Creativity is no accident
by Tim McMullen
“Creativity is not about super long hours and burn out. Creativity is about energy and perspective.”
- Tim McMullen / redpepper
Many people feel creativity comes naturally and cannot be forced. Well, I disagree. You have to feed and protect your creativity. Fill your brain with perspective and clear your schedule from distractions – and follow these few guidelines and see what comes of it.
Energy Time: Find your energy time. When do you have the most energy?
Zone: Block any possible distractions (email, iChat, cell phone and desk phone should all be turned off – I realize how difficult that can be for some of you – 
Buffer Time: This is time where you either do some prep for your zone or clear some other things off your schedule.
Set the Rules: Set some goals for yourself. Have a clear objective. Pick a set amount of time you are going to spend. No less that 1.5 hours and no more than 3 in a row.
+30 Rule: Here is one I try to use and it helps. When I start to fade from peak creativity, I re-energize myself by saying I can go 30 more minutes, or come up with 30% more ideas/progress. Those can be the best ideas.
Give it a try and tell me what you think.
Happy Zoning,
Denny Nash
3 comments
(3 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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Great thoughts! I will try to use these. Thanks!
Posted at 4:50 pm on December 17th, 2008
Nice tips!
I would, however, say that I often have creative zones for less than 1.5 hours. Even 15 minutes, if its done right, can be valuable.
When I get distracted or tired, a few pages in a good book, a song on the ipod, or even a quick chat with a coworker can get me going again.
Posted at 10:55 am on December 18th, 2008
I’m with Dave, creativity can happen in much smaller time frames.
I’m big on the songs on the ipod, a few tunes and I’m ready to reload.
Key is turning off the computer. Walk away from email or the interwebs.
Posted at 9:23 pm on January 21st, 2009