Elizabeth Gilbert Talks “Big Magic” - Fear, Failure, & the Mystery of Creativity

Elizabeth Gilbert and Marie Forleo talk about fear, authenticity, and Liz’s book, “Big Magic.” Listen in to learn why you shouldn’t strive to be fearless, how to overcome perfectionism, and the key to living your most creative life.
Elizabeth Gilbert is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “Eat, Pray, Love” and several other internationally bestselling books of fiction and nonfiction. She began her career writing for Harper’s Bazaar, Spin, The New York Times Magazine, and GQ, and was a three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award. The follow up memoir, “Committed,” became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, and her novel “The Signature of All Things,” was named a best book of 2013 by The New York Times, O Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and The New Yorker.
“Big Magic” tackles the mystery of creativity and how to keep going when you face creative resistance.
#MarieTVInterviews​ #ElizabethGilbert​ #BigMagic
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[@marieforleo]

Ready to tap into your own big magic? Use these quick links to catch the highlights: 2:08 - The real reason you don’t follow your creative inspiration. 4:04 - Why fear is necessary - and how to make friends with yours. 7:18 - How to be original when you think everything’s been done before. 12:47 - Which flavor of shit sandwich you were born to eat. 22:40 - How Liz prepared to be a speaker for TED and Oprah. 30:19 - How to ditch perfectionism and finish what you start. 35:16 - What to do after a big creative flop. 39:14 - The paradox you have to accept if you want to create anything. What’s next? Watch this playlist of more inspiring interviews: kzbin.info/aero/PL4D5277E0F92106D2

[@nnnnnnnnnataliem]

Thank you for always providing these 💗

[@shawna0004]

Wow! Such an inspiring video I’m so glad I watched it. The two points that resonated the most with me were the part about art is not your baby you are its baby -that one really struck a chord with me also taking a trickster approach to creativity rather than martyrdom.

[@philkoocho]

0

[@Robbie_Digital]

"Done is better than nothing" A new mantra for a person like myself who rarely finishes anything.

[@AnneriVictor]

"What will make you finish is not self-descipline, but SELF-FORGIVENESS." Best. part. ever!

[@lovleeness]

Yes oh yes that WAS the best part ever!

[@nicoleiacovoni4199]

+Anneri Victor I loved that part too!...along with the whole concept about finishing being the important things, not perfection. Amen!

[@IMSiegfried]

[@jyotsnamohanty2145]

I literally cried when she said that you have to forgive yourself for disappointing yourself. I am constantly so hard with myself. It gets so difficult to forgive myself for disappointing myself in a million different ways in my creative process. This was a nudge in the right direction. And I think the other thing was when she asked - when did inspiration promise you anything. It was pure gold. There are no promises. You do it because you want to.

[@jmckenzieartist]

YES!! So true for me too!

[@lavendaire]

Liz Gilbert is one of my favorite people in the world, ever!! She's so lighthearted, funny, but powerfully inspiring. My fave lessons from this episode: "fear is your companion" and the trickster mentality of "put it out there, see what happens. Put it out there, see what happens." I usually approach creative work as a "battle" that I have to suffer through.. I forget that it's supposed to be fun in the first place!

[@ellacaulfield9939]

Love your channel Lavendaire :)

[@milah344]

Girl I'm here because of you! I saw you talking about this book and wanted to learn more.

[@misswomble]

@@milah344 Mee too!

[@ccayco]

"People murder their creativity by insisting they're not truly creative unless their creativity pays the bills." My mind has been blown. This is just absolutely fantastic.

[@IMSiegfried]

My mom's an artist and she would be happy if it "just" paid for her art supplies. :)

[@dianehall5345]

Angela, Yes I agree. I said that very thing to my sister this morning. There are creative projects on my 2020 list. I already have verbal orders, but would be satisfied with my results paying for my hobby., especially in this economy. In the meantime, I am working for a steady pay check and planning my goals/dreams. Liz is a wonderful inspiration!

