Learn how to bridge the distance between where you are and your creative aspirations
You walk into a room full of self-proclaimed non-creatives, and then you start unpacking what’s in your creative toolbox. And why not? Because it’s about time everyone realized that creativity goes way beyond drawing stick figures, right? Whether you're in marketing, blogging, or just navigating the daily hoops of life, expressing your creative mojo can move mountains and make even the mundane seem super-charged.
The Art and Science of Being Creative
First off, let's shatter the myth that creativity is limited to artsy things like painting or playing the ukulele. No, creativity can pop up in how you organize, draft an email, or even choose toppings for your pizza. Creative blocks are real beasts—we all face them. They can come disguised as life, burnout, ADHD, judgment, oversaturation, lack of inspiration, or just plain old lack of time.
In my presentation at Digital Summit, one brave soul mentioned how burnout could be a major creativity killer. I’ve been there. Hi, my name is Mike, and I once had my creativity shelved for ten whopping years due to burnout and, eventually, depression. Spoiler alert: I found my way back. And so can you.
My Story: From Burnout to Daily Art Love Affair
So, let’s role-play. Imagine being that kid who just loved to create—cartoon greeting cards, mini-masterpieces, gifts for family. Fast-forward through art school, a career in advertising, and bam! Burnout hits you harder than a double espresso. That’s where my story took a detour, one that saw me leaving the industry I loved and falling into another career that was a mismatch for my skills and passion. Hello, depression.
But every depressing dark tunnel has a spark of light somewhere. For me, it was rediscovering my creativity through a 365-day art challenge. It began with sketching a Starbucks cup, and let me tell you—if that drawing were a coffee, it’d be decaf. However, it was my gateway drug to light up my creative neurons again.
Start Small, Think Big
If you're aiming to revive your creative spirit, don’t go all-in with a Sistine Chapel-level project. Start small. I managed just 15-20 minutes a day initially, which is surprisingly rewarding. Here’s why: Small is manageable. Small builds a habit. Small consistently, over time, gets you places.
Action Step: Identify a tiny task connected to your creative goal. Write it down. Is it sketching? Drafting a sentence? Poring over a new recipe? Do it, even if it’s just for five minutes. Baby steps, folks. Baby steps lead to giant creative leaps.
Schedule It Like an Important Date
Yeah, I hear you laughing. Schedule creativity? What is this, a dentist appointment? But trust me, putting it in your calendar is like setting a non-negotiable date with your creative self.
Action Step: Block time for your creative pursuits. Be fierce about protecting it. Call it “Soul Food Session” if you need a swanky title. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s immovable, like your preferred Netflix binge-watching slot.
Overcoming the Gap: From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
We've all felt that gap—the frustrating void between our current self and that ideal version where creativity flows like a chocolate fountain. Getting comfortable with this gap and finding ways to traverse it is half the battle won.
Action Step: Write down one specific, tangible creative goal. Make sure it excites and terrifies you in equal measure. Now, jot down the next smallest step toward it. Not the big leap, just the very next baby stride.
Why This Matters: Beyond Personal Growth
Here’s the kicker: Creativity is not just personal therapy. It's a game-changer professionally and socially. When you unlock your creative potential, you’re generating value—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. Plus, you’re way more interesting at parties.
Remember that stat from Adobe: 75% of people think they aren’t living up to their creative potential. That’s a jaw-dropping figure, and I bet some part of it resonates.
The Grand Finale: Keep Showing Up
So, what’s next? Just keep showing up. Day by day, step by step. Your creativity isn’t a switch to flip on. It’s a smoldering ember that needs consistent fanning. Show up in those scheduled slots, even if only to draw the worst Starbucks cup of your life. Before you know it, you're not just living; you’re alive.
So my dear creative aspirant, what’s your Starbucks cup gonna be?