Big Ideas, Big Flowers. U2's Book.
#growth #turningitup #flowers #thinkbig #loved #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bono #u2 #goodbookrecs
I recently read Bono’s memoir Surrender—it’s insightful and surprisingly funny. I didn’t realize Bono had self-deprecating humor. I’ve always liked U2’s music, and the book gives an interesting look at the band’s history and evolution.
Early in his career, Bono told an interviewer, “If we stay in small clubs, we’ll develop small minds, and then we’ll start making small music.” It’s a sharp observation that the spaces we choose—creatively, professionally, personally—shape how we grow. Stay in what’s familiar for too long, and we stop evolving.
And the “small club” isn’t always a literal place. It might be:
A job you’ve outgrown but stay in because it’s easy
A social circle where no one ever challenges your thinking
That voice in your head that says, “This is good enough”
If we stop seeking out people or experiences that stretch us, it feels safe—but growth almost never happens in safety.
So what’s the move?
Join a team where everyone’s a little better than you
Start a project you have no idea how to finish—yet
Ask hard questions, and stay open to the answers
Whatever “small” looks like—safe routines, easy habits, familiar roles—shake it up. Say yes to something that scares you a little. Surround yourself with people who push you to level up. Bono’s quote is a great reminder that where we choose to spend our time and energy really shapes who we become.
1987 Downtown LA. U2’s Where the Streets Have No Name:
U2 performing Ordinary Love acoustic on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon:
I like to tie my illustrations to whatever the week’s theme is—did I pull it off this time? I love the creative floral designs from Marigold and Mint Botanicals, based in Seattle. Their designs are always a little quirky and outside the box. I first discovered them while picking up donuts at General Porpoise downtown (they host classes there too!).
Images from @marigoldandmintbotanicals IG, photos by: @iwantyoustudio
