Spark Creativity at Work
Have you ever wondered where creativity comes from? Is it a magical spark bestowed upon a chosen few, or a muscle that can be strengthened with practice? Personally, I've come to view creativity as a bottomless reservoir, a well from which we draw endless streams of ideas and innovation, even when we sometimes feel depleted.
Back in my late '90s college days in NYC, surrounded by a sea of liberal arts students, I often felt like a creativity desert. Their effortless flow of artistic expression, from acting to dance, seemed worlds apart from my structured path in business management and information systems.
But it wasn't until I entered the workforce that I realized creativity knows no bounds and should never be confined to such narrow definitions. We all possess the capacity to create, each in our own unique way. As long as our creations serve our needs or contribute to the greater good, we've fully embraced the power of creativity.
One book that has become a guiding light on my creative journey is The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Her 12-week guide serves as a roadmap to unlock creativity in all aspects of life, work, and art. One of her most profound insights particularly resonates:
"Work begets work. Small actions lead us to the larger movements in our creative lives. Take one small daily action instead of indulging in the big questions."
Whether you're pursuing a career on stage or in computer programming, the act of creation itself holds the key, not the final masterpiece.
When working with clients to unlock their creative potential at work, I often encourage them to examine their daily tasks. By identifying what brings them joy and finding ways to infuse even mundane routines with a touch of fun, we unlock the doors to their childlike creativity.
Among the hustle and bustle of life, let's also not forget the power of silence. Silence doesn’t cost us a thing, yet, it’s seems to elude us. Silence acts as a fertile ground for creativity to flourish, allowing our minds to wander, our hearts to flutter, and our ideas to surface. As Albert Einstein once wisely observed:
"It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it."
He lists five situations where embracing silence can be particularly beneficial:
When you are angry. When you are sad. When you are worried. When you are tired. When you are happy.
So go forth, and let those creative juices flow…
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