Larry G. Maguire
Writer
Hello, I’m Larry.
I live in Dublin near the Phoenix Park with my wife Joanne and our three kids, Ruairí, Cian and Cara. I write about the psychology of expert performance, I’m an occasional portrait artist, and a slight perfectionist. I lift heavy weights, run, and I study Psychology by night.
I am deeply interested in human behaviour and the nature of the self. What exactly are we and how can we achieve fulfilment and happiness.
I write about human performance and creative expertise, and how they relate to the work we do. I take a look at the creative process through the lens of psychology and assess what science and philosophy say about achieving success in life and work.
I have just spent a wonderful hour reading @LarryGMaguire's essays, esp. his thoughts on the value of old things. Please dig in!
— Jamie Musselwhite (@torontotuning) July 24, 2017
You see here’s the thing…
Many of us work at jobs we don’t love – we see work as toil. I believe work should not be toil, we should be doing what energises and engages us. Putting our lives on hold for the sake of work we don’t like is insane, and it creates an insane society.
Only when the majority of us are doing for a living that which engages us and nurtures our creative spirit, can we create a sustainable society that serves all equally.
Otherwise, life is simply a means to an end.
Allowing ourselves the freedom to create is fundamental to this, and so one question sits behind everything I write;
“How can we lead successful and fulfilling lives doing what we love?”
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The Artist’s Manifesto is a short book about staying true to our art and making the living we deserve. It is a call to Artists and Creatives like you to create from the heart with passion and integrity, disregarding the need for applause and recognition.
What’s Your Background?
I left school at 15 and began an apprenticeship as an electrician – turns out I was good at it. After a brief stint in Philadelphia drinking my ass off, I returned home to start my own business at age 23.
I operated that business quite successfully for 20 years, counting Intel and US Government as clients. The business kept moving reasonably well through the crash in 2008 but by 2010 work had dried up. With big debt and no work, I had to shut the doors.
Everything I had built was gone. However, I had found a new passion – writing. So I decided this would be my new direction.
The last 10 years have given me a new perspective, one I wouldn’t change for any money. It’s been the foundation for huge personal growth and a basis for my writing.
Today, I focus my time on my studies in psychology and will complete my degree in 2020. I’m a current undergraduate member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.
This absolutely #toppost this weekend. You rock! @LarryGMaguire thx 4 sharing your uber creativity,spirit & #notimeforbullshit transparency https://t.co/uxYulAWRN6
— BitchyBusinessBriefs (@SharonLeeZapata) May 20, 2017
What Do You Write About?
Admittedly, I only write about what I’m interested in and passionate about. That’s a plus for you because you can be sure to get my best. My hope is that my stuff strikes a chord with you.
The basis for the content I share is found in philosophy, the science of psychology and my subjective experience. I will attempt always to bring you the facts (where/if they exist) and always to be straight and honest.
I write about the importance of creative integrity and our imperative to create from the heart no matter what. This is the basis for The Artist’s Manifesto.
Amongst other things, here’s what I write about;
- How to nurture creativity
- The psychology of creativity
- How to develop mental toughness
- The right way to set goals
- How to access our intuition
- Why beliefs sculpt behaviour
- How to embrace uncertainty
- The meaning of life and death
What’s Your Philosophy?
My philosophy for everything is to just go for it and forget the consequences. It’s not that I encourage recklessness, but rather that we consider adopting a “can’t lose” attitude.
I’m constantly working on this myself, so when I figure it out I’ll let you know.
For me success is in the eye of the beholder, so think as big as you can, move from your heart and follow your dreams. Put those closest to you top of your priorities but put yourself first – Nothing else matters.
Do what you love and do nothing else. Life is short so you shouldn’t spend it doing the things you don’t like. Make your work your art, and throw your heart and soul into it.
Say “fuck it” daily, take chances and have no regrets, because you and everyone you know will be gone one day soon.