"What does a fish know about the water in which he swims all his life?"

Einstein was talking about how the very things that are crucial to our existence are very often the things to which we're totally oblivious. They're everywhere around us, we're so entrenched in them, that they've become part of our life's scenery. We've assigned them to the pile of things we "don't know we don't know", without even realizing it.

But we'd miss them if they weren't there.

If that sounds a little convoluted, bear with me while I untangle this mess.

See, each of us has blind spots. Things in our lives and work that we take for granted, or assume that anyone can do just as well as us.

These erroneous assumptions (because that's really what they are) can come in a variety of forms, and we don't even realize the ways they shape how we show up in the world.

• Some people can spend two minutes with a broken computer, tell you exactly what's wrong with it, and wonder why you didn't figure it out first.
• Some people can be the peacemaker in any situation, and can't figure out why others just can't get along.
• Some people walk down the street assuming they are safe, while other people in their same community, fear even leaving their homes depending on the time of day.
• Some people have been programmed to believe they are not worthy of the very thing they want the most.
• Some people take for granted the fact that they can get a lot accomplished in a day... until they get sick, or the kids come home for summer break.
• Some people assume that if they can do it, so can you.

I admit that I have blind spots like these in my life and work - though I'm getting better at them. These assumptions are your "water". You swim around in them every day, and if they were suddenly taken from you, the world would be strange and painful.

In your Great Work, you have things that are so much a part of who you are, that you assume everyone else is a natural at it, too.

Not so fast, my "fishy" friend!

There are blind spots unique to your work, they way you were raised, and also your creative entrepreneur type. This week's episode of Creative Freedom reveals the top blind spot of each of the three primary creative types. Which type are you? Take the quiz, then check out the episode and tell me if it resonates with you.

What assumptions are you making about yourself and your Great Work?

Some of our assumptions help us be better people and do better work. Assuming that you're great at planning and strategy helps Linear creatives get impressive results. But assuming that planning and strategy are all you need keeps Linears from enjoying the results they get. Likewise, Chaotics can walk away from planning and strategy without losing sleep - something that's important to see the bigger picture of life, but assuming that plans and strategies aren't necessary keeps Chaotics from seeing some of the results they most desire.

Assuming that every creative is just like you is another death knell for your business. Linears and Chaotics don't often understand each other because they're swimming in different "water". Fusions have a better time of understanding and "translating" because they have tendencies on both ends of the spectrum, but that can often make them appear wishy-washy, or like a Jack-of-all-trades that is good at a lot of things, but not GREAT at anything (which isn't true).

Until you understand your creative blind spots, you'll just keep treading water. (Tweet This)

Take a moment to reflect on how the things you take for granted (and the assumptions you make in your life) might be coloring the work you do - or how you show up in the world. What are some of the benefits? What are some of the downsides? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's be a rising tide for everyone!

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UPDATE: Great news about the Creative Freedom Incubator! Applications are now being reviewed and accepted through August 31 for an October start date. If you're ready to get help working in and on your creative business, download the application today.