Of all the reasons a creative may be at an impasse with productivity, one of the toughest to deal with is that of self-criticism. I’ve seen (and experienced) all too often the shutting down of one’s creative process because of over-analysis and the unfounded fear that what is being created “isn’t good enough.”

While there’s always the intimidation of open possibilities [that paralysis of the blank page], the process of editing and self-critiquing is a major threat to creativity. Why? Because, despite our creative essence’s ego, we can get hung up on the idea that what we produce might reveal our flaws or imperfections. When we feel that there’s a standard or reputation to uphold, the creative process can be hindered. Besides, it’s almost natural for the creative to always want to find something new, something better. I mean better to be safe than sorry, right?

Really? Says who? You? Are you the one on the receiving end of your work? And does it really matter?

Sure, we need to like what we produce, but not to the extent that it paralyzes us. Inertia is powerful. Fear even more so. It’s easier and safer to keep doing nothing than to put yourself out there. So, someone may not like it. Yeah, and…? There are eight billion people on planet Earth, with more arriving daily. I bet, somewhere, someone will appreciate your creations. Most importantly, you’ve gotten things moving and can either “fix it in the mix” or move on to create more.

The points are: Breathe. Relax. Enjoy the journey. It truly is the destination. Like the lyrics in The Carpenters’ song went, “Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing. Sing a song!” And you’re welcome for the earworm!

Remember, in the macro of your life and life’s creations, blips don’t matter, so create freely. Create for the joy of it. Save the editing and critiquing for some other time or some other person. Just let the ideas flow!

And so… now, it’s time for me to stop editing this and get it posted so that I can move on to the next creation!

It’s a different year, so I suppose that it’s time for another blog post. It’s always been my intention to write these more often than I do, and if you look at my Dropbox folder, you’ll see a lot of posts that have been started, but as you can see below, few have seen the light of day. Those that do are incredibly irregular [in terms of timing vs. content]. I’ll use this as a parable about the creative process.

Many times, the blank screen (or canvas, notebook, whiteboard, stockpot, etc.) is intimidating. Once prompted, ideas may flow freely, but the specter of freedom can sometimes be daunting.

I was very fortunate to recently work for a company where I regularly needed to come up with copy, marketing slogans, brand assets, etc. The consistent challenge brought forth some pretty good work, if, as my own worst critic, I say so myself. It was a perfect outlet as there was always a new challenge to conquer, with a specific goal. In this case, the needed end goal was the constraint that caused the work to happen.

It taught me that the creative well is always being refreshed, and if you keep yourself open to the process, there is always something new around the corner.

Indeed, the lack of blog entries hasn’t been for the lack of ideas. In a way, it was the polar opposite – too many ideas, so they just caused gridlock, and it was easier to punt than figure out how to clear things up and write this on a regular basis. Oh, I’m sure I’ll tap into those creative stores soon enough to come up with a plethora of excuses as to why I haven’t updated this more often, but for now, let me bask in the realization that writing about creativity is fun. It’s cathartic. It’s soul-baring, And, at least for me, it’s long overdue. I hope that you feel that way too.

Stay tuned for more. Promise or threat? I’ll let you decide!

Ideas are like… bellybuttons – everyone has them.

I started this process by asking ChatGPT, an AI system, what the value of ideas was. Here’s what it said:

Ideas can have a great deal of value, as they can lead to the development of new products, processes, or ways of thinking that can have significant impact. Ideas can also be valuable in more intangible ways, as they can inspire people and drive change. However, it’s important to note that not all ideas are valuable or worth pursuing. It takes time, effort, and resources to determine the value of an idea and to determine if it is worth pursuing.

Sure I agree with the above. It came from an artificial intelligence system, after all. That’s as good as finding almost anything else on the Internet…

But in reality, yes, ideas CAN be valuable – but ONLY if something is done with them. Existing in your mind, or a notebook, vacuum, index cards, Word document, etc., they live in limbo. It’s only when executed, built upon, shared, or patented that potential turns to real value. It takes action to breathe life into them. Otherwise, they have zero value. An idea not acted upon is a “woulda, coulda, shoulda.” Great fodder for stories but so what?

I’ll share a zillion-dollar idea with you: donuts that help you lose weight. Left in my notebooks, it’s worth zero. I don’t know how to execute it; it’s still just an idea. It’ll still be worth zero until someone can make them (and make them tasty). Perhaps YOU’LL be the one to bring it to reality – and if so, I expect a lifetime supply!

So get out there and come up with ideas, but even better, make them real. Do great things. Help people lose weight with donuts or…

Like it or not, we live in a world of labels. And then there are the labels others apply to us as well as those we apply to ourselves. Obviously, the most important ones are the self-imposed ones. The question is, are you using them as limitations or as invitations to something greater?

Suffice it to say that your perception of yourself is far more important than that of what others see you as. Yes, we may rely on others for employment or the need to feel appreciated, but at the end of the day, you are the driver of your life. How do you want to live it?

So, getting back to labels, where on the creative spectrum are you? And don’t tell me that you’re not. We’ll dig deeper into the concept that everyone is creative in another blog post.

