Creative Idle
I don't mean "idol" time – although that would be pretty cool!
Recently, I wrote about the power of switching up the context to keep my creative mojo flowing. Turns out though I also need that golden nugget of "me time" - those moments of stillness where I can reflect, recharge, and just think. However, it's not always smooth sailing. I often feel a twinge of guilt (actually major guilt) for not being (looking) productive or a little anxious for not being "busy" enough. Does this sound familiar?
This week, I'm on a mission to unlock the secret to more idle time - no scrolling, no multitasking, just pure unadulterated thinking time. Sounds pretentious, luxurious even? I know, easier said than done! But I've got a few tricks up my sleeve this week that is helping so far. So, let's dive in, shall we?
I'm up to my ears in ideas! They come a dime a dozen and I'm constantly brewing up fresh ones. The trouble arises when I have to put my ideas to the test – the big ideas that I care about that I know might really cut through the noise but the overwhelm can be so terrifying and stifle action. I need to find a way to sort them out and take action without feeling like I'm in over my head and then feeling like what’s the point there’s so much stuff already out there! I must remember that whilst this might be true, we all have something different to offer the world (and keeping in mind that achieving worldwide fame isn't necessary or even healthy in the long run).
Scrollin’, scrollin’, scrolling…
To maintain a healthy relationship with social media, I've limited my time on the platform (mainly Instagram, Pinterest doesn’t give me the same pressured feeling and is more like a curated magazine for me). Instead, I've increased my time browsing accounts that I enjoy and following new ones without comparing myself to them. Our visual culture can be overwhelming, but I'm learning to look at it more positively. By shifting my perspective to one of curiosity, support, and research, I feel more content and the experience is more fulfilling.
“Sleep when they sleep!”
"Take a nap," they said. "You’ll feel better," they said. Yet, breaking in a new puppy, finishing a contract, and wrangling kids, that seems like glorious a luxury! Add in those pesky hormone shifts (we all have them, not just females), and your brain is a wild circus that refuses to shut down. So, I said okay I will have a nap. I didn’t go to sleep but was blissfully still long enough and two big ideas fell into my head. I noted them down quickly on my phone resisting the urge to start scrolling quietly, put it down and shut my eyes again. With those ideas at the front of my mind I felt comfortable that I could then use the rest of that ‘nap’ time to think more deeply and it felt so good!
Read a little
One of the things that has been particularly helpful for me is sticking with the current book that I am reading, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time. I know that many people feel like they don't have time to read, and I feel like all the time, but I've found that even a few pages can make a big difference. The book I'm currently reading has been especially helpful in helping me think through some of the challenges that I'm facing in my creative business.
Another thing that has been a great source of inspiration for me is a music documentary on Apple TV+ called Watch That Sound with Mark Ronson. I can't believe that I didn't know about this series before! Watching it with my full attention and without any distractions has been incredibly helpful in getting my creative juices flowing.
I would love to hear about your progress this week in your creative endeavors or discuss any setbacks you may have experienced. We can work together to overcome any obstacles and find solutions that work for you.