Most people would claim that artists are different.
It's an easily noticed characteristic of those who work at being creative.
Yet, artists may be similar in a critically important way.
I noticed this while reading a feature in The August 2009 issue of HOW Magazine titled, "17 Young Creatives You'll Love."
The interviewer asked these artists to describe what they do when they get stuck. From the fifteen who replied to that question, I can report:
1) Each of the fifteen admitted to being stuck. So this is a human experience that happens to all of us.
2) Each of them had a system that they used to become unstuck.
3) Their recovery techniques involved either detachment from work or exposure to something new. For example, they would do things such as take a walk, workout, organize their studio, read a book, visit a museum, and so on.
Point two contains an important lesson for us.
It reveals that creativity is a managed process. Thus, the people who earn a living by being creative have developed systems to optimize the performance of the activity that drives their business.
Since we also depend upon being creative, this point leads to some questions that might help us.
That is, do you have personal systems that you use to drive your productivity? If so, what are they? For example: a) How do you break out of a rut? b) How do you inspire and motivate yourself? c) How do you manage your learning?
Since this is Friday, we have a weekend ahead. For most of us, this provides an opportunity to renew our thinking by detaching from our work.
We can also use the weekend to reflect on our personal systems.
Recognize that there are significant benefits to having such systems.
If we know what they are, then we can use them purposefully. We can improve upon them. And, as leaders, we can teach them to others.
Through this we can increase our effectiveness, both personally and professionally. And as a result, we'll succeed in making our lives a work of art.
Create a masterpiece.
Key Point: Develop personal systems to manage the key activities in your life.
Much success,
Steve Kaye
714-528-1300
Author, Speaker, IAF Certified Professional Facilitator
Steve Kaye
Professional Speaker and Photographer
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See: Steve’s Web Site
(Dozens of articles, more than 600 photos, and 165 blog posts)
