How To Get Inspiration

A common question in today's world of 9-5, M-F, and sometimes, constant 24-7 work. It's either creatives having a block, or managers looking to get more productivity out of a creative department (or IT department - I'd make the argument that programming, is in fact, creative, just a different kind).

Here's the secret - honor thy energy.

If you're a creative, your "life energy" is a little different than most folks. And, if you're trying to tap into previously undiscovered creativity, you need to realize it just doesn't appear. You need to give it space to do so.

What does that mean?

It means it's going to show up when you expose yourself to creative situations, and when you work comfortably.

That means that although a suit-and-tie atmosphere devalues you for working at 7:30p and not at 7:30a, it's OK. Some of my greatest creative inspiration has come after Thanksgiving dinners, or in the middle of a conversation. That's tough for others to live with, but it's how it goes. You can't just "produce" art at a time that your body and mind don't want to.

I also strongly advocate folks take a good look at David Allen's GTD system and 43Folders on productivity. I'm not saying you need to join the cult, but there are really good ideas. A key to being productive is not having stress... and having a "mind like water" attitude. Not to mention, avoid timesinks... a great synopsis on avoiding timesinks is here.

But backing up a moment, what is "mind like water?"

Let's draw a metaphor. The water is your brain, your soul, your you - the rock is the stuff you have to deal with. What happens when you throw the rock in the water? It creates waves and distorts for awhile, but eventually returns back to a serene state.

I'm guilty of this too - where something happens and it just discombobulates you to no end. But, if you keep in mind to keep your mind like water, you'll be more creative, come up with better ideas, and be much, much more productive.

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Mind Like Water, How To Get Water, GTD, Merlin Mann