Warrior or Creative: Our Professional Paradox
Jon Dafydd-Kidd
Transformational Coach |NLP Practitioner | Theatre Director | Arts Manager | Facilitator | Executive Committee & Board Member
I’m speaking to you, you brilliant Creative?Warrior ... ?
I’ve a random one for you, but have you ever considered the ancient Spartans as a source of inspiration for your creative journey? Yes – I know. At first glance, the comparison might seem unusual, even provocative. Spartans are often remembered for their physical prowess and military discipline, but what if I told you they also possessed an incredible mental and creative strength that we, as professionals in the creative industry, can learn from today??
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Spartans Were More Than Warriors?
It's easy to dismiss the idea of drawing inspiration from a warrior society when we're in the business of creativity, innovation, and personal development. The common perception of Spartans doesn't typically include their strategies, mental resilience, and the creativity required to sustain their society and military achievements. Yet, it's precisely in their unyielding determination, adaptability, and strategic thinking where we find valuable lessons for our professional lives.?
The mere thought of comparing ourselves to Spartans might evoke a sense of intimidation or irrelevance.?This hesitation reflects a broader fear many of us face: the reluctance to step outside our comfort zones and explore unconventional sources of inspiration. The truth is, embracing the Spartan spirit is not about physical combat; it's about mental fortitude, creativity in problem-solving, and the relentless pursuit of personal and collective growth — qualities that are incredibly relevant to us today.?
Spartan Creativity and Mental Strength?
Recent studies in historical psychology and military strategy reveal the Spartans' capacity for innovative thinking and psychological resilience. For instance, a paper published in the Journal of Ancient History explores how Spartans used psychological tactics and creative strategies to maintain their edge over adversaries, emphasizing the role of mental fortitude and innovative thinking in their successes (Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. T., 2023, "Mental Fortitude and Innovation in Spartan Society"). This research challenges the traditional view of Spartans, highlighting their strategic use of non-physical attributes to achieve and maintain their power.?
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Embracing Your Inner Spartan?
Spartan Strategy ?
Approach your projects and challenges with the strategic planning of a Spartan. Break down your objectives into manageable tasks, anticipate obstacles, and develop contingency plans. This level of preparedness empowers you to navigate the professional world with confidence.?
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Spartan Resilience?
Spartans thrived under pressure due to their mental toughness. Cultivate resilience by setting small, challenging goals for yourself and gradually increasing their difficulty. This practice will not only boost your confidence but also enhance your ability to remain calm and creative under pressure.?
Spartan Innovation?
Just as Spartans used creativity to overcome their limitations, view innovation as essential to your professional survival. Don’t shy away from experimenting with new ideas or unconventional methods. Remember, in the realm of creativity, boldness often leads to breakthroughs.?
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Claiming your Strength?
For Creative Warriors, Spartans represent strength of the mind. By looking back at the Spartans, we uncover a surprising source of inspiration for today’s creative professionals. Their legacy teaches us the value of mental strength, strategic planning, and the power of innovation—qualities that are indispensable in the professional world. As we navigate our careers, we can draw inspiration from their resilience and creativity, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success.?
So, how will you channel your inner Spartan today??
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