Chase Jarvis on the Dangers of Playing it Safe

Embracing Risk to Unlock Creativity: Insights from Chase Jarvis

In this episode of Impact Theory, host Tom introduces Chase Jarvis, an influential and multifaceted creative professional known for his award-winning photography, pioneering contributions to online education through CreativeLive, and insightful approaches to personal and professional development. Chase discusses the significant impact of embracing risks and leveraging personal experiences to foster creativity and innovation. His journey from an almost-professional soccer player and medical student to a leading creative entrepreneur serves as a beacon for others striving to realize their potential by stepping outside comfort zones.

Core Concepts and Philosophies:

• Creativity as a Lifestyle: Chase advocates for viewing creativity not just as a skill but as an essential lifestyle. His philosophy is that creativity is a critical response to our environment and is the driving force behind innovation in any field, not just the arts.
• Risk-Taking for Growth: He emphasizes the importance of stepping into the unknown and taking risks as a necessary step for true creative and personal growth. This concept is rooted in his personal life decisions, such as abandoning a conventional career path in medicine for the uncertain world of creative arts.
• Lifelong Learning: Chase champions the idea of continuous education through platforms like CreativeLive, highlighting the role of new knowledge and skills in adapting to and shaping the evolving creative landscape.

Practical Strategies and Advice:

• Embrace Change and Uncertainty: Instead of shying away, actively seek out changes and challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Incorporate Regular Reflection: Engage in regular self-reflection to reassess goals and realign actions with core personal and professional values.
• Continuous Learning: Utilize online platforms and resources to keep learning new skills and to stay current with industry trends.

Supporting Evidence:

Chase references numerous personal anecdotes and professional experiences to illustrate the effectiveness of his strategies. His success in creating a major online education platform and leading innovative campaigns for top global brands serves as empirical evidence of his concepts.

Personal Application:

Chase uses personal stories, like surviving an avalanche, to underscore his philosophy of resilience and risk-taking. These experiences profoundly shaped his career trajectory and philosophical outlook, reinforcing his belief in the power of personal transformation through adversity.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques:

• CreativeLive: Chase recommends using CreativeLive as a resource for gaining new skills and insights from top creatives across various industries.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: He advocates for regular meditation to enhance focus, creativity, and personal well-being.
• Visual and Written Visualization: Chase suggests using visualization techniques, both visual and written, to manifest goals and maintain focus on personal and professional aspirations.

This episode provides a comprehensive look into how embracing risks, committing to lifelong learning, and understanding personal narratives can significantly influence one's creative output and professional success. Chase Jarvis's journey is a testament to the power of creative courage and the importance of crafting a life that aligns with one's passions and values.