[@Annalorraine67]

Well side. So true

[@rafaelgomez1989]

yes

[@empoweredempaths6362]

I really loved these lines: “People murder their creativity by insisting they’re not truly creative unless their creativity pays the bills.” and “You have to let your creativity out bc it has you as a project. It’s building you. It’s creating you.” Thanks for this video.

[@qkcmnt1242]

You nailed it Empaths! 👍

[@simiancinema2022]

Elizabeth Gilbert is a nice, soothing person. She's the person you would love for your shrink to be.

[@nomorestoriestoday]

+Matthew Wilder I wish!

[@makewire9665]

+french13 Every once in a while I read a brief comment like yours and realize what a small-minded, nasty-mouthed, ignoramus you must be.

[@CC-mr5xq]

***** Dude, no way! Now I have to look it up...

[@CC-mr5xq]

+french13 HOLY SHIT. I just read Confessions of a Seduction Addict and that is some pretty horrifying stuff she admitted to - downright sociopathic. I hope she's really changed her ways. I'm totally shocked and will never again think I know a person from their books or interviews. Omigod.

[@Glisalis]

I felt similarly reading this--but read the whole passage: "Then I did an unusual thing. I did not grab the telephone and call yet another man. Instead, I asked myself, ‘‘What are you doing with your life?’’ It felt shameful. But once I got it, I really got it: There is no way to stop a destructive behavior, except to stop." +french13 +makewire9665

[@evacoart]

Oh, my God! Every word in this episode is a quote!!!

[@qkcmnt1242]

Great point, Studio! 🌞

[@KevJBrown]

"It's not Sunday, but we are preaching today." LOL Yes, so true! Great nuggets on this video.

[@HouseOfHostingHeaven]

+Kevin J. Brown LOL

[@FeliciaFollum]

yes! I laughed!

[@HottyLov]

+Kevin J. Brown this episode is quiet something from start to finish

[@lexidala]

good thing i'm watching this on a sunday (albeit 2 years later) ^_^

[@Bubbleyumizchewi17]

I seen your comments on Life Coach Shawn! Look at chu! Hello there!

[@festusadeyemo8157]

I got stuck while writing for a client and searched KZbin for hours now for inspiration. Well, that's how I got to this video and I'm glad I did. I'll watch it from time to time until it sinks in. My take-away: "Done is better than perfect." It has released me from worrying about how my work would turn out or be received. My job is to heed and write; the critic's to read and criticize. I'll do my job.

[@jhart1127]

Perfect now get to work💪 and stop procrastinating, you got this 🙌🙌

[@tyh8464]

Wow... her ideas, vulnerability and honesty has changed me. Thank you Marie Forleo for this interview... I don't think I'll forget it.

[@frettnot]

"That is why you have to let your creativity out, because it has YOU as a project." -Elizabeth Gilbert My new morning mantra.

[@MoneyMagnet2222]

"Perfectionism is fear in high heeled shoes"... Brilliant. Powerful. Inspiring. This is the BEST interview to date. It totally spoke to every aspect of my struggles with tapping into my creativity and following through. I feel like a better, more focused person just from watching.

[@iwnunn7999]

I love how sincere and honest Elizabeth is. She's definitely a wordsmith.

[@barpoe1]

I need to watch this over and over until it hits home: "Done is better than good."

[@almondmilksoda]

Finished not perfect! ❤

[@kerryford6030]

Re: Perfectionism. Tears, streaming down my face. This is IT. Her explanation of her friend who would not release her second book because of all the crap in the world. This has held me back for years. This just freed me. THANK YOU.

[@lucytoppetta4546]

"Perfectionism is a serial killer"!!!! "Done is better than good"!!!! I love it!! Thank you! Cheers from Montreal Canada!

[@farrah_cuda]

I think this may have changed my life

[@xhuyentran]

So how did it change? :)

[@darksunshinedark3267]

I get what you mean

[@KaterinaTalantliva]

I couldn't watch this video without constantly having tears in my eyes...

[@krystal.alexandria]

Could Liz Gilbert be any more down to earth and relatable?! You two are powerhouse together. Ease. Grace. Creativity. Shadows. And a whole lot of checking our assumptions of what creativity "has" to look, feel and be like. Good. Sh*t. Rock on, ladies.

