This week we continue to explore creativity and the ways in which we can foster our creative thinking.
There seems to be a delicate balance between discipline and discovery.
The discipline is to create even during times that ideas aren’t naturally flowing. Engaging in creative work even when an idea isn’t there develops a repetitive practice that grows and refines your work.
However, spending too much time trying to force the work won’t help either.
Taking time for walks, exploration, and discovery provides the distraction the mind needs to work on the ideas in the background of your subconscious.
“Creativity Balances Discipline and Distraction.”
Lori Sullivan
My Story
My creativity takes the forms of writing, photography, and business/marketing strategy.
Each morning the discipline to write for the first 30 minutes of the day is non-negotiable. I may write at other points in the day, but there is no changing or skipping that first half hour.
Photography is less disciplined on the time, but I am committed to taking one photograph a day that follows a photo challenge. This helps me grow my skills and push to create even when uninspired.
Strategy, course development, and coaching all have creativity in the mix. However, my ability to describe the discipline applied to those is difficult.
I need to spend some time considering how I might (or if I need to) add a bit of discipline to these areas.
To provide distraction, I take walks, read, clean/organize something, and listen to podcasts.
These activities redirect my mind and let ideas spin in the background.
Your Turn
Can you identify the discipline and distractions for your creativity?
What type of discipline do you have in place?
What are the outlets you use to provide distractions?