I found this great video on a friend’s blog (Thanks Noah!) and after listening to it and watching it a dozen times I really, really thought it was the best example I’ve seen in a while of someone taking an object beyond what most people do. Most guitar players I’ve seen simply use the strings to make music. Others do incorporate the body of the guitar, but I’ve never seen anyone do it as well as Andy McKee. He goes beyond and creates MORE. Millions of guitar players have guitars, yet he gets more out of his. Why? Because he doesn’t limit himself to what a guitar is usually used for. Watch him, then keep reading below.

There are only a few thing you need to know about getting more out of the ordinary things around you:

Quit thinking about what something was designed or purposed to do. Look at it as though you didn’t know what it was and were seeing it for the first time. Kids do this all the time. It’s why they’re so creative!

Explore. Test. Fail. Explore more.

Decide if YOU like it, don’t worry about what others think about it. If it works for you then trust me, there are thousands or millions of others who will like it too. They’ll find you or you’ll find them!

There is no ultimate judge sitting around with a hammer waiting to hit you or “approve” or “disapprove” of the innovations you find or create. “They” are only a few people - not the world. Don’t let others judgmental attitudes stop you from creating. Your creation doesn’t have to be immediately and obviously huge and life or world changing. It can simply be a more remarkable way of using a musical instrument, or cooking a meal, or sewing a quilt or decorating. But potential - no matter how small - does change the world.

If you forget these rules, watch the video again. Where’s the potential around you?