Climbing up Creativity Mountain
I just did a workshop (hi, workshop!) where we talked about how to climb up Creativity Mountain. As anyone over the age of 10 knows, getting in touch with our creative selves isn’t easy. Once we get there, it can be amazing, joyful, frustrating, enriching. Our work has a tendency to accidentally thrive when we’re on that mountain.
However, a steady stream of boulders are aimed directly at us — trying to knock us off — including:
I bet it’s beautiful along this entire trek.
Time constraints
Pressure
Inner Critic
Not feeling safe or heard
Although it seems counterintuitive to plan our creative process in advance, our brains love any level of predictability possible.
The workshop participants came up with an absolutely brilliant list of what helps them get through their creative process. So I figured I’d share their creative brilliance. Here’s what they told each other they needed, grouped into five different categories of creative mountain-climbing prep.
FOUNDATION (Calm, Stability, Grounding)
Our creative process can be messy and chaotic; stability and calm keeps us grounded.
Get outside • Nature (water, sunshine) • Swimming • Water • Silent reflection • Solitude • Take a pause • Identify safe vs. unsafe places • Talking to myself • Finding time without distractions • Mute notifications • Lessen sounds • Right temperature • Comfy space
INSPIRATION (Fresh Ideas, New Perspectives, Motivation)
To find our own innovation mindset, look for sparks from others’ creativity first.
Look for inspiration (read, study, etc.) • Consuming art • Painting • Doodling • Admire others' 'creativity castles' • Get away from the computer • Play music that fits the task • Music with or without lyrics • Long drive • Serendipitous moments
ENERGY (Energy, Play, Momentum)
Creativity thrives with combinatorial play. When you’re stuck, get moving, get dirty, or get some chocolate.
Movement! • Exercise • Physical movement • Fidgeting with something • Getting dirty • Chocolate • Experiment
SYNTHESIS (Focus, Clarity, Mental Space, Organization)
Creativity need marination time to reflect, take a pause and organize.
Organize thoughts • Whiteboard • Finding time without distractions • Silent reflection • Mute notifications • Take a pause • Right temperature
CONNECTION (Collaboration, Get Feedback, Talk It Out)
Creativity grows exponentially with ‘extroverted’ creativity — even if your conversation ‘partner’ is a notebook or ChatGPT. Or a deadline!
Talk/brainstorm with colleagues • Bounce ideas off helpful partners • Conversations • Connections • Ideate with others • Use AI as a brainstorming partner • Dilemma • Find places to be creative (time, place, etc) • Deadlines!