Some Thoughts On Creativity

The dictionary definition for the verb "create" is: to bring into being. I love this concept - to make something that didn't exist before, be it a story, a picture, a song or a performance of a piece of music. Creativity doesn't just have to be linked to art. Creativity can be an innovative solution to a pressing problem or a design for an item which assists people in their daily lives. In fact, creativity is anything you want it to be.

If I had to describe my own creative urge I would say that it is a need to communicate the truth within my heart. This could be joy, sadness, love, pain, fear, wisdom, inspiration - whatever is going on inside me. I do this in two main ways. The first is by writing and the second is by playing the piano. However, I also satisfy this creative urge in my work as a coach whether that be in a one to one consultation, presenting a workshop or pitching my wares at a networking event.

Perhaps we could deduce that living creatively means to live in a way that rings true to your soul. To take this a step further, the act of creation is the communication from one soul to another.

If you wish to have a creative life, particularly in the artistic sense, do not make the assumption that you need a major life change such as quitting your day job before you can begin. In most cases this is extremely counter-productive. If you don't believe me then take a week off work and see how much of your art you actually get around to doing.

The best way to be creative is to start doing it along side your existing life. A creative practice is best done regularly, little and often. You don't need to sit around with hours to spare waiting for the creative urge to land upon you. You just need to get on with whatever is in your mind with the time you have right now. And if you run out of time, then great - you'll be eager to return to your project to put another piece of it together.

How good would it feel if you were regularly able to do the creative thing you've always dreamed of whilst still having the security of your day job?

I started writing towards the end of 1999. At the time I was working as a freelance IT consultant. I was very excited about my writing and ideas for fiction soon flowed. I began working on one of these and in 2000 I did consider giving up IT for a while and just writing. However, one of my colleagues urged me to consider working part time so that I could still earn sufficient money and have a bit more time to devote to writing. This proved to be a very successful formula for me and it saw me through the first three drafts of my book.

Being creative isn't about needing more time. It is about using the time you have. One of my best memories of writing before going to work was in 2002. At that time we were implementing three new systems. Technically I was working part-time but, in reality, some weeks I was doing six or seven days. I'll never forget the week that we went live on two of those systems because everyday I still managed to do my thirty minutes of writing before beginning my twelve hour work day. In that week I came up with one of the best ideas in my novel and that chapter became the turning point of the whole book.

What could you do now towards your creative life? How can you get started?

You may benefit from having some life coaching which will enable you to work out your priorities and start to create pockets of time where you can begin your creative life. You can also use life coachingto examine what creativity means to you and how you can incorporate creativity into your current profession.

Also consider coming to one of my Start The Future Now or Stop Procrastinating, Start Doing workshops as these will help motivated you to get started on your chosen creative pursuit. Click on the Events option in the menu for more details.