Three {More} Ways to Live Your Best Creative Life, Part 2

by Cathy Baker @CathySBaker

Today, let’s continue to look at specific ways we can combat resistance and maximize the creative power within us to its fullest potential. If you missed the first installment of this three-part series, Three Ways to Live Your Best Creative Life.

Remember, the word createis defined as bringing something into existence. And where creativity is at work, we usually find resistance. 

“Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. This second we can turn the tables on Resistance. This second, we can sit down and do our work.”– Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

1. Engage the Power of Collaboration. 

Allen Arnold addresses this in his marvelous book, The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, and Create. It was a game changer for me. As a believer, I knew God was with us, but this book awakened me to an equally certain truth: Not only is God withus, He is also forus. Consider your current work-in- progress. Would your energy or excitement for the project shift if you recognized that God is working with you and desiring the best for your work? Would your work take on a deeper meaning? 

Last January, after reading The Story of With, my entire writing routine changed as shared in my post Nine Rituals That Boost Creativity and Productivity As soon as I sit down to write, I acknowledge and thank God for his presence in the process. 

“Relinquish the script you’ve been holding so tight and replace it with an expectancy for all God desires. Not just for you but that what He wants to do with you.” –Allen Arnold, The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, and Create

2. Brainstorm. 

Talk about maximizing your creative potential! Thankfully, there’s no right or wrong way to brainstorm but if you’re not sure where to begin, simply peruse the Internet for a plethora of ideas. While it’s possible to brainstorm alone using certain techniques like free writing, melding your brainpower with others exponentially increases the creative process. 

There’s only one rule to remember when brainstorming: There’s no such thing as a stupid idea.Those participating need to feel as though they could throw out any idea without being criticized. The rule also holds true if we’re brainstorming alone. Embrace the freedom to jot down any and every idea. Give your internal editor the day off. She deserves a break too. 

(For a while now, I’ve dreamed of creating a gathering that includes two key components: those who desire to brainstorm and mega pots of coffee. Wouldn’t that be fun?) 

“I’ve always loved brainstorming with other writers, and I consider having my work critiqued a part of that brainstorming.” –Jay Asher

3. Turn the music ON. Do you write while listening to music in the background or do you prefer dead silence? Award-winning and internationally published author, K.M. Weiland, considers listening to music as one of the key aspects to her writing process. She believes music encourages focus, enhances our mood, and promotes inspiration. 

I couldn’t agree more. At 8:00 a.m., I switch my Pandora station from Bethel Music (worship music) to George Winston (instrumental). It triggers my brain to start tapping the keys instead of my toes. To strengthen that trigger, I try to minimize playing George Winston’s music outside of writing. 

Lyrical music competes with the words trying to form in my head. But everyone is different and you may find the words to songs inspiring. If you enjoy writing in silence, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give quiet instrumental or ambient music a try. 

“I’m very distracted unless I have music on. Listening to music while I brainstorm makes me think of scenes that would fit the mood of the music I’m playing.” – Maggie Stiefvater

Since we’re closing today’s post on the subject of music I’d love to know—do you write with music and if so, what type? Or do you require silence?

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Writers can foster an environment that encourages creativity & @CathySBaker shares her tips (Click to Tweet)

Cathy Baker is an award-winning writer and author of Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Beach as well as Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Mountains. As a twenty-five year veteran Bible instructor, she's led hundreds of studies and workshops. She's also contributed to numerous anthologies and publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, and Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family. In addition, her poetry can be found in several popular anthologies.

She and her husband, Brian, live in the foothills of the Carolinas.
Subscribe to Cathy’s blog at http://www.cathybaker.org and receive a free e-book, “Praying In Every Room of Your Home.”