The mind’s ability to develop, even as an adult, is incredible. Often the process of genuine self discovery leads to the development of a greater sense of what creative leadership means in our daily lives. Creative leaders don’t just want to live their dreams, they want to fully experience every juicy moment of their lives. Consciously creating and living your dreams is the height of the creative process. But if your creativity has been feeling vague to you lately or you’re feeling blocked in this vital area of self-expression, here are 9 keys ways to connect with your creative mind and boost your awareness as to its power in all aspects of your life.
1) Be curious
If you want to keep nimble & creative, it’s essential to continue to explore: new perspectives, experiences and situations; whether by reading a book, volunteering, talking more with your children, or just examining your judgments. Notice what you are beginning to be curious about and then follow where it leads you.
One of the fringe benefits of being creatively fit is how easy it is for you to generate new ideas and travel from one to the next because of how flexible and adaptable your mind is in its associations. Innovation requires the reframing of a thought pattern and exchanging it for a series of other possibilities before deciding on which one is most compelling. What if your latest idea is completely outrageous? Maybe to those who are not that creative…confidence + action = wonderful creations.
2) Crack the books
Old school? Sure, but nothing else I know beats the results I get from reading a book (not a screen). People who take and create the time to read at least 10 books a year are more imaginative, reflective and able to associate at a faster pace then those who don’t. Can you achieve personal and artistic growth without reading? Sure, but why would you want to? Reading a book for a minimum of 10 pages a day spikes your creativity to the adjacent possible without fail. What about blogs, ezines, etc? Nutritional frosting, but the act of holding a book is a different level of focus and holds a more potent creative juice. Skimming does not yield the same results.
3) Get messy
A true sign of creative mastery? Being comfortable in a range of intense experiences. What defines intense for you is anything out of your equilibrium. Being present when others are highly emotional, or situations become out of alignment is a choice that allows a leader to adapt no matter what the “mess.” Messy business is like traveling through a bad storm at night, not often fun but easy terrain for anyone who knows their direction and is sure of their ability to navigate their way there clearly. Best initial strategy upon experiencing a mess? Meet it openly for what it is, an opportunity for growth.
4) Embrace fun more seriously
Make a business out of your hobbies. Don’t push your passions off to the side just because you *can’t* find enough time for anything but your job. Your real job is living up to your potential and your potential is always flirting with you. Follow it where ever it takes you, it has your best interest at heart. With so many great and inexpensive options around town or on the internet, sign up and take a podcasting class or check out the gallery talk series at your local museums. Whether you are there to network, ease your curiosity or just get out of your routine once a week: pushing yourself to grow is the best way to invite your creativity and personal fulfillment.
5) Karma over drama
Have you noticed that there are some people who attract drama and distraction more than others? Continually focusing on what you want in your life yields those results. Choose to opt out whenever drama invites you to dance, and instead to develop your health and compassion. In moving against drama you are able to share more of what you were put here to create. The more you practice this, the more your awareness and appreciation increases your creativity as well as reduces unnecessary drama so you can focus and continue to achieve the results and fulfillment you desire.
6) Take Risks
The most deeply satisfying experiences in life are often the ones that appear impossible from the start. Creativity calls forth not just your courage to extend beyond your comfort zone, but your willingness to imagine walking on ground that may not even exist yet. Risk is a different way of experiencing change, the adrenaline response is just the beginning of the journey ahead. Saying yes to what may be possible is the first and crucial step to creating it in your life and more.
7) Listen
Whether you are taking a walk, listening to music, or catching a yoga class, meditation is a great way to rejuvenate and encourage your creative self. Being at creative choice means ensuring that you are providing one of these caring acts of relaxation daily. Whenever one of my clients complains about writers’ block this is the first place I get curious about and usually the first area in need of attention. Listen to your needs and your needs suddenly are met.
8) Flip the bird
Conformity is worse than death. Conformity is being on life-support. Finding your voice and living your life according to that voice is what being a creative leader is about. Don’t trick yourself: your voice changes over time, so finding it varies for each of us and you have to be up on your game to recognize the opportunities for personal growth and expansion. Find your passion and then flaunt it. Are others going to roll their eyes, walk away or call you names? Sure. Pleasing yourself is not selfish it is your purpose.
9) Move
Physical activity stimulates your imagination, encourages your creativity and broadens your ability to make connections from one idea to another. Aside from relaxing us, lowering our stress levels and increasing our self-esteem; a daily routine of exerting your body more than anything else helps to consistently maintain and exceed your goals. How? Often times we over extend ourselves to meet our commitments to others at the expense of the ones we make (and break) to ourselves. Maintaining a self-care through physical exercise makes it nearly impossible to let your conscious choice go on automatic when it come to your well-being. As a creative leader, keeping fit is a key strategy to keeping open and flexible to new ideas, opportunities and experiences.
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