Listening to My Life

I am creative, and I am a creative. Verb or noun,  it’s what I do and it’s who I am. When people discover that I’m a “working creative,” I get comments like “That sounds like fun” or “Wow, what a great life!”

My friend Esther, a designer and marketing coach, and I were discussing this recently. We commented that folks think that we sleep in, work in our pajamas, watch television all day and nap when we feel like it.

I wish.

If I’m Working in My Jammies, It Must Be 4:00 in the Morning!

First, I don’t sleep in unless I’ve had an extremely late night working. If I work in my pajamas, it means it’s either very late at night or very early in the morning. I don’t watch much television because I genuinely believe it turns your gray matter to mush and squashes your creativity.

And naps? A luxury at best, but sometimes necessary to allow the creative process to flourish.

I run my business like other business owners. I market, I manage administrative duties, I do the work for clients and hit my deadlines. And  I get the work done whether I feel creative or not.

Imagine what would happen if your boss gave you a project and you replied, “Oh, sorry. I’m just not feeling it right now.” Your boss wouldn’t be happy. Neither would my bosses (a.k.a. clients).

Power Through It

Creativity is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Do I believe I’m more creative than you? Nope. I believe everyone is creative, but some of us exercise our muscles more often than others. Toned creative muscles mean you can access your creative juices quickly and effortlessly.

The first step can be the most important part of the creative process. Action lures creativity from its hiding place and gives it a chance to flourish, whether you’re feeling it or not.

If you’re serious about being creative, personally or professionally, make a commitment for 15 minutes a day. Put aside distractions, set the timer and get moving!

Take that first step. Let go. Create. Revel in the refreshment you experience. After just a few workouts, you’ll be toning up and eagerly anticipating that 15 minutes, every day. Have fun!