*This world is full of lost aspirations.. The **What-Ifs** and **Could-Haves** dissipate into the haze of unrealized dreams. However, there are small things we can do to open us to actualizing all our untapped potential.* 

*Today's **Creativity Challenge** is designed to do just that...*

![creativity challenge.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZxaHp6exQBQ5ueUA1pyUz3wMbiEX7RURKwDh52si6uWW/creativity%20challenge.png) [src](https://www.adweek.com/creativity/its-time-to-re-evaluate-the-role-of-creativity-in-transforming-businesses/)

<center><h1> Creativity Challenge #7: </h1></center>  <center><h2>*Double Down*</h2></center> 

Most of us, *unless we're extremely determined or lucky*, have bosses, spouses, teachers, etc dictating our lives in some form or another. 

Constantly we are being told what to do, and possibly even how to do it. Oftentimes that can result in us not thinking for ourselves. There are even times when we feel we have great ideas, but must compromise to meet the demands of others.

Today's challenge is all about uncompromising. Standing your ground and sticking to something that you believe in, even, or especially if those around you are telling you otherwise. 

Look to the incredible struggle of Paulo Coelho for inspiration of sheer determination. Growing up, he *passionately* wanted to become a writer. He's friends and family, however, considered this aspiration *madness*.  His parents wanted him to become a lawyer which they felt was '*a secure, respectable profession.*'

In attempts to '*save*' their son from his writing ambitions, Coelho's parents had him committed to a mental asylum *three times*! He was subjected to **electric-shock therapy** as a way to *cure* him. However, Paulo refused to compromise.. He knew to his core that he was destined to write. 

The author of **The Alchemist** is now world-famous, with his works being translated into over 80 different languages and a level of success that provides him with unequivocal, lasting financial security.

If you have a dream, or a desire in *your core* begging to be actualized. Be uncompromising in your determination. We *all* come under pressure from friends, family, and employers, but if we are to make something *truly unique*, we often have to refuse to compromise *our* ideals.

You have no responsibility to live up to others' expectations.. but you **DO** have a responsibility to live up to YOUR OWN expectations.

https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=1920x10000:format=jpg/path/sab0c11914adf1302/image/i07d840d109025bce/version/1550669773/image.jpg
[src](https://www.sherredemao.com/2019/02/20/are-you-unwavering-or-settling/?mobile=1)


***Today's Challenge:** Take one project your have been working on, or thinking about, and spark your own unique creative juices by making it completely your own and refusing to compromise on it.*