Cracking the Code to Creative Freedom | Thet San Andersen | TEDxInternationalSchoolofMyanmar

Key Concepts

• Me vs. Them Mentality: The self-imposed division between oneself and successful individuals (e.g., influencers, celebrities).
• Fear of Failure: The apprehension associated with potential financial instability, judgment, and unsuccessful outcomes.
• Positive Delusion: Priming the mind with the belief that one has already achieved their goals, fostering a proactive mindset.
• Drastic Shift: Making significant changes in mindset and actions to achieve substantial results.
• Uncertainty and Action: Taking steps into unfamiliar territory and addressing challenges as they arise.
• Lonely Road: The potential isolation experienced when pursuing unconventional paths.
• Creative Field: A career path where talents lie outside traditional settings, requiring a shift in mindset.

Overcoming the "Me vs. Them" Mentality

The speaker, Tasan Anderson (Miss Universe Myanmar 2024), addresses the common tendency to compare oneself to successful individuals on social media, creating a "me versus them" mentality. She argues that this division stems from the fear of taking the step to become like those we admire. This fear encompasses:

• Financial instability: Worrying about the economic consequences of pursuing a creative path.
• Judgment: Apprehension about being criticized by others.
• Failure: The dread of not achieving desired outcomes.

The Power of Positive Delusion

Tasan advocates for "being a little delusional" in a positive way. This involves:

• Priming the mind: Shaping one's mindset to believe they have already achieved their goals.
• Thinking and feeling the outcome: Envisioning how one will think and feel upon achieving success.
• Self-affirmation: Repeatedly telling oneself "I'm already there; I already achieved it."

She cites Lady Gaga as an example, who used manifestation and positive delusion, repeatedly affirming her musical destiny and success. This approach helped her become one of the biggest pop stars.

Breaking into the Creative Field

Tasan defines the creative field broadly, encompassing roles such as:

• Creative director
• Music producer
• Author
• Coffee artist
• Beauty pageant contestant

To break into this field, she emphasizes the need for a drastic shift in mindset and action. This means:

• Taking the step into uncertainty: Embracing the unknown and venturing into potentially scary territory.
• Solving problems along the way: Addressing challenges as they arise, rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

She shares her personal experience of competing for Miss Universe without knowing how to walk in heels. She took intensive catwalk lessons and overcame her initial fear, demonstrating that problems can be solved during the journey.

The "Lonely Road" and Finding Your Tribe

Tasan acknowledges that pursuing a creative path can be a "lonely road," potentially leading to:

• Loss of friends and social circles: Existing relationships may change as priorities shift.
• Strain on family relationships: Some family members may not understand or support the chosen path.

However, she assures that:

• The right people will appear: As one progresses, they will meet like-minded individuals who offer support.
• Unexpected support: The biggest fans may be strangers, while close acquaintances may become detractors.

Creativity and Self-Belief

Tasan concludes by emphasizing that:

• Creativity is about starting now: It's not about waiting for the perfect moment.
• Never doubt yourself: If you believe you have the talent, pursue it.
• Reward for unconventional paths: If your talents lie outside traditional settings, embrace the shift, and you will be rewarded.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Tasan Anderson's message centers on overcoming self-doubt and fear to pursue a creative path. She advocates for a proactive mindset shift through "positive delusion," emphasizing the importance of taking action, solving problems along the way, and trusting oneself despite potential isolation. Her personal anecdotes and examples of successful individuals like Lady Gaga illustrate the power of self-belief and the rewards of embracing uncertainty in the pursuit of one's creative passions.