[@QueenVLatte]

I usually play a youtube video and walk away and do something else at the same time. With this video, I'm so glued to my computer and it's just the most engaging conversation I've ever heard.

[@KashifAli-qu5xy]

Read her book "Big Magic" and you will see drastic changes in yourself.

[@susanharkema2888]

Oh dear...she summarized the challenge of my life clear at the end. I was raised a martyr and want to be a trickster!

[@insideself1471]

:OD

[@mariaangeluvlogs6663]

"I've learn here in this episode from Elizabeth Gilbert that "if we wanted something to happen in your life, bravely do it now or you may end up not doing it at all." You know iv'e been working on something that i love which is my music since march 2020. the quarantine period gave me so much time for my dreams to plan and start doing it which leads me here coz ive been searching for inspiration, people that will help me build my confidence and here i am on the right place. Thank you for sparking more my inspiration and to always believe in me coz i wanted to heal people through music.That's my dream so thank you so much for this! I love you Marie & Elizabeth!

[@VarjuLuceno]

Love this: "You can be childlike and mature at the same time....". Inspiring conversation about creativity.

[@yogawithkassandra]

Two of my favorite people in the same room! Thank you for sharing this with us. It took me so long to finally listen to my intuition and create a yoga youtube channel like I had always wanted. It's been over a year now and I wish I had started sooner!! We are our own worst critics and if we could only step out of our own way life would be so much simpler.

[@BlackNella]

I love your channel, I'm going to do a video after my coffee this morning!

[@JeremyJenner]

One of Elizabeth's best interviews yet, really impressive how on-point and genuinely invested Marie is. Earned a subscribe.

[@diannensquires7255]

6 years later and I'm now discovering this conversation. And so glad I did. I felt like I was allowed and validated in being my whole self with every point Ms. Gilbert made. ❤❤❤

[@TeamForleo]

We're so glad you did too, Dianne! We feel the exact same way every time we come back to this video. Hope it continues to inspire you to live fully and in your whole self! - Monauar, Team Forleo

[@AskMamaMOE]

A few years late, but I had to comment here that I appreciate this conversation. The heavy mandate of helping others has been a narrative that social media has instilled on a collection of influencers. You "should" not write, create, etc. if you are not helping others is something I believed for my blog. It is what stops me dead in my tracks when I have an idea. I have numerous draft posts. And in this pandemic life, I blocked many posts since I believed it would be unhelpful, inconsiderate, you name it. Thank you for this conversation and this book.

[@laurascredongroves5617]

Oh my GOD. These two!!! This is my favorite MarieTV EVER.

[@tashianareaves766]

This was a phenomenal interview! I especially enjoyed the discussion of perfectionism because I always say that it is indeed my fault, and his prevented me from beginning so many projects simply due to it not meeting my "standards." I am going to now take on the mindset that "done is better than perfect." Again, amazing interview! Thank you Marie and Elizabeth!

[@thescriptessa1336]

I have been paralyzed by fear for so long...I thought my creativity was dead...thank you Liz Gilbert for bringing me back to the creative life. Continue to inspire!

[@laureejeanmorris7279]

7 years behind the curve...and yet so timely for me. "Done is better than good." RIP perfectionism. ☠🎂

[@moniquebryan2350]

OMG!!! Why am I just seeing this? As an entrepreneur who is constantly questioning if I am on the right track, this shifted something in my world that will not be the same. Thank-you for this Marie!

[@PaolaCastroPaolaCastroCoaching]

today is my first book launch... and this interview is exactly what i needed to listen before i go out there and expose my art!!!! THANK YOU~

[@edithmc1182]

Good luck girl 👍🏻😊

[@PaolaCastroPaolaCastroCoaching]

thank you... it went great

[@vaneshobe910]

congratulations and good luck ;)

[@natashazen1]

+Paola Castro good luck, love!

[@leonardoramos7934]

+Paola Castro Thank you for exposing your art :)

[@lidyanaredeemed9848]

This woman is extremely transparent, articulate, intelligent! Wow she is so blessed with excellent mind. The interviewer is also amazing. Owesome women.

