How to Overcome Creative Blocks and Distractions
By Herb Schaffner | March 7, 2011
www.bnet.com
You’re on your second cup of coffee, but you can’t get past the first sentence of your pitch to your boss. Or, perhaps you’re struggling to meet deadlines because you’re so preoccupied with your son’s problems at school.
In a new book called Spark: How Creativity Works, author Julie Burstein-who is a producer of the radio show 360– reworks the radio show’s interviews with leading artists to shed light on how to make creative leaps and accomplishments happen. In a fascinating interview with BNET blogger Laura Vanderkam, Burstein elaborated on how artists get their ideas. In addition to the book’s insights about creative inspiration-Spark is also laced with useful tips on how to overcome blocks and distractions, even if you are not a so-called “creative.”
Some tips include:
* Have a warm-up ritual. The hardest part for many can be just getting started. Rather than diving headlong into work, cellist Yo-Yo Ma takes a few minutes each morning to play long, slow notes on his cello he’s nicknamed Petunia. Writer Isabel Allende starts a new book every year on the same exact date even if the previous work is unfinished. That routine is her way of ensuring she always starts a new project.
* Look for ideas in ordinary places. Stuck in a cubicle? There may be something on your desk, or down the hall, that could inspire your next great idea-if you look beyond the surface. Many artists find that even banal materials can be a potent source of inspiration. Sound designer Ben Burtt combined the hum of a projector at his night job with the feedback buzz of a broken microphone in his house to create the sound of the light sabers in the Star Wars films. Artist Richard Serra’s steel and rubber sculptures often begin with industrial materials he finds on his travels.
* Discover the power of two. Partnering can make for big results. The key is to allow yourself to be challenged by your collaborator. Burstein notes that bluegrass icon Alison Krauss and ex-Led Zeppelin star Robert Plant made collaborative gold in their Grammy-winning partnership forRaising Sand. How? They allowed themselves to be challenged by their partners, rather than defending their egos. Plant brought no pride of authorship: “I wanted to work with people who were going to push me, and…challenge my whole capacity to be a really proper singer.” Filmmaker Ang Lee and his partner James Schamus reveal a similar ambition to push boundaries- Schamus fearlessly immersed himself in Chinese culture to “create compelling stories” for many Lee films and both filmmakers had the guts to rewrite each other’s work while keeping their eyes on the prize at the end-a great film.
* Use the negativity blocking your creativity. Many people have difficult family relationships-creative artists use painful memories or experiences to propel their work. Actress Patti LuPone, for instance, let go of some unhappiness with her mother through her Broadway performance as Gypsy Rose Lee. Screenwriter and director David Milch dealt with hard memories of his brilliant but violent and abusive father through dark portrayals of characters such as Sipowicz in NYPD Blue and Swearengen in Deadwood — flawed, foul-mouthed heroes with anger management issues. Are you fretting over your elderly mother or learning disabled child? Perhaps these situations can yield metaphors for a speech-or more compassion for a colleague.
Do you think you could use any of these tips to improve your work? Why, or why not?
MY THOUGHTS
Love this article! There are times I feel my brain's dead. Especially on Mondays. Or after coming back from a long vacation. Or after finishing a long-term project and I can't seem to make a switch. What works best for me- when my creativity seems to have flown out of the window- is to stop. Take a break. Do something else.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
ARE YOU SELF-MOTIVATED?
Tickle Me Motivated
Daily Inspiration
John H. Sklare, Ed.D
Published July 11, 2007
http://www.lifescript.com/Soul/Self/Motivation/Tickle_Me_Motivated.aspx
I was having a discussion the other day with a colleague about self motivation, and we both strongly agreed that it is an essential ingredient in the formula for success. We also agreed that, unfortunately, most people have a serious lack of ability when it comes to motivating themselves to accomplish their goals. Oddly enough, in my experience, these are often the very same people who are absolutely excellent at motivating others. So why is it that some people can be such great cheerleaders for others, but when it comes to inspiring themselves, they fall way short of the target? In a nutshell, I think the problem that most people have with self motivation is very similar to the phenomenon of self tickling. Have you ever tried to tickle yourself? Isn’t it amazing how someone else can barely touch you and you can’t help but laugh, but YOU can’t produce a single giggle when you try to tickle yourself. Sounds strangely similar to self motivation if you ask me.
The dictionary defines self motivation as “The initiative to undertake or continue a task or activity without another’s prodding or supervision.” In learning theory, there are two kinds of motivation: intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivation. According to the definition above, self motivation is an example of intrinsic motivation. Those of you who have the ability to self-motivate reap the benefits every day. But many find that trying to muster up self motivation leaves them just as frustrated and unsuccessful as trying to tickle themselves. However, finding the success you dream about, no matter what your goal, is not likely to happen if you don’t find a way to MAKE it happen.
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
MY THOUGHTS
so, better start tickling yourself. i think self-motivation is a sign of real maturity. you do things without someone or something pushing you. and you take it even further by doing things well, even when no one's watching.
