business - Live Life Well

24, July 2023

The dark side of creativity

Stories of movie stars and rock stars self medicating themselves into oblivion, chefs and doctors suiciding, and designers burning out are common in the news. There’s an aspect of creativity that isn’t all sweetness and light. Some of the brightest and best end up hurting themselves or taking their lives, and end up breaking the hearts of the people who love them the most. And there’s always that lingering question: “Why? They had everything going for them, they had everything to live for.”

The dark side of creativity refers to the potentially negative aspects or consequences that can arise from the creative process or creative individuals.

While creativity is celebrated and valued, there are several aspects that can be problematic or detrimental: Continue reading “The dark side of creativity”

23, July 202323, July 2023

But I’m just not creative!

“I’m just not creative!”

I’ve heard that story so many times. It’s a great excuse for not writing or painting or whatever else it is that’s plucking your heart strings, but honestly, it’s just not true. Yes, you mightn’t have all the time you want, or you can’t afford expensive materials, but often it comes down to a single painful truth: Somewhere, some time, maybe when you were around the age of 12, someone made you feel bad about you and your creative work. To protect yourself from that hurtful feeling you just stopped being creative. At least in your mind.

We are all born with a creative spark. It is what allows us to see the world in new and different ways. It is what drives us to express ourselves through art, music, writing, and other forms of self-expression. People who say they aren’t creative often collect art, or love to attend concerts, or run businesses or work in professions that demand creative responses every day.

Signs that you might have shut down your creativity can be that you feel like you’re not good enough, or that your ideas aren’t original. You may be afraid to take risks, or you may simply be too busy with other things. You dare not paint or draw or write or do anything directly that highlights your hidden creativity. After all, there’s that inner 12-year old that must be obeyed.

If some of these words strike a chord with you, I encourage you to reconnect with your creative spirit. It is a journey that is filled with endless possibilities. Don’t go through life locked into a self-image determined by you aged 12. Your self-image has lied to you all these years.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Continue reading “But I’m just not creative!”

16, July 202321, July 2023

How to Work Smarter, Not Harder as a Creative

Ever seen the sunrise after an all-nighter? Another summer day and you’re still in the office seeing the sunset?

As creatives, we know that working hard is important. But you need to know that working smarter is even more important. When you work smarter, you can be more productive and creative, and you can also save time and energy.

Here are some tips on how to work smarter, not harder:
Continue reading “How to Work Smarter, Not Harder as a Creative”

9, July 202321, July 2023

Finding Authenticity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Creative

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in your creative field? Like you’re not good enough, or that you’re a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. Many creative people experience imposter syndrome, which is a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy. You might’ve experienced the feeling of being overawed by someone with astounding talent – creative works just drip off them seemingly effortlessly or they seem to lead charmed lives. Or you go to a conference or a lecture theatre or a studio or an exhibition or an audition and everyone *EVERYONE* is a thousand times more talented, skilful, cool, better looking, better connected, better blah, blah, blah. You’re just not good enough. It’s a horrible feeling.

Imposter syndrome can be really tough to deal with, but it doesn’t have to control you. There are ways to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace your authentic creative voice.

Here are some tips: Continue reading “Finding Authenticity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Creative”

7, July 202321, July 2023

The Art of Receiving Feedback

Have you ever gotten feedback that made you feel upset or hurt? It can be tough to handle criticism, but did you know that too much flattery doesn’t always help you grow either?

To grow as a creative it’s helpful explore how to handle feedback effectively by toning down harsh criticism and diluting excessive flattery. By finding the right balance, we can learn and grow while staying positive. You can do it – T.G.I.F (Thank God I’m Fabulous) – right?
Continue reading “The Art of Receiving Feedback”

5, July 202321, July 2023

How Good People Thrive in Tough Times

How good people thrive in tough times
Life is full of challenges, and tough times can often test our resilience and character. But it’s the strength of good people that shines through.

Somehow, no matter how overwhelmed, burnt out, tapped out, and/or freaked out, individuals with integrity, empathy, and creativity manage in tough times, often connecting with other creative people who are also navigating adversity. And that’s one clue right there. Continue reading “How Good People Thrive in Tough Times”

4, July 202321, July 2023

Unlocking the Flow: How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Your ideas matter (write them down)

Writer’s block is a pain, right? It’s that feeling of staring at a blank page, unable to put your thoughts into words. It can be frustrating and discouraging, but it doesn’t have to stop you from writing.

There are a few strategies that can help you overcome writer’s block and get your creative juices flowing again. Here are a few of my favourites: Continue reading “Unlocking the Flow: How to Overcome Writer’s Block”

3, July 202321, July 2023

Embracing Innovation: The Key to Business Success

Dachshund thinks outside the box
As the business landscape rapidly evolves, tinkering around and thinking outside the box has become an ever more essential skill for success. While the phrase may sound cliché, its underlying message is more relevant than ever. To thrive in a competitive market, businesses need to foster a vigorous culture of creativity and innovation that smashes far beyond the traditional boundaries.

Why Traditional Approaches Fall Short:
Traditional business practices and conventional thinking can only take an organisation so far. In a world marked by constant change and disruptive technologies, businesses must break free from the status quo. By clinging to familiar methods, companies risk being left behind while their competitors embrace forward-thinking strategies. Continue reading “Embracing Innovation: The Key to Business Success”

1, July 202321, July 2023

Creativity as a Competitive Advantage

One yacht
My Dad told me, “Always paddle your own canoe.” It was kind of a family joke because he’d been given a canoe, tried it out on the farm dam, and discovered why he’d been given the canoe. Ignoring the water weeds and my mother’s laughter, I think he’s absolutely right. Paddle your own canoe. Do the work, create your own way in the world.

In today’s business world, creativity is more important than ever. While there’s limited value in reinventing the wheel, riffing off an idea and enhancing a new version. It’s the key to standing out from the competition and finding new and innovative ways to succeed.

Creativity allows businesses to differentiate themselves from their competitors. By focusing on innovation and coming up with fresh ideas, organisations can offer unique products, services, and experiences that capture the attention and loyalty of customers. In a sea of similar offerings, creativity sets businesses apart and makes them memorable.

It’s just on 220 years since the first horseless carriage was used in London. While it was a phenomenal leap of inventive genius, today’s most basic car is a vast jump in terms of speed, comfort, and efficiency. Creativity fuels problem-solving and drives innovation. When faced with challenges, businesses that foster a creative mindset can find effective solutions. They can adapt to changing market demands, identify emerging trends, and seize new opportunities. Creativity gives businesses the agility and flexibility they need to navigate an ever-evolving business world.

So, how can you unleash your creative potential and leverage it as a competitive advantage? Here are a few tips: Continue reading “Creativity as a Competitive Advantage”