Creating Unlimited Possibilities

Creativity is underrated, often unappreciated, but a hidden gateway to unlimited possibilities. We hail the virtues of technology and progress in medicine as our path to evolved living and solutions to our global needs. Yes, but how did those things come about? Creativity applied to everyday challenges curated through a channel that could yield the most advantageous outcomes is how.

I once met a software engineer who introduced himself as an artist, just one that applies code to create new things. Hmm.

Who wants to work with someone constantly complaining about what’s broken, yet seldom picks up a hammer to fix it? Organizations crumble when creativity is absent, an expensive oversight. And what about new opportunities that may never go explored?

Navigating through complexity and combating deterrents can feel like Pan’s labyrinth, requiring a lot of focus, commitment and a willingness to go into unfamiliar, oftentimes unsettling places. Consider creativity your lantern.

There is no situation that doesn’t have a solution somewhere inside.

It’s not to say creativity has the pilot light on ready to spark inspiration. It requires discipline like anything else. The muse doesn't sit waiting on your stoop, hoping one day to hear creaking at the door.

In fact, she’s slightly annoyed you haven’t called.

Here are a few ways to keep your creative juices flowing, or kick start them into existence. 

1)    You check your phone compulsively. Now schedule creative moments too. Blocking focus time has been integrated into Microsoft’s My Analytics and makes it easy to add to your calendar. If “creative moments” doesn’t rock your world, call it something else. The point is block time!

2)    Pick a medium and practice. Find an outlet to develop your creative cajones. You can publish or keep it private, your call.

3)    Take breaks. Getting fresh air, moving your body even casually helps clear the mind, creating fertile ground. Record your ideas anytime inspo strikes.

4)    Make it a team effort. Turn war rooms into creative space. Encourage others to ideate. Stanford’s Design Thinking Bootcamp is a deceptively playful, but extremely powerful to get teams thinking outside the box.

5)    Keep a journal or take advantage of OneNote. Jot ideas down, and for the love of God, treat them like they’re sacred.

6)    Invest in learning. Yes, continue indulging in a steady diet of Fast Company and Masters of Scale, but bring a radically new dimension into your thought process. This will also prevent you from cloning what you heard on the morning’s drive in. Go get your own ideas!

 As an example, I’ve been studying geometry and Medieval history. No shame for those closet fine art of macramé aficionados. Anything will do. Take joy in building mastery in the unconventional.

Time to close the screen, walk to the door, and bring your muse inside. You may need to invoke her name a few times, but she is yours, and ultimately won't decline the invitation.

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