”He’s a maker..”
I just heard this term in a discussion among writers in reference to one of their peers. There seemed to be a tacit acknowledgement that this put him on another level, that possessing this quality somehow separated this person from others.
They were right. To be a maker is something special. It implies a lot beyond just being creative.
It implies that this person is a finisher. This alone is a very big deal. Notice I didn’t say anything about whether the thing that was made was “successful” financially – ultimately, for the purpose of our discussion, that’s not important.
What is important is that the thing is unique – it didn’t exist before this person made it. Whether it’s good or not is a subjective judgment that also means nothing in this context. It is good to the person who made it.
See, here’s the thing: Once something is finished and exists, it becomes undeniable. Before it’s finished, it’s just an idea. Ideas are cool and important, but to turn an idea into something finished requires a whole different skill set.
To accomplish that one must be driven, tenacious, indefatigable, tough, and undeterred by obstacles and criticism. They must be able to look into the abyss of their soul and confront their fears and weaknesses. They must be willing to expose this part of themselves to others.
Most people are too afraid to be that brave.