The Creation Experiment
All the writing that I've done recently about creating has made me think about the lessons. I don't think I've figured creativity out yet, but if you're interested, here's what I've come up with so far. Would love to hear your thoughts and see your experiments.
I've been dipping my toes into creating for three years. The water still feels cold, but the view is inviting. I'm still figuring things out but here's what I've learned so far.
If I summarize my journey, skipping the bad parts, there's a methodology to exploring how to be creative.
Have an ideation habit:
Journaling
A mini-essay a day - ~100 words
Idea list - ten ideas on a topic
whiteboard ideas
what ideas come from essays you read, books, podcasts
What ideas do you disagree with? What are ideas that remind you of your life?
What ideas do want to think about futher?Figure out what you need permission from. When we procrastinate, self-sabotage, sandbag, there is always something stopping us. We're looking for permission, sometimes in odd places. Find out what this is. Exercises: journaling, meditating, 5 whys.
Do things. Say yes. 100 day challenge. Iterate. Be open to changing the parameters, but keep up the practice. Push your comfort zone.Can be public or private.
Reflect: Do you have autonomy, mastery, purpose?
Are you bored, mimetic, repetitive?
Don't worry about being good. How much do are you enjoying what you do?
I think if you follow these four steps, creativity will come.
The plan for the future is to examine why I think these exercises and approach are useful. I'll also explore more about creation as an exercise.