Daily Inspiration
John H. Sklare, Ed.D
Published July 11, 2007
http://www.lifescript.com/Soul/Self/Motivation/Tickle_Me_Motivated.aspx
I was having a discussion the other day with a colleague about self motivation, and we both strongly agreed that it is an essential ingredient in the formula for success. We also agreed that, unfortunately, most people have a serious lack of ability when it comes to motivating themselves to accomplish their goals. Oddly enough, in my experience, these are often the very same people who are absolutely excellent at motivating others. So why is it that some people can be such great cheerleaders for others, but when it comes to inspiring themselves, they fall way short of the target? In a nutshell, I think the problem that most people have with self motivation is very similar to the phenomenon of self tickling. Have you ever tried to tickle yourself? Isn’t it amazing how someone else can barely touch you and you can’t help but laugh, but YOU can’t produce a single giggle when you try to tickle yourself. Sounds strangely similar to self motivation if you ask me.
The dictionary defines self motivation as “The initiative to undertake or continue a task or activity without another’s prodding or supervision.” In learning theory, there are two kinds of motivation: intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivation. According to the definition above, self motivation is an example of intrinsic motivation. Those of you who have the ability to self-motivate reap the benefits every day. But many find that trying to muster up self motivation leaves them just as frustrated and unsuccessful as trying to tickle themselves. However, finding the success you dream about, no matter what your goal, is not likely to happen if you don’t find a way to MAKE it happen.
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
MY THOUGHTS
so, better start tickling yourself. i think self-motivation is a sign of real maturity. you do things without someone or something pushing you. and you take it even further by doing things well, even when no one's watching.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
HOW TO STOP PROCRASTINATING
Q&A - How Can I Stop Procrastinating?
Daily Inspiration
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, LifeScript Personal Coach
Published January 06, 2009
Q: Why is it bad to procrastinate? And how can I stop procrastinating?
-Ash F.
A: Hi Ash,
What great questions regarding the issue of procrastination. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll wait until next week to answer this one. I’m just kidding, of course, as I refuse to procrastinate answering your question any longer! I suggest we begin with a short definition. To procrastinate means to put off doing something unpleasant or burdensome until a later time, or to postpone habitually. The last three words in that definition (to postpone habitually) are the key words, Ash. You ask, why is procrastination bad and what can you do to prevent it?
The ultimate price you pay for procrastination is frustration and stagnation. The frustration and stagnation are the result of simply taking no action toward completing the goal or task in question. And, as is typically the case, these two culprits are often accompanied by their roommates called failure and disappointment. Failure and disappointment is a high price to pay for procrastination as they provide a lethal blow to your self-image and negatively impacts your sense of pride and accomplishment.
The remedy for procrastination is rather simple: Create a plan, and follow through with that plan. Most experts suggest you begin by taking the project at hand and breaking it down into smaller segments. Then set a date to begin working, and tackle the easiest segment first. I suggest you begin by working in small blocks of time, instead of trying to get too much done at once, and eliminate as many distractions as possible. For example, having the TV on is probably not a good idea for most people. If your project allows for outside help, get others involved as well. In short, the remedy for procrastination is ACTION! Stop thinking and start doing, and this problem simply goes away unless, of course, there is pathology involved. In that case, counseling is a must!
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
MY THOUGHTS
got to go! i don't want to deal with frustration, stagnation, failure and disappointment. i've been putting off so many things the past few weeks. ciao!
Daily Inspiration
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, LifeScript Personal Coach
Published January 06, 2009
Q: Why is it bad to procrastinate? And how can I stop procrastinating?
-Ash F.
A: Hi Ash,
What great questions regarding the issue of procrastination. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll wait until next week to answer this one. I’m just kidding, of course, as I refuse to procrastinate answering your question any longer! I suggest we begin with a short definition. To procrastinate means to put off doing something unpleasant or burdensome until a later time, or to postpone habitually. The last three words in that definition (to postpone habitually) are the key words, Ash. You ask, why is procrastination bad and what can you do to prevent it?
The ultimate price you pay for procrastination is frustration and stagnation. The frustration and stagnation are the result of simply taking no action toward completing the goal or task in question. And, as is typically the case, these two culprits are often accompanied by their roommates called failure and disappointment. Failure and disappointment is a high price to pay for procrastination as they provide a lethal blow to your self-image and negatively impacts your sense of pride and accomplishment.
The remedy for procrastination is rather simple: Create a plan, and follow through with that plan. Most experts suggest you begin by taking the project at hand and breaking it down into smaller segments. Then set a date to begin working, and tackle the easiest segment first. I suggest you begin by working in small blocks of time, instead of trying to get too much done at once, and eliminate as many distractions as possible. For example, having the TV on is probably not a good idea for most people. If your project allows for outside help, get others involved as well. In short, the remedy for procrastination is ACTION! Stop thinking and start doing, and this problem simply goes away unless, of course, there is pathology involved. In that case, counseling is a must!
