As a creative person who has coached thousands of clients since 2006 on creativity, it’s about time I shared deeper insight on this topic. It has become clear to me that there are 7 key habits that foster high creativity. These are things successful people do with ease. Check the list below and see if you are 7 for 7.
1. Schedules Time to Nurture the Creator Within: Successful creative people take time each week to pursue actions that fill their soul and inspire their work. Julia Cameron, author of the best-selling book on creativity, The Artist’s Way, refers to this as a weekly “artist date”. Cameron advises to take yourself away and pursue something you love and appreciate on your own. This is your special time alone and it is a reward for being you. There’s no need to feel guilty. Just make it part of your creative process.
2. Maintains a Workspace to Support Creative Flow: Creativity requires an environment that facilitates success. This varies depending upon what you create, however great environments have a few things in common; they are clutter-free, organized and contain the tools needed for productivity. The ideal environment is one you love to be in. You can boost the power of your space by adding colors and images you love, beautiful objects or even plants. Create a space that reflects your values and dreams.
3. Uses a Reliable Process to Neutralize Unpleasant Thoughts and Feelings: Innovation and the creation of things the world has not seen before may result in doubt, criticism, ridicule and public humiliation. Successful creative people need to be in touch with their feelings so that they can process them and move on quickly. I have found Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also referred to as acupressure for emotions without needles, has been an amazing tool for quickly neutralizing those unpleasant feelings. It can also be helpful to engage in daily journaling, or what I often refer to as “vomiting on the page” to release hurt feelings and negativity as these arise. Daily journaling allows you to to witness, acknowledge and process the feelings so you can return to inspired awareness.
4. Relies on a System for Accountability: Successful creative professionals get much of their work done because they work on deadline. They have editors, publishers, producers and bosses waiting for what was promised. If you don’t have a formal accountability system in place, it’s a good idea to have a coach, support group or accountability partner who you can regularly report to as a way to stay on track.
5. Maintains a Community of Supporters: Creative people need positive friends to provide a safe place for learning, sharing, feedback and support. Be careful to limit what you reveal to the negative people in your life so that your creative ideas aren’t hampered before they fully mature. Be willing to offer support and positive feedback too. You get what you give.
6. Honors the Physical Body: Your mind and body allow you to create and produce some amazing things. You’ll be at your peak as a creator when you get plenty of sleep, eat healthy food, manage your stress level, stay hydrated and engage in regular exercise. Enough said!
7. Lives Comfortably Surrounded by Beauty and Luxury: Successful creative people are comfortable with the best of everything, which includes being paid for their talent. When you learn to appreciate what money can bring, you will also notice more of those beautiful things in life that cost absolutely nothing. Stop and notice all forms of luxury and allow yourself to relax, filled with appreciation and free of all guilt. This habit ensures abundance and it also keeps you filled with energy to create even more.