[@ellona3645]

Bought this book, went to Design school for 5 years and recently graduated as a Graphic Designer. I'm currently doing a gap year to hopefully figure out what I wanted to do in life and get over this creative block.

[@alycebagnath464]

This video was exactly what I needed! I started crying! Thank you for allowing all of us to realise our true creative potential and to welcome and invite fear but do not let life be controlled by fear ❤️

[@TatyanaVogt]

The way she speaks is absolutely beautiful! I really enjoyed this so much!

[@mars1783]

Thank you so much!!! I'm overcoming an era of backlashes because I created a backyard "activism broadcast"/inspirational speaking act. I've definitely suffered in different stages of creating this art, because I've recently overcame schizophrenia (22years worth of it) in hopes of teaching coping skills/publish my writing. I'm having Career Woes n Confusion about how to best use my story to help others n this was so helpful!!! The trickster laughs at the situation and refuses to treat it as this "sacred" messages from beyond, my brain sometimes wants to be that serious n its very dangerous/counterproductive!!! I've experienced a lot of Changes over the creation of my "movie" n this message cleared up my worries for the day. Thanks so much Dear Liz and Marie!!!

[@pollena4669]

I watched this, bought the book, and now am re-watching - completely obsessed and life changing !

[@bunnybunny7112]

It makes me so happy to hear the piece of advice about having a day job, to support what it is that you want to be doing. I am an aspiring artist and have gotten flack for suggesting this concept to other artists on online forums, wedged in among other comments regarding how people don't have much to eat or can't heat their apartment, when the concept of "starving artist" comes up. I believe that it's important to have the quality of life and stability, and while I might have to be a little craftier with my time management, I don't have that stress bogging down my creativity. Marie, thank you for the interviews you conduct, and all that you do. I love watching your show, and I love all the advice I'm getting!

[@paullacsamana5886]

"you are the baby" man that's powerful! ultimately the real project is ME.

[@mothermarychannel]

Amazing! I adore Elizabeth Gilbert. Favorite points-don't make helping others the reason for bringing your creation to life and martyr vs trickster. I'll be keeping both points at the forefront of my awareness. Thanks Marie.

[@nakyona1]

Wooow! So glad I found your channel. Been already through 3 life changing episode but THIS ONE!!! As an artist it touched me so much. I laughed, cried, been inspired and shaken! Found so relieved and free after this about my art and the way I contribute to world by offering it. Thank you so much for this. This woman is incredible, i’m buying her book right after! Wrote this on my mirror: “Perfectionism is a serial killer”! And I’ve died over and over again for so long! Thank you, I feel so much better than 48 minutes ago. God bless your ministry!

[@simpleDIYs]

This was an incredibly inspiring video. One of my favorites from you, Marie!

[@lorarobinson183]

HThe simpleDIYs

[@AlissaRae]

Somehow there is so much permission in Elizabeth Gilbert's words. I am resting into them and I am so glad that I watched this. Thank you Marie, I love your style.

[@simonadz1754]

God. Thank you for this human being

[@mayapunjabi4250]

Marie and Elizabeth, thank you for this interview. It was the reaffirmation that I needed for picking the path I’ve chosen... supporting my music with real estate sales and how important it is to free our art of the responsibility to support us.

[@natalieahlstrom4045]

Elizabeth's comment, that Perfectionism is like a Serial Killer definitely spoke to me. I need to agree with what her mother said that "Done is better than good" and just get it done. Thank Marie for this interview with Elizabeth Gilbert.

[@kerryford6030]

This is one of the best most effective videos I've ever listened to. Truly, endless pieces of wisdom. Wise, practical, useful tips for thriving in our creativity.

[@ecmoran5262]

I LOVE the book, BIG MAGIC--it helped me get through some artist blocks. (I'm an author/illustrator, btw.) This is such a great interview to revisit during these Covid times when we're quarantining and renewing our commitment to works in progress or starting new creative pursuits. You're a great interviewer, Marie. Thanks for having Liz Gilbert on your program! =D

[@tamaradasilva9908]

I"ve recommended this book in the book I just wrote - Thank you so much for this wonderful talk - Writing this book has been one of the most exciting and also scariest thing I've ever done! I know there is so much value for others in my book and this helps me see that in spite of my terror at being so naked!

