“Unused creativity is not benign. It gets metastasized. It turns into grief, rage, judgment, sorrow, shame. We are divine beings and we are by nature, creative.”
Dr Brene Brown
The most successful people cultivate creativity. But many of us forget about the importance of creative time and play. We turn up our busy noses at artistic exploration when the irony is that making time for a creative outlet enhances our ability to be more effective in other areas of your life – including at work (it doesn’t matter if you are a CPA). And, as Dr Brown states, there are serious repercussions if we douse our creative spark altogether.
Our younger selves understand the importance of creativity, imagination and expression but as we grow up it gets lost along the way.
Here are 10 ways to reconnect with your creative, authentic self:
1. Ask yourself, what did you love to do as a child?
Write stories? Paint? Dance? Build? Play detective? Whatever it was, there is an adult version for you! Some of the coolest people I know in New York have singing lessons for fun, partake in diverse dance classes, attend and speak at poetry readings and spend their Saturday mornings painting furniture.
2. Don’t over think it
Creativity can be found in many forms. Putting together a perfect brunch outfit, cooking a new/different cuisine, testing fun recipes to sneak vegetables into your children’s food are all forms of creativity. Start somewhere by doing an old, regimented task in a new way.
3. Include others
Creativity can really be enjoyed in groups. Find your tribe. Some of the greatest, newer friendships I have made have been made through a shared love of writing, success psychology and spiritual literature. Get around people who love what you love. Introduce people to your creative passion too, you may be surprised at who else would also love to learn Italian! You may also create some of the greatest friendships of your life this way.
4. Set the scene
When I need to set down to write or prepare a topic I get myself into the zone by playing an upbeat playlist, putting the kettle on, lighting a candle and arranging fresh flowers in my work space. Surround yourself with an uplifting setting to inspire you and want to keep you there.
5. Remove limits
Our greatest ideas come from an unlimited source of imagination. If Richard Brandon thought the sky was the limit, Virgin Galactic would never have been born. Lose the mental (and truly non-existent) boundaries of what’s possible for you to enjoy creating.
6. Don’t worry about the outcome
Creativity is about the journey. Being in the flow. Surrender the outcome to whatever it will be. Commit to relish the sheer process of creating.
7. Remind yourself that you are talented
What past creative achievements are you proud of? You might have to think deeply here as so many of your achievements are creative without you realising it. Did you build an original PowerPoint deck? Did you buy some tulips and arrange them beautifully? Did you find a vintage chair and find the perfect spot in your apartment to place it? This is creativity in motion! Once you pay attention to your daily creative tasks and make increasing their frequency a priority you will be amazed at the impact it has on your life.
In order to maximize your potential and emotional wellbeing it’s crucial to bring light to your creative essence. It’s at the very core of your being. When and what was your last creative project?
Love Susie