Are you a writer, tattoo artist, dancer, cook, designer, engineer, actor, painter, woodworker, architect, musician, sculptor, metal worker, floral arranger, poet, inventor, illustrator, cartoonist, singer, baker, craftsperson, website builder filmmaker, dreamer, storyteller, computer programmer, mime, voiceover artist, or…?

Is this a job, a hobby, a curiosity, or…?

Do you do this full-time or as inspiration strikes?

Can you check off more than one of these things?

Does any of this matter? Of course not! Mix and match all of these! Do what you want, when and where you want it. There is no reason to fall into any prescriptive mode. All that does is satisfy the people who can’t see beyond their own limits.

Your ability doesn’t matter as long as you’re doing it. Proficiency improves with experience.

Be bold, be creative, and be what YOU want to be. Wear ALL the labels proudly. And in doing so, I’m sure you’ll have a creative way of doing so.

It’s that time of year again – a new year has arrived, and with it comes the opportunity to set goals and start fresh. For many people, this means resolving to get in shape, save money, or make other positive changes in their lives. But what about tapping into your creativity? Why not make this the year that you nurture your creative side and embark on a journey of creative expansion?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Set aside dedicated time for creative pursuits. It can be easy to let life get in the way and neglect our creative endeavors. To make sure you’re able to progress, set aside specific times each week to work on your projects. This could be as simple as an hour on Sunday mornings or 30 minutes each evening before bed.
2. Experiment with different mediums. Trying new things is a great way to spark creativity and find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try experiment with a new form of creativity, whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, writing, or something else entirely.
3. Find a community of like-minded people. Surrounding yourself with others who are also interested in creative thinking can be incredibly motivating. Consider joining a club or group, taking a class, or simply connecting with other artists or thinkers online.
4. Take breaks and allow yourself to relax. Creativity doesn’t always come easily, and sometimes, we need to take a break to let our minds rest. Ensure you set aside time to relax and recharge, whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or simply enjoying some downtime.
5. Appreciate what you’ve done. The beauty of creating is that what you produce hasn’t been made before. Sometimes it’s good; sometimes, it’s… not as good. That doesn’t matter. What matters is showing up and being in the creative game. Everything happens in its time!

Starting off the new year with an intentional journey of creativity can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will it allow you to exercise your right brain, but it can also help you relax and de-stress. Make 2023 the year that you embrace the creative journey, and you’ll be amazed when you look back in 12 months! It truly is a case of the journey being the destination!

Okay, it’s been six years since the last post.

So… how’ve you been? Anything new?

There’s a ton of creativity and thinking about creativity in my life these days, so let’s see about keeping this thing going. In true management form, I’ll put part of the onus on you, dear reader, and ask for ideas, suggestions, comments, and donuts – the stuff that makes a good blog great!

Happy 2023! Let’s rock!

Yes, many of these rang true for me.

 
We’ll delve into many over time. In the meantime, enjoy the article from The Next Web.

 
How many struck a nerve with you?

Okay, so we’ve determined this is the year to be / continue on our creative journeys.

 
Yay!

 
So, what’s it going to be, boy?

 
Make your list of goals. This is not a hokey list of New Years resolutions (that rarely get done).

 
This is your guide. Your business plan. This is what your creative life depends on.

 
You know you can’t hit a target unless you see it. And you can’t aim at it if you don’t know what it looks like.

 
Here’s your chance to lay out the year ahead. It’s okay to be bold. Be audacious. Shoot for the stars.

 
Be aggressive. Get it down there. The list can be tidied up later. The important thing is to quantify what you want to have happen. It’s like the old saw, “Plan your work then work your plan.”

 
Let’s get that plan out there. Let’s have enough stuff to keep ourselves interested and challenged thought the remainder of 2017. We’ll have plenty of time to think about what happens beyond that, but the journey is ready to get going and YOU better be there!

 
I have plans for numerous creative endeavors including being aggressive in my writing and voiceover work. And I’ve had a tendency to want to make sure that I keep up my art but it often falls by the wayside. There’s now no escape. I’ve got my plans. Now I need to work them. And you know what? This is just the tip of the iceberg.

 
Some icebergs sink ships. Others chill a martini to perfection. You know what it is I’m looking forward to!

 
What are you doing next? Show that iceberg who’s boss!

It’s been a busy few days wrapping up 2016 and preparing for the New Year. Now that 2017 is closing in on a full day old and most of the detritus from last night’s celebrations have been cleaned up, it’s time to jump back into the realities of life.

 
So… What are you going to be creating this year? What are your plans to do what hasn’t been done before? Are you going to share it with the world? Why or why not?

 
Today starts a new sketch book and you’ve got all the proverbial art supplies at your disposal. Time to get going!

 
Write. Paint. Dance. Sing. Create.

 
Let’s all look back at 2017 and marvel at how creatively fulfilling it was. And while we’re at it, a little financial success as a result of our creative work work wouldn’t be a bad thing, either.

 
The beauty of this space is that it’s far from a zero-sum game. Let’s ALL get the fulfillment we desire and have a heck of a fun time doing so.

 
Ugh – just found more chips on the floor to clean.

 
Talk later…

Click on the blue text-box above for an inspiring article from The Hollywood Reporter.

And be sure to read the full essay that accompanies it.