Hi everyone, Paul here. All creative individuals know the struggle - staring at a blank page and waiting for inspiration to strike. But what if I told you that you could learn to summon your creativity at will? Based on the work of Andrew Huberman, here are 3 habits you can adopt to consistently produce original and innovative work you’ll be proud of.
Mastering the Flow State
The flow state, also known as being “in the zone,” is a unique mental state where your performance peaks and you are completely absorbed in an activity. This state is achieved when a task’s challenges align perfectly with your skills, walking the fine line between boredom (too easy) and frustration (too difficult).
To reach this state, it’s crucial to remove all distractions and focus entirely on the process rather than the outcome. This means fully immersing yourself in the present moment and finding deep enjoyment in the task at hand. An interesting aspect of being in flow is that time seems to fly by - so whenever possible, try not to impose time constraints on yourself.
Establishing a Ritual
As William Somerset Maugham famously said, “I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately, it strikes every morning at 9:00 sharp.” This highlights the importance of having a daily routine or ritual when it comes to creativity.
Many successful creatives, like Stephen King, have a daily routine they follow religiously to get their work done. They don’t rely on sporadic bursts of inspiration. Instead, they create a system that allows them to consistently work on their craft. Choose a ritual that suits you best – it could be visualization, meditation, affirmations, or even just enjoying a cup of coffee at the same time each day.
Remember, consistency is key. Even if you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, just show up and do something; practicing regularly will eventually lead to improvement.
Employing Limitations
Although human creativity is theoretically infinite, establishing boundaries for a creative process can actually boost creativity instead of hindering it. Award-winning author Stephen Kotler advocates for concrete planning and setting boundaries as a way to drive creativity.
Even Pablo Picasso, during his Cubist phase, limited himself to geometric shapes and a strict color palette. These self-imposed limits allowed him to revolutionize 20th-century art. Similarly, during his Blue Period, Picasso deliberately restricted his color palette to different shades of blue to convey specific emotions.
By setting limitations in your own work, you can focus better, generate unique ideas, and alleviate the pressure of infinite possibilities. This approach will help unlock your creative potential and enable you to produce truly remarkable work.
In conclusion, adopting these three habits - mastering the flow state, establishing a ritual, and employing limitations - can transform your creative process and help you consistently produce original work. If you’ve got any unusual habits from your favorite artists or any tips of your own, do share them in the comments!
And if you’re still contemplating whether to embark on your creative journey or are struggling with motivation, do check out my video on how to increase motivation.
Until next time, guys!
Paul