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
MY THOUGHTS
got to go! i don't want to deal with frustration, stagnation, failure and disappointment. i've been putting off so many things the past few weeks. ciao!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
FIND YOUR PURPOSE TO MOTIVATE YOU
FIND YOUR PURPOSE TO MOTIVATE YOU
from the article 'How to Tap into What Really Motivates You'
By Daniel H. Pink
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the January 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Find Your Sentence
Seeking purpose is part of how we're wired—by doing something that endures, we prove that we were here, that we mattered. Clare Boothe Luce once told John F. Kennedy, "A great man is one sentence. Abraham Lincoln's was 'He preserved the Union and freed the slaves.' What's yours?" If you can't seem to access your purpose in life, I've found the best place to start is with Luce's question.
This story is part of O's Live Your Best Year Toolkit
MY THOUGHTS
that's certainly something to reflect on. much like an epitaph. but we need to die before we know what we're here on earth for. time to ask simple questions like - why do you get up in the morning? what for?
from the article 'How to Tap into What Really Motivates You'
By Daniel H. Pink
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the January 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Find Your Sentence
Seeking purpose is part of how we're wired—by doing something that endures, we prove that we were here, that we mattered. Clare Boothe Luce once told John F. Kennedy, "A great man is one sentence. Abraham Lincoln's was 'He preserved the Union and freed the slaves.' What's yours?" If you can't seem to access your purpose in life, I've found the best place to start is with Luce's question.
This story is part of O's Live Your Best Year Toolkit
MY THOUGHTS
that's certainly something to reflect on. much like an epitaph. but we need to die before we know what we're here on earth for. time to ask simple questions like - why do you get up in the morning? what for?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
WHERE YOU CAN BE YOUR OWN BOSS
FIGURE OUT WHERE YOU CAN BE YOUR OWN BOSS
from the article 'How to Tap into What Really Motivates You'
By Daniel H. Pink
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the January 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Figure Out Where You Can Be Your Own Boss
We come into this world curious and self-directed—just look at any toddler—but we can become passive and inert in mundane situations, like when we're stuck on the low end of the office totem pole or in the cook/housecleaner/chauffeur role at home. Two business school professors, however, found that people in the least-empowered positions can develop a sense of autonomy. They studied the performance of hospital cleaners, and found that those who went beyond doing the minimum job requirements—chatting with patients or helping make nurses' tasks go more smoothly—reported an increase in job satisfaction. By reframing their duties, the janitors helped make their work more fully their own. This isn't just about taking on more responsibilities. It's about exploring what you can do differently to make your role, whatever it is, more interesting. If you reframe "I have to go the grocery store" to "I'm a player in the worldwide supply chain for food"—okay, no one but a nerd like me will do that—but you could choose to see how your choice of eggs can affect a larger system. Or you can make a game of it and see how fast you can get in and out of there. Either way, you're not at the mercy of a to-do list; you've taken control (if only in a small way) of your time, efforts and responsibilities.
MY THOUGHTS
I've always been a believer in 'going the extra mile', doing more than what's expected. That always gives a new meaning to whatever it is your doing. Suddenly the task, no matter how mundane, becomes very important- to you, at least (and that matters a lot!). Somehow, giving your all to a task, gives some sort of imprint on your results. It's like putting your own brand into everything that you do. it's hearing people say - "that's excellent! I'm sure you did it"! - that's going to be one good way to feel motivated.
from the article 'How to Tap into What Really Motivates You'
By Daniel H. Pink
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the January 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Figure Out Where You Can Be Your Own Boss
We come into this world curious and self-directed—just look at any toddler—but we can become passive and inert in mundane situations, like when we're stuck on the low end of the office totem pole or in the cook/housecleaner/chauffeur role at home. Two business school professors, however, found that people in the least-empowered positions can develop a sense of autonomy. They studied the performance of hospital cleaners, and found that those who went beyond doing the minimum job requirements—chatting with patients or helping make nurses' tasks go more smoothly—reported an increase in job satisfaction. By reframing their duties, the janitors helped make their work more fully their own. This isn't just about taking on more responsibilities. It's about exploring what you can do differently to make your role, whatever it is, more interesting. If you reframe "I have to go the grocery store" to "I'm a player in the worldwide supply chain for food"—okay, no one but a nerd like me will do that—but you could choose to see how your choice of eggs can affect a larger system. Or you can make a game of it and see how fast you can get in and out of there. Either way, you're not at the mercy of a to-do list; you've taken control (if only in a small way) of your time, efforts and responsibilities.
MY THOUGHTS
I've always been a believer in 'going the extra mile', doing more than what's expected. That always gives a new meaning to whatever it is your doing. Suddenly the task, no matter how mundane, becomes very important- to you, at least (and that matters a lot!). Somehow, giving your all to a task, gives some sort of imprint on your results. It's like putting your own brand into everything that you do. it's hearing people say - "that's excellent! I'm sure you did it"! - that's going to be one good way to feel motivated.
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