Cultivating Creativity

Do we need to focus more on cultivating creativity? Do you find yourself being so over consumed with everyday life that you neglect your creative well-being?  Research shows a gap exists between the value that we place on creativity and how we use our creative muscles. A well-known company once interviewed 5,000 adults in five different countries and found that nearly two-thirds of those questioned think that creativity is valuable to society. Yet, only one in four believe they’re fulfilling their own creative potential. 

It’s essential to dedicate time to cultivate creativity. Here are a few tips given by Eric Maisel, Ph.D., widely regarded as America's foremost creativity coach, on how to do so.

 

Set a launching ritual. 

According to Eric Maisel, “One of the best ways to help yourself create every day is to craft a starting ritual that you begin to use regularly and routinely”.  The ritual tells your brain that it’s time to create. Consider meditating, drinking a cup of coffee, listening to music, or simply daydreaming prior to partaking in the creative.

 

Create every day.

Commit to be creative every day. The amount of time is irrelevant.Taking the time is key. 

 

Instead of discipline, think devotion. 

There is a difference between devotion and discipline.  Devotion is love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause. Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. What sounds more inspiring to you?

 

Ask yourself a question.

To kickstart your creativity, ask yourself a question. Questions give us a chance to expand our thought process and see things differently which opens our mind. 

 

Focus on the thoughts that serve you.

Self talk is real. Think good thoughts. Let thoughts that do not serve you well, come and go quickly. Change your thought patterns to positive ones. The mind loves a mental hug.

 

Be an expert on blockage.

You may experience a creative block from time to time. It’s normal, and not a bad thing. According to Maisel, exploring the “why” sheds light. And, isn’t this opening the door to creativity?

 

Manage anxiety.  

Anxiety stalls creativity as it stifles our mind. It puts a pause on the mind as our fearful thoughts take over our mind. Breathe! Take time to relax. Find outlets for your nervous energy. And, let go! This allows our brain to expand instead of contracting with worry and stress. Provide yourself with a freedom that fosters creative thinking. 

 

Create early.

Tap into your “sleep thinking” as Maisel calls it. This refers to all the thoughts running through our brain while we sleep. You already started the “work” during the night so tap in to what your mind began during sleep. Ready! Set! Create!

 

Brainstorm strategies.

Take time to compile a list of strategies to help you move through the creative process. Maisel suggests dividing a piece of paper into three columns: “starting,” “working,” and “completing.” See the full project view and get inspired by the end result.

 

Forget talent.  

Maisel encourages readers to “forget about talent” and “concentrate on showing up”. Creativity is personal. Creativity comes because we’re designed to explore and open our minds. The mind is complex. Explore what’s inside.  

 

It’s time to make time...cultivate your creativity!