[@michelleg980]

Struggling with perfectionism myself today while slugging through chapter six of my own novel. So glad I saw this video today. I needed it so bad today. I love Elizabeth! Thanks so much for having her in your show ❤️

[@PaulAtFOH]

This just blew my mind. I gotta watch this again a few more times...

[@bridgetteclark2715]

This had to be another FANTABULOUS, AMAZING inspiring talk!! Elizabeth Gilbert, you are ALWAYS AMAZING!!! And one of my favorite!! Loved this soooo much!

[@xyz.m4222]

Thank god this is a recommendation from KZbin. My life has changed for good.

[@suze144]

Just brilliant and so heartwarming. Thank you ladies!

[@tasharomanelli]

As someone who has an A-type personality, letting go of perfectionism really resonated with me. Elizabeth is right, just getting it done is better than not getting it done at all. Thank you for this great episode Marie, it came to me at the most perfect time as I start my own business adventure. xo

[@Philomanie]

"The true perfectionist won't even start, because they already know it's not going to be the thing they think they're dreaming of." I have wrestled with this for years but am gradually building ways of making the first step regardless of how good it is. We all have to start somewhere.

[@theobeyt2568]

Hearing this conversation allowed me to clarify my intentions. It feels like a weight-off my shoulders. I grew up in fear and shame instead of love and gratitude. I wish anybody feeling ashamed and worthless to face the truth, accept it and move on. I wish us all a great and happy life!

[@asspartacus]

every words come from her can literally take my breath at any moment.

[@nelidaaceves2383]

Thank You Liz and Marie

[@leighthomas8576]

This is my pep talk for doing anything! I listen to this so often! And yes Big Magic should be required reading for everyone ♥️

[@totomo1976]

I can't tell you how much I love the wisdom shared by Elizabeth Gilbert. I watched this again and again. Amazing conversation!

[@soystef]

First time with the Marie interviewing experience and I must admit- really impressed. Talented, present interviewer. Much gratitude.

[@leeanucha]

greatest book i have ever read! and perfect timing for me too. now i can write every morning without judging it (perfect it later if i can) i just let it flows and creative life is so much fun now! no more stress. thanks you both!

[@geezie571]

Anyone here who found this gem during the 2020 pandemic? I couldn't agree more with the comments from way back 4 years ago. You are both amazing and this is mind blowing. Thank you! ❤️

[@cafestudyy]

this is one of the most inspiring videos on the internet. period.

[@nomorestoriestoday]

This was the best thing that could happen to me today. Thank you Liz Gilbert :D Love you!

[@burnwash2146]

Thank you! Lately I have felt like I wanted to give up on the dream i've worked towards for 7 years straight and this video just resparked me. I was this close to announcing that I was done for good and now I wanna go hard again. Much love and gratitude for both of you.

[@fayafshar]

"The true perfectionists wont even start because they know it wont ever be as perfect as they expect" ..... so true!!!

[@r.barrow57]

I needed this! So many nuggets of wisdom. Thank you ladies.

[@oliviahope3728]

What a great interview - wow - these two - inspirational!

[@thebarbaradias]

This video just changed my life! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@EnglishFluencyJourney]

oh yes, yes, yes!!! this whole conversation is absolutely brilliant, inspiring and eye-opening! i mean, although you know and understand these things subconsciously, but when you hear someone else explains them from them own perspective, referring to their own experience it's makes even more sense))

[@natalieifergan5762]

This interview brought so much happiness to my life - the connection and conversation between Marie and Elizabeth is incredibly inspiring. Love love love!!!

[@CathrynWellner]

A very free-flowing interview between two creative women. Thanks!

[@LoriGama]

Thank for giving me a Get Out of Jail Free card with my Creative Life. This was the most profound conversation/interview I've ever heard. My writer-soul is pounding on the door to get out now. This really resonated with me, Marie and Elizabeth. Thank you. I ordered Liz'a book this morning and can't wait to read it! I read the intro on Kindle and it immediately drew me in. Thank you!

