Let’s talk about X-Factor… not the TV talent show created by Simon Cowell though. I’m talking about that “something” some people seem to have. A special skill or talent, a feature in their appearance, or something about their personality or performance that is unusual or captivating. It is almost as if they were blessed by star powder and they shine in whatever they do.
Where does this invisible force comes from? Why is it brighter in some and more subtle in others?
There is a lot of hard work, talent and preparation behind every craft. But some seem to have that little extra push that helps them cross the line into success. They make it look easy, even when its not. In my humble opinion, there are many writers and performers more prepared, have better techniques, and are more intriguing than some bestsellers and Oscar-winners out there. But, somehow, they don’t manage to mesmerize the crowd like the ones with the X-factor do.
In writing, our work could be good, but maybe our opening line isn’t strong enough, the agent or publisher was in a bad mood that day and couldn’t relate to our characters, or lots of other circumstances may keep that manuscript from leaving the slush pile. Noticing our X-factor it’s almost a matter of good luck.
But we can’t relay in luck. There is a quote (originated, I believe, by Louis Pasteur) that says: “Chance favors the prepared mind”. There was a professor at my university who said this almost in every class. He explained that the more you prepare, you increase your chances of success. You give that X-factor a workout. And hard work pays. A success based on just a strike of luck may be just temporary.
However, the X-factor is not about perfection. By the contrary, most of the time is that imperfection that makes someone or something interesting. We are used to see the world working in a certain way, and when something breaks the mundane, or behaves unexpectedly or unexplainably, it drags our attention. It makes us wonder. And wonder spreads.
How can we make our own X-factor outstand?
Every one of us is a wonderful unique individual. I believe that using our uniqueness as the main ingredient of our crafting will make our work outstand. Sometimes we hide behind our work, or we are afraid to make ourselves noticeable. We follow the flow of the world, because is safe. We go with the trends, the rules, and what people expect from our work… But those who chose the unexpected, and listen to their gut, make that X-factor pop…
What if we take a little creative risk? Let’s tell a story about something ridiculous that makes us laugh or excite our hearts, instead of thinking of what may be commercial or goes with the fad. Let’s make a costume combining unexpected materials and colors. Let’s play. When we play, our inner child comes out. And a child won’t lie. It will bring our true selves. It will bring our true X-Factor.
Does anyone have their own method to bring up the X-factor in your crafts?
*****This month I’m participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme is: Writing Through the Needle’s Eye. I will write posts about Costume Designing and Writing.
Sewing Words 