The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Cable spool in a desert - The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Challenges are inevitable – that’s a given. But what about those moments when it feels like you’re running on empty? Creativity? You’re kidding – it’s all gone. As a leader, there will be times when inspiration seems scarce. It’s precisely during these moments that you can unearth some of your most innovative ideas. This article explores the art of being creative when you feel like you’ve got nothing.

1. Embrace Limitations:
Instead of viewing constraints as roadblocks, treat them as creative challenges. When resources are scarce, your ingenuity shines. Think of iconic brands like Apple that created revolutionary products with limited resources.

2. Step Away for Clarity:
Sometimes, the best way to boost creativity is to take a step back. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in a brief relaxation practice. Have a shower, have a nap. Stepping away from the problem at hand can help you return with fresh ideas. Continue reading “The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing”

How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI

Person with umbrella reflected in a puddle

Many creatives are feeling threatened by artificial intelligence (AI). There are stories of jobs vanishing, and of AI automating anything and everything. Some of that is true, AI is automating various aspects of work. There’s no need to become a postmodern Luddite. There’s still a significant role for human creativity.

Here’s how creatives can not only respond but thrive in this changing landscape

Continue reading “How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI”

Take Notice: Balancing Work, Life, and Mental Well-Being

Monday: Take Notice by Trevor Romain

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in Aotearoa New Zealand. I think we might be the only country in the world that makes a kind of national festival raising awareness of mental health. Mental health issues are reaching crisis levels around the globe. Is there anything we can do to protect our loved ones and ourselves? What can we do about caring for our mental health?

Our careers and businesses demand our constant attention. It’s easy to become caught up in the relentless pursuit of success. The pressure to excel in both our professional and personal lives can take a toll on mental health. If you recognise this in yourself there’s some things you can do to help.

There’s a valuable lesson in mindfulness practices: the importance of taking notice. Continue reading “Take Notice: Balancing Work, Life, and Mental Well-Being”

Storytelling: Better Work Stories

Crafting Compelling Narratives for Business Success

Effective communication is an essential. Of course, conveying facts and figures is a given. But after endless turgid presentations even the most focussed minds start to wander. The solution is to create an emotional connection with your audience. And that’s where storytelling comes into play.

The Power of Storytelling:
Storytelling is a timeless art that transcends generations and cultures. It’s a tool that captivates, persuades, and engages. When done right, it can be a game-changer for businesses and professionals alike.

Connecting on a Deeper Level:
We like to think our audience wants digital, instant app-driven magic. But grabbing and maintaining your audience’s attention is an age-old challenge. Facts and statistics alone may not cut it. A well-crafted narrative not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression. A positive impression is career building. Continue reading “Storytelling: Better Work Stories”

The Cure for the Know-It-All Syndrome

Don't be a know-it-all
Have you ever felt like you’ve reached the peak of your career and there is nothing more to learn? Do you feel bored, stuck, or burned out by doing the same things over and over again? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be suffering from a common problem. It’s familiar to experienced and mature management executives, business owners, and professionals. It’s the know-it-all syndrome.

The know-it-all syndrome is when you think you have all the answers. You’ve seen it all before. You stop being curious, open-minded, and willing to learn new things. This limits your personal growth, professional development, and creativity. It can also make you miss out on valuable opportunities, insights, and innovations.

Worst of all, you risk alienating your friends, colleagues, and family. No-one likes a crusty know-it-all. When you see your dog cringe that’s a sure sign things are bad. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

So how can you overcome the know-it-all syndrome and bring and positive change in your life and work? Continue reading “The Cure for the Know-It-All Syndrome”

What is your secret superpower?

What is your secret superpower?
Art is not only something you see in a museum or a gallery. Art is something you do every day, in your own way. Artistry is how you express yourself, how you solve problems, how you make the world a better place.

Some people paint, write, or draw. Some people design buildings or shoes. These are familiar examples of creativity. But there are many other ways people create, some while not even recognising how great their work is. Some people are terrific at sales. Countless others find creativity in accounting solutions, raising money for charities, or even serving in supermarket checkouts. These are valuable and important creative expressions, even works of art. Continue reading “What is your secret superpower?”

Changing Me: Reigniting Our Creative Spark

Growth and change are part of our life journey

Change is a constant companion on life’s journey. It’s the river that carries us forward, shaping and moulding our identities. We’re so busy in the flow of daily change that we sometimes miss the profound impacts on our creative selves.

Do you remember finding the first grey hair?

Personal change, through growth and creative development, is rarely about abrupt shifts. It’s our subtle transformations that occur as we journey through life’s phases. These changes, whether welcomed or not, offer opportunities to reinvent and re-energise ourselves. Continue reading “Changing Me: Reigniting Our Creative Spark”

How to Find Your Creative Voice

How to find your creative voice

Creativity resides within each of us, but at times, it seems elusive. It’s often buried beneath layers of doubt and inhibition. We find ourselves tangled in the expectations of others or shackled by the fear of falling short. Yet, like any other skill, creativity thrives with exercise. It is a muscle that strengthens through practice. Your unique creative voice is waiting for you to discover it.

Here are invaluable insights to help you uncover and nurture your creative voice: Continue reading “How to Find Your Creative Voice”

How to Build a Strong Elevator Pitch

What's your elevator pitch?
What’s an elevator pitch? You get in a lift and you notice the other passenger is Peter Jackson. Do you nod (in the polite way your mother taught you) and stare at the lights? Or do you smile, and say, “Hello Peter, I’m the best animator you’ll meet today.” And then launch into your brief, compelling sales message.

And that’s it in a nutshell. An elevator pitch is a short, persuasive speech. You put your best foot forward, introduce yourself, and present your business or ideas. It should be brief enough so you can deliver it in the time it takes to ride an elevator, or about 30 seconds.

Here are some tips for building a strong elevator pitch: Continue reading “How to Build a Strong Elevator Pitch”

Prospecting for Creative Success

Pitching for Creative Success
Whatever your field – writing, illustration, design – there’s one universal truth. Creativity is your superpower. But all creatives need to harness their bravery when it comes to prospecting for new business. From there, they need courage to turn clients into satisfied partners.

The Journey of Courage

Prospecting is the gentle art of seeking new business opportunities. It’s an essential first step to creative success. Some people love the process. They see it as an adventure that requires both creativity and courage. The journey sometimes begins with careful identification of potential clients or collaborators. Other times circumstances means you have to dive headfirst into the unknown. You swallow your fears and you present your ideas with no prior planning – the famous elevator pitch. Continue reading “Prospecting for Creative Success”