[@DrBernadetteDulawan]

I loved this conversation particularly the idea of dancing with the universe ...being a trickster rather than a martyr. I also love the nugget of forgiving yourself when you fail and just move on, " let' s do it again. ! This is so helpful for me in what I am trying to do. Lastly , acknowledging fear , being grateful for it , having it as your companion is an awesome nugget. Thank you so much Liz and Marie!

[@NirmalaWisdomQueen]

I am dancing with fear and letting the workflow through my heart. I want to be a yoga teacher, but I’m afraid of not being a good teacher. Now, I want to continue teaching yoga and except any results with no regrets.

[@willannydarias4267]

All of it was AMAZING. I love you both so much!!!

[@alahnadunbar6290]

I laughed and teared and was beyond inspired. I feel like Elizabeth Gilbert is so human and it touches me soul. She is definitely the High Priestess of my Imaginary Artistic Council.

[@lightlylani]

This is one of the best interviews / talks I've ever listened to. Thank you so much! I will definitely have to check out BIG MAGIC.

[@Fverheijden]

This is one of the best youtube videos I ever saw. It gives answers to so many things I struggle with.

[@samuelshin2306]

First time I’ve seen/heard her. What a lovely, inspiring woman! One of my faves: I was its (my creation’s) baby... “That’s why you have to let your creativity out: it has you as a project, it’s building you, its working on you (I added this), it’s creating you.” Trickster vs Martyr blew my mind.

[@AssLaura]

Really inspiring talk ! Absolutely loved it. I can't wait to read Big Magic, it's been on my tbr list for a while now but this interview got me excited to get into it. And the little nuggets of wisdom were very helpful and inspirational, thank you so much for uploading such great content with great people !

[@katepinkett4649]

This is one of my favorite interviews of all time. I'm a huge fan of both of you. Also, Big Magic was amazing!!

[@Ilona1239]

Thank you Marie and Elizabeth! I had this exact conversation with my amazing therapist yesterday! I soooo needed this in my life!

[@navpreetbanga]

Elizabeth gives me life and power and just makes me think, " wow, can i be like that as well?" Love her!

[@KashifAli-qu5xy]

Read her works and become like her. Her works are the outcome of her thoughts and to say it more precisely her works are her thoughts. So by reading her books you will be able to read her thoughts and will be able to apply it in your own life _ reading produces a long lasting effects. Sorry, you might have read all of her books. I am a beginner and I just completed her only one book "Big Magic".

[@AprilSixsmith]

One of my favorite authors! Absolutely love this video Marie.

[@norahmyers5535]

This made me cry. It was just what I needed today. Thank you so, so much.

[@livierockmusic123]

This was my introduction to your content and I’m blown away. I so needed this in my life right now. This conversation is going on repeat. I HAVE to watch it again, take notes, and sit here for a bit. Her words are golden. I had to order the book. This spoke to my heart, my soul, and my creative spirit. Amazing. Thank you 🙏🏼 .

[@VisualMind]

I am honestly SO DAMN GREATFUL, that I just found your channel. Big Magic is my favorite book EVER. Every time, I opened it while reading it felt like little glittery stars were coming out. It was so inspiring and so was this interview. I already love both of you so much and I'm so glad to be blessed with this amazing inspiration. Thank you so much for shooting this video and all your amazing work out there. And now, I am working on my own stuff. Because inspiration wants to jump off a cliff with me and I'm like having some fun!

[@lizpeartree]

Yes! I seriously share in all those feelings. Thank you for sharing, too!

[@kajalspandey]

Thank you so much for this AMAZING conversation. So much to takeaway and so much magic to be created by all of us!

[@Kim-pn5iy]

Thank you, Marie...Such a great topic and inspirational conversation! Love Liz Gilbert!

[@ShellyMazur]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@Travelingmaven]

Awesomeness!!!

[@lalitalowe]

Such a fantastic conversation Marie. You both have a beautiful synergy and each of the things you spoke about were complete gems. Lots of love and thank you x

[@sret6357]

This is probably my favourite conversation on KZbin ever.