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16 tactics for enhanced creativity

what to do when you are stuck

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The Demand Grid

An important habit for creative problem solving is to generate many possible solutions, BEFORE plunging into one. There is a tendency to search for ideas, and commit too readily to the first plausible direction. The demand grid is a set of 16 boxes, which establishes a minimum quota of ideas to generate prior to switching into an analytical, left-brain mode.

Reframe the Question

❖ Before working on something, Einstein said he would spend most of his time reframing the question. Relativity emerged because he didn't feel the need to fit the data / ideas into the model of Newtonian physics.

❖ Before investing energy, create your own version of the question. Make it your own!

The Destruction of Limits❖ When engaged in brainstorm,

pose "What if?" questions to yourself, or your team, which blow apart your assumptions.

❖ Example: Midway through the Chasm Crossing exercise, I say, "Oh, did you assume this chasm is on Earth?" Or, "Have you thought of any ideas that didn't assume the time frame to cross was limited to a normal human lifespan?

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The Beauty of Questions

Think of Robert Irwin as an example of someone who gave up fame, financial success as an artist. What could potentially happen if you walked away from your present identity?

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Visit Ancient EgyptIn a relaxed state, use this playful exercise to get suggestions from your calm, wise inner self. Learn to be kind and patient with yourself, when you attempt something new.

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Crossing a Chasm

Learn how to brainstorm by focusing on an imaginary problem, and then apply the same process to a real-world problem. In efficient brainstorming, no time is wasted in negative, analytical thought, or in being "practical."

❖ You don't have to be you.

❖ Role play.

❖ Trying to be more compassionate? Imagine yourself as the Dali Lama. What would he do?

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Creative Surrender

We are constantly told to persevere, to never give up. But devotion to a goal that we no longer care to achieve is a waste of time + energy. It is time away from manifesting the current dream. Letting go, step sideways, pausing to connect with what matters now are essentially to moving laterally. The root of disappointment is usually that we didn't ask for what we truly wanted.

Remember the 3 E's

❖ Stuck, or unmotivated to work on a project?

❖ Try the three E's. Do only what is:

❖ Easy ❖ Effortless & ❖ Enjoyable

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Countering the Inner CriticWhen negative inner voices pop up, don't attempt to judge or suppress them; that's just fuel on the fire. Instead, note the exact words of your critic. And then compose an affirmation in reply. Rather than, "I feel really dumb about art," you might say, "I am just beginning to express myself this way, and I will be as kind to myself, as I would be to the first efforts of a child. I'll just give it a go, and have some fun."

Contacting Your Inner Guide

❖ If you like the visualization we did in class, purchase a copy, and try it again a few times. ($5.95 on audible.com)

❖ Or simply go somewhere relaxing and quiet, take a few deep breaths, and imagine walking down an imaginary path to a place that feels safe and nurturing.

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Killers + Nurturers

Recall the list of things that may kill creativity. Which one(s) were most significant to you? What are some of the nurturers that are most significant for you? Take action, and do something that will making it easier to engage your creative power.

Pink Bubble Technique❖ From Shakti's audio book,

Creative Visualization. ❖ Visualize clearly one thing you

truly desire. Something you want, not a thing tied to what you should do.

❖ Once the image is very clear, encase it in a pink balloon. Imagine letting go, watching it drift up, and feeling confidence that one way or another it will manifest itself in your life.

The Sanctuary❖ Think of the symbolic inner

sanctuary, the dream circumstances that suit you best.

❖ Next, consider places and circumstances in the real world that enhance your creative confidence.

❖ Brainstorm some ways to make the real world space more closely resemble the dream.

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Burn what you love

Several artists have said that their first act of creation is one of destruction. This might be literal--burning the chair as an act of transformation. or it might be conceptual. Certainly, the beginning of a new life, involves a bit of grieving over the life, the dream that has moved into the past.

The Lateral Switch

❖ It isn't a matter of saying rational thinking, bad; creative thinking, good.

❖ Rather, develop a sensitivity for when it's time to ideate and be lateral. One indicator is when you feel stuck or frustrated in a job, project, or relationship.

❖ Dream up a list of options focusing on what you wish the future to be, rather than confining your ideas to what you expect it to be.

Vertical vs Lateral❖ There is certainly a time

and place for pragmatic thinking--the airline pilot going over his preflight checklist, finding out about the weather ahead.

❖ But, without periods of impractical, child-like dreaming, the idea of a flying machine would never have been born.