Learn to let go…

LinkedIn is a great place for two-dimensional advice trotted out with great confidence and authority, but backed up by nothing.

Such gems as:

“Optimise your processes for efficient creative output.”

First, how? They don’t say. Second, no, don’t do that…

Creativity cannot be optimised, systematised or templated. It is not a push-button or “cookie-cutter” process.

Those who don’t understand would like it to be that way. That would make it ripe for assessment, analysis, the crunching of numbers.

Creativity just ain’t like that.

Creativity is a monkey on the back of those who truly are; a misunderstood dark art for observers, wannabes and those who just want the number.

At the heart of creativity lies lack of control.

This is not to be confused with “the muse” or “inspiration”, both of which bear a romantic image of “striking unexpectedly”, like some lightening bolt of deliverance.

This is to some extent accurate, but these things can be nurtured – great inspirations can – and often do – become manifest in the shower! And although we can’t just sit and wait, we do need to let go.

We need to allow ourselves to lose control.

Open the cage and poke the bits that hurt.
Put salt on the wounds.
Bear the soul.

Creativity is a messy business. It’s anything but efficient. By all means use routine to tap into your creativity, but don’t mistake this for an “optimised process”.

When being truly creative you’re not in control – nor should you be.

You should be open to multifarious inputs derived from every aspect of your life to date: articles, music, dreams, lives lived and loves lost.

Even though similarities can sometimes be apparent, every piece is unique, and thus each requires a distinct approach, deserves to be considered in its own right.

There are probably many people in your life; your relationship with each of them is different; the same should be true of relationships with your creative projects.

What are you working on now?

With all good wishes,

Martin