Action For or Reaction Against?
Creativity is best used as an originating action. All too often though, the creative thought process is only really called upon in situations where there is a problem and a solution needs to be created as soon as possible.
The latter is based on reaction and by default, any reaction to something is already a huge impedance to creativity because you are starting with restricted parameters – i.e. the situation dictates your starting point for coming up with ideas. Of course having to come up with something creative in order to solve an immediate problem can be very beneficial for creativity if you are able to spend less energy on the thinking side or should I say the "Racking your brains" approach.
Trying to come up with ideas rarely works because of the limitations of the conscious mind, constantly being drawn back to "What is" and getting in the way of a totally new train of thought to emerge. If you are able to calm your mind and, for want of a better phrase, allow a solution to come to you then you may have better results.
Now in a critical situation where a solution needs to be created "Right Now Goddammit", (typically in a business environment) there is no easy way to do this and especially no easy way to convince a client or a corporate manager that the best way for you to deal with it is to "Let it go and hand it over with an open mind", so what do you do?
Well like most things that really matter it takes a longer term view and approach. You must carry out an ongoing practice to applying your thinking in a creative way in situations that are not so urgent, so that your reactive state of mind is more adept at stepping out of the way to allow your creative frame of mind to take center stage and weave it’s creative magic.
The more time you devote to being creative, the more creative you will be (obviously), but the more it will show when it really matters and when everybody else is still struggling to come with anything helpful you will shine as the person who always saves the day.
Some people have made a business out of being a problem solver. They devote their energy to creating solutions for potential problems in various potential situations. Once they create them and document them, they can then sell their knowledge of solving such a problem to others who find themselves stuck. The more solutions you create for potential problems, the better you’ll be able to help people overcome problems when they arise and you’ll have a blueprint for adapting your existing solutions into new solutions for unexpected problems.
Creativity isn’t a god-given talent, it is a discipline.
Make Success a Habit - Mind over Matter, Heart over Mind
Avoid breaking more New Year Resolutions. Break the cycle instead and be inspired to create the life you really desire.
