Reducing Stress

Morning all,

I hope you’ve had a great weekend.

Here in Bristol the energy from The St. Paul’s Carnival still reverbs around the City. 60,000 people from all parts of Bristol – and a worldwide heritage – coming together to party under a shared sun.

And so it is: Social Sunshine

Sometimes we need to jump into an idea and take a few risks, don’t we? 

Think of the leap of faith (literally) needed by the Wright brothers for their maiden flight…

In our last topic – ‘Inspiration Information’ - there was the quote by Jim Rohn: “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”  

So, what’s the connection then between creativity and risk-taking? Pablo Picasso, the 20th Century’s greatest artist, provides this insight: “Every act of creation is also an act of destruction.” Only by breaking from conventional ways of thinking, exploring and operating can we put together new concepts, approaches and products.

Perhaps we need to learn to let go of certainties, lose our fear of being wrong /failing and trust our instincts more (but still not confuse trust with knowing).

Only then can we fulfil our (creative) potential. 

Try focussing on one thing only. Look around you and focus on one object; think up something that relates to that object.

Open a dictionary, randomly select a word and then try to formulate ideas incorporating this word. Pick a colour. Focus on a sound. Concentrate on one particular part of your business. One person.

This is based on the idea that choice can sometimes hinder creativity – sometimes there is nothing like restrictions to get you thinking.

Just a small ringbound notebook that can fit in a shirt, jacket or trouser pocket. And a pen.

You never know when that moment of inspiration may hit; it can also come in useful for keeping lists, sharing details with someone or just doodling/drawing to kill some time. 

Upon re-reading your notes, you may find that 95% of your ideas are rubbish. What’s important are the 5% that are brilliant.

If the brain is a muscle, are there ways to strengthen it and help our creativity?

Reading, writing or drawing may help creativity more than watching TV or most computer based activities.

Someone once said: ”Don’t watch TV. Experiments performed have shown that watching TV causes your brain to slowly trickle out your ears and/or nose. It’s not pretty, but it happens.” This may be an overstatement, but you get the point they’re trying to make.

Ask lots of questions. Enjoy strenuous discussions: debate. And “If you’re the cleverest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room!” (Author unknown).