 years ago? My point is that progressive change doesn’t come from people fearing being shot down. They just find a way to make it happen. Your struggles probably aren’t nearly as insurmountable, unless you’re figuring out time travel, and in which case I REALLY want to meet you. But yeah, don’t be afraid to pursue something just because someone thinks it’s silly. I’ve always liked the Wayne Coyne approach where he admits he makes something he likes and believes there are other people out there that will too. Everyone doesn’t have to. And it might take you 9 different ideas and a whole lot of emotional energy before something sticks, but trust that you’ll get there and it’s worth it.

Ready to take action? Be sure to check out:
Procrastinating Writers – Some guidance for writers but you can apply it to anything really
Best 8 Ways to Deal with Detractors – A great gameplan from the always awesome Zenhabits

Need more reminders? View the entire How To Be Creative series here.

If I was typing these words on a typewriter, I probably would’ve made at least six mistakes and wouldn’t have been able to backspace. What a pain! If you like typewriters but hate making errors on them, you can get a hold of a USB typewriter, a brainchild of Jack Zylkin. It’s plugged into your monitor via USB, replacing the standard keyboard and instantly making you better than everyone else. If you use it at an office space, your co-workers will call you “that one worker with the typewriter” and talk about you in the lunchroom. That is okay. You’re awesome and your choice of technology is awesome. I’ve seen a lot of strange home-made things come from Etsy users, but these typewriters are anything but. See how it works here! (via Wired)

I didn’t really get into Matt & Kim until I decided to check out their set during Pitchfork Music Festival in 2009. But something about that show reminded me that sometimes music’s not just about the music, but the personalities behind it and how they make you feel. The couple’s enthusiasm is just so infectious that it’s hard to imagine anyone feeling miserable around them. I’m probably not the only one that got pumped for their new single Cameras after this interview, but it’s out today and it’s a sing-along so have a listen below.

Matt & Kim – Cameras

It’s hard to imagine one’s reaction to seeing a deer wearing gym socks. This whimsical bit of crazy comes from Charmaine Olivia and could easily be yours on a t-shirt, canvas, laptop sleeve or iPhone. However, I’m still trying to guess what you’re reaction would be to seeing a deer in gym socks. Do tell in the comments!

When Google Maps first launched, I was blown away by the ability to look at neighborhoods via satellite. The Arcade Fire’s newest video, featuring the song “We Used To Wait,” has taken the Google Maps application one step further by incorporating HTML5, transforming the web experience into an interactive tour. After entering the home address of where you grew up, sit back and enjoy your urban adventure. The video is aptly named The Wilderness Downtown, and is best viewed in Google Chrome; make sure you close all other browsing windows and exit other programs before attempting to watch. (via Wired)

The United States is a country with more lifestyles than some countries have television channels and I think that sometimes we’re all too quick to take for granted the freedom of choice that exists. That’s what Jake Stangel’s photography collection reminds me as I flip through the beautiful images. Be a devout cold weather surfer in Oregon, a city slicker in NYC or a farmer helping the nation’s children grow up strong. And why choose just one? You’ll probably live long enough to sample a few different flavors.