Talane’s Blog of the Week, May 1, 2006

One of my most successful, creative and productive clients spends the first few hours of every day meditating, writing in her journal, and biking. She doesn’t spend a few minutes each day on these rituals, she spends hours. And she does all three things every day. It is during this time that she comes up with her creative ideas. Instead of seeing this as time spent away from work, she knows these activities fuel her creativity.

One of the most creative people I ever met was Thomas Leonard, the founder of the coaching profession. Thomas said “creativity is a function of space.” He also said “boredom is the gateway to peace.” Creative people often need time to potter about the house or garden, tidy up their desk or otherwise piddle away time—or so it might appear. But it is all part of the creative process. It is very hard to just plunk down in front of a blank sheet of paper or canvas and “create.” It takes a bit of warming up. So don’t feel guilty about your pottering time. It is essential to the creative process. The mind is working on the problem while you are busy pulling weeds or fluffing pillows. If you want to tap into your own creative genius, create some blank space in your calendar—the more the better. Follow the advice of Julia Cameron in “The Artist’s Way” and write three pages a day in a journal, even if all you can think to write is, “I have nothing to say” or, “I like bagels for breakfast.” Fill up three pages. Do this in the morning right after you roll out of bed every day and you will become more creative—whether you are a painter, a writer, or a business person. Awaken your inner artist!

Enjoy!
Talane