creativity - Live Life Well

25, July 2023

What is the Most Creative Act a Person Can Do?

Creativity is a broad term that can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean painting a beautiful picture or writing a moving poem. For others, it might mean coming up with a new business idea or solving a difficult problem.

But what is the most creative act a person can do?

I believe that the most creative act a person can do is to be themselves. This means being true to who you are, even if it means being different from everyone else. It means following your own path, even if it’s not the easiest one. And it means being brave enough to express yourself, even if you’re afraid of what others might think.

Being yourself is the most creative act because it’s the only thing that no one else can do. It’s the only thing that’s truly original. And it’s the only thing that can truly make a difference in the world.

When you’re being yourself, you’re not just creating something new. You’re also inspiring others to be themselves. You’re showing them that it’s okay to be different, and that they can make a difference in the world too.

So if you’re looking for the most creative act you can do, I encourage you to be yourself. Be brave. Be different. And make a difference.

Here are some tips for being more creative: Continue reading “What is the Most Creative Act a Person Can Do?”

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!”

22, July 202321, July 2023

Looking Ahead: A Future Reimagined

The world is changing at an unprecedented rate. Technology is advancing at a breakneck speed, and the way we live, work, and interact with each other is being fundamentally transformed.

This change can be both exciting and daunting. On the one hand, it opens up new possibilities for creativity and innovation. On the other hand, it can be challenging to keep up with the pace of change and to adapt to new ways of doing things.

As we look ahead to the future, it is important to reimagine what is possible. We need to think about how we can use technology to solve problems, create new experiences, and make the world a better place. There is no substitute for thinking. We need creative people and creative solutions like never before.

Here are some ideas for how we can reimagine the future: Continue reading “Looking Ahead: A Future Reimagined”

21, July 2023

Embracing the Dolphin Spirit: Thriving Amidst Chaos and Difficult Environments

In the vast ocean, dolphins stand out for their remarkable agility, intelligence, and adaptability. As creative individuals, we, too, can find ourselves trapped in challenging work or life environments. Drawing inspiration from the attributes of dolphins, we can cultivate a mindset of resilience and embrace the dolphin spirit to not only survive but thrive in unpredictable, turbulent, or even hostile situations. Continue reading “Embracing the Dolphin Spirit: Thriving Amidst Chaos and Difficult Environments”

11, July 202321, July 2023

Free your mind: Use Mental Mastery To Unleash Your Creativity

Creativity is a powerful force. It can help us solve problems, express ourselves, and make the world a better place. But sometimes, our creativity can be blocked by our own thoughts and feelings.

That’s where mental mastery comes in. Mental mastery is the ability to control our thoughts and emotions so that they don’t get in the way of our creativity. Our minds become free to focus in the direction we want.

There are a few key things that we can do to master and, as a result, free our mind on the way to unleashing our creativity:
Continue reading “Free your mind: Use Mental Mastery To Unleash Your Creativity”

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”

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”

24, June 202330, June 2023

Relax! How Taking Breaks Boosts Your Creativity

Man in a tree boosting his creativity by relaxing.
In our fast-paced world, it can be hard to find time to take a break. Worse than that, if you’re driven, you feel guilty or bad if you’re not working 24/7 (and the weekends too). But did you know that taking breaks can actually help you be more creative?

That’s right! When we’re constantly working, our brains can get overwhelmed and fatigued. This can make it difficult to think clearly and come up with new ideas. But when we take a break, our brains have a chance to rest and recharge. This allows us to come back to our work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

In addition, taking breaks gives our brains a chance to “incubate” ideas. Incubation is the process of subconscious thinking that happens when we’re not actively working on a problem. This is when our brains make connections between different ideas and come up with creative solutions.

So, how can you take breaks that boost your creativity? Here are a few tips:

Get outside. Taking a walk in nature is a great way to clear your head and relax your mind.
Listen to music. Listening to music can help you focus and de-stress.
Engage in a hobby. Doing something you enjoy can help you tap into your creativity.
Take a power nap. A short nap can help you recharge your batteries and improve your focus.

Taking breaks doesn’t mean you have to stop working altogether. You can still be productive while you’re taking a break. Just make sure to do something that relaxes you and helps you clear your head.

So, next time you’re feeling stressed or stuck, take a break. Your creativity will thank you for it!

Here are some additional benefits of taking breaks:

Reduces stress
Improves focus and concentration
Boosts energy levels
Increases productivity
Prevents burnout

So, what are you waiting for? Start taking a few deliberate breaths and a fewbreaks today and see how they can boost your creativity and overall well-being.

Photo by Rob Mulally on Unsplash

23, June 202321, July 2023

How to cope with failure

Failure is an ugly place, I’m not going to pretend it’s not. I hate it when my plans don’t turn out.

Even as I write this I can feel the bitter taste of failure welling up in my throat. You might recognise that taste, that feeling, too. I wish I could give you some deep and meaningful quotes that makes it all go away. But it doesn’t. It’s a condition of being alive and you can take some comfort in being alive.

Sometimes that’s a small comfort. I know that. Things go wrong and *bang* I’m that determined (but misguided) four year old who sewed the oven cloth to my clothes. By mistake or misunderstanding, it makes no difference, the only way out was cutting my work off me. My sister made a big deal of my failure, and that really hurt.

I’ve failed so many times I’ve finally began to build a relationship with failure. Along the way I’ve learned a few tricks to make the depressing ditchwater taste a little better. Here are a few suggestions – tips for how to cope:
Continue reading “How to cope with failure”

18, June 202310, November 2023

Achieving a Work/Life Balance

Neon sign inviting you to work harder. A healthy work/life balance is essential to sustain passion and prevent burnout.
Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is crucial for creatives to sustain their passion and prevent burnout. The media is full of stories about stressed out executives who reinvent themselves as artists or undertake a midlife apprenticeship – but it’s nigh on impossible for a carpenter or a fabric designer to reinvent themselves as a corporate high flier. People in the corporate sector might even have the luxury of going part-time while they pursue an art or trade as a hobby that becomes a side gig that becomes an income. Good luck with reversing that flow if you’re milliner. Drain layer. Gardener.

In the realm of arts and trades, finding a balance between the tensions of professional pursuits and personal well-being becomes an absolute priority. Sure, right? Sounds so easy but before you know it you’re working through the night, through the weekend, 24/7 no problem. That’s not unique to arts, trades, corporates, business, or even a job of any kind. We throw our lives at our work. Before you know it our precious lives are quickly fading echoes.

Actually, that’s if you’re lucky…

You know among your extended family and contacts there are people who’ve experienced mental and physical health issues that are at the very least catalysed by their daily work. Stress, trauma, long hours, disrupted sleep, drugs, alcohol, self medication, suicide. “It’s only rock ‘n’ roll” is not an acceptable, mature response.

Establishing clear boundaries and prioritising self-care are key to finding balance. Setting realistic goals and managing time efficiently helps creatives maintain a sense of control over their workload. Embrace creativity outside of work, explore new hobbies, and seek inspiration from diverse sources to reignite passion and prevent monotony. Collaborating with peers and mentors provides valuable support and guidance. Maybe do some volunteer work. A weekend workshop. Get a coach. Striking the right balance between work and personal life not only enhances overall well-being but also fuels creative growth, productivity, and long-term success.

Photo credit: Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash