A few years ago I read Nassim Taleb’s book, “Antifragile” and he makes a funny and interesting remark in which he says that if someone has gray hair in their beard, he doesn’t ask them to explain themself. The assumption is that with your age comes great wisdom that a younger person simply does not yet possess.
I generally apply this principle to any person in a field where I see they have great success. I wouldn’t ask Warren Buffet to explain the “why” behind his investment proposal, for instance. His body of work stands for itself.
Noted French artist, Henri Matisse would be someone who, based on their body of work alone, I would listen carefully when they spoke about creating art and creativity itself. His body of work dictates that I listen without asking “why?”
Matisse has a fantastic quote that applies to anyone willing to get into the arena and share their work. He says, “Another word for creativity is courage.”
Without one, the other is probably useless, dangerous, or just the depressing self-realization that you will never fulfill your potential. Seek to be uncomfortable and learn to build courage.