This is part of my interview with Erik Wahl. He is the author of The Spark and the Grind: Ignite the Power of Disciplined Creativity, graffiti artist, speed author, motivational speaker and founder of the Wahl Group. To grasp the power of his creativity I recommend you to watch him in one of his performances on youtube. https://youtu.be/ZjVzZViiyiU
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a disruptive strategist. I am a performance artist and author who travels around the world doing 100 shows a year speaking to Fortune 500 companies about the psychology of peak performance, innovation, leadership and how to differentiate from the competition. I use different channels of communication, visual arts, written word and live performances to inspire professionals to embrace disruption and be more creative.
How do you define success and fulfillment?
My goal is to live a life in which I give and receive love, gratitude, empathy and joy.
What are your key challenges and key decisions in your life?
In the past, I have struggled with controlling my emotions. As an artist my emotions are my greatest source of inspiration but left unmonitored, they can also be my greatest obstacle to growth. My ego is the enemy.
Who were your sources of inspiration on your journey?
Here are just a few, because I find inspiration every day, from the barista who makes a design on my coffee to the grand masters in the most venerated museums. Off the top of my head: St. Francis of Assisi and Gandhi for their limitless compassion and capacity for love; Banksy for his talent, innovation and way of being in the world; Bono for his creative and philanthropic vision over decades; Einstein for his pure genius and relentless pursuit of execution; Martin Luther King, Jr., for his commitment to justice and peace.
What are your daily rituals, practices, and tools?
I have a very structured day, all designed to increase my mind-body-spirit connection: What I eat, when I work out, when I write, when I travel, when I perform, when I do research, when I paint. It is all scheduled in advance with militaristic discipline.
One essential part of my day is meditation. Meditation is the foundation I use to deconstruct my creative process, increase possibilities and explore unexpected solutions. It is a connection of my mind, body, and spirit that fuels my creativity. This disciplined practice has become not only my oasis within but also the single greatest catalyst to amplify my creative output.
Who are your top three achievers that you would recommend to me to include in my book?
Sir Richard Branson, Bono, and Banksy. They’ve changed the world through their work.
For more resources on Erik Wahl:
http://www.theartofvision.com/