Stimulate Your Creative Genius

By Jeannine McGlade & Andrew Pek

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Playing

The results of applying your creativity to generate fresh ideas can be very serious. However, the process you use does not need to be. You can still get results if you inject play into the process to spark creative ideas and action. In organizations, few would consider that play is a legitimate way to spur business results. However, we do see play as serious business.

Stimulating your creative genius and living a life of possibilities, needs a steady diet of fun, expression and imagination. Carl Jung once said, “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.” This play instinct is something we can all tap into. To add a little more fun and play into your life and your work, try these ideas:

• Watch a funny movie tonight when you get home — or better yet, play a game with your family. Notice your energy, observe your interactions and see what sparks may emerge, magically and spontaneously.
• Call the friend who always makes you laugh. Or think about the fun times you have (or had) with that person!
• Think of at least 100 uses for the chair you are sitting on right now. Go ahead, try it — the sillier the better.

Venturing

Individuals who embody the venturing practice are risk takers, courageous and adventuresome. These individuals appreciate that during our creative journey there may be real or perceived risks and that making the leap with a creative idea takes courage and faith in ourselves and a passion for our pursuits

In our lives and in our work — though frenetic at times, we hope and expect things to be clear, orderly and in control. The trouble is, clarity and order are not often the case especially when we are cultivating a creative mindset. It can be just the opposite and may call for behaviors that feel uncomfortable and risky at times.

Venturing is about plunging in, experimenting with and pursuing your ideas with both feet. To stimulate a more creative life and to generate ideas that have the potential for breakthrough success, here are some things you can do to adopt a “venturing” habit and thoughtful risk-taking attitude:

• Do something today to advance an idea or spark that emerged from your cultivating and scouting activities. Call a friend, and talk about the idea and visualize how you feel and what will be different after having implemented the idea.
• Become an advocate for others’ ideas — be supportive and encouraging. Seek out other’s ideas and help them make the leap.
• Trust your intentions — don’t worry about exactness or the “right” answer. Next time you find yourself searching for certainty, take a leap of faith and trust your gut!

Harvesting

Harvesting — where you bring your creative ideas to life — is a continuous loop of creativity. It is about making sure you make your ideas real and celebrate the success of all of your creative venture, even the ones that may not necessarily turn out as you first imagined.

To boost your creative output we recommend three rituals to partake in on a regular basis:

• Be passionate. Think about the last ideas that you truly had excitement for. What was the idea? What was it about the idea that sparked such enthusiasm. How might you apply that same level of passion to your next creative venture?
• Recruit other “creative-types.” By recruiting other members in your creative activity is a healthy way to harvest a life of possibility and where anything you imagine you can achieve. Other people help to support, encourage and motivate you in achieving multiple successes. Surround yourself with people who will reinforce your creative impulses, not inhibit them. It is amazing how one negative thought or one negative person can thwart your creative endeavors.
• Celebrate your successes. Initiate a celebration committee at work or at home as a way to reinforce your efforts and encourage you to want to try new things, experience new opportunities and as result, create new possibilities.

So, there you have it — five habits that will help you infuse creative energy into your new year’s resolutions. And, who knows, maybe come up with a new idea that you weren’t expecting. •

© 2012 Jeannine McGlade & Andrew Pek. All rights reserved.

About the Authors | More by Jeannine McGlade
Jeannine McGlade and Andrew Pek are authors, speakers, trainers, and thought leaders in making innovation and creativity a habit. Their book, Stimulated! Habits to Spark Your Creative Genius at Work helps individuals from stay at home parents to CEOs get out of a creative rut and release their creative energy. They can be reached at 845.353.1002 or via their website www.ivibeglobal.com.

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