5 Resources To Kick-Start Your Creativity In 2018 (Guest Post)
Have you ever heard the phrase “creativity doesn’t develop in a vacuum”? You probably have but don't know where it comes from.
There is an article by that name written by psychologist John Baer in which Baer says “The skills, knowledge, attitudes, motivations, and personality traits that lead to creative thinking and creative behaviour do not exist and do not develop in a vacuum.” Read the rest of the article here.
In short - to stay creative, you need to immerse yourself in images, experiences, relationships, information, and more that enriches your life in a way that enables your creativity to blossom. Here is a short list of good places to start when looking for creative inspiration to make 2018 your best year yet!
It's Not How Good You Are; It's How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden
This book is a self-proclaimed “pocket-guide” to creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, and more. Arden is an advertising guru who shares a lot of great info and encourages creative bravery.
Smart Creative Women
While not updated as often as it used to be, Smart Creative Women’s archive is a gold-mine of articles and excellent podcasts to inspire you and give you a peek into the work and life of other creative women.
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
Grant talks about how to be radically creative and challenge your world while being successful and persuasive. The summary says it best: “Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent.”
You can also get a summarized version, so if you don’t have the time to read the whole book you can still learn a few things about challenging your creativity!
"To stay creative, you need to immerse yourself in images, experiences, relationships, information, and more that enriches your life in a way that enables your creativity to blossom."
Creative Pep Talk
I just discovered the Creative Pep Talk podcast run by Andy J. Miller, and now I want to go back and listen to all of them! Andy’s mission is to help others merge business and creativity to create success via interviews and more, all packed with info and lots of humor! There is also a blog and newsletter, and Andy hosts events packed with informative workshops.
Being Boss
Being Boss is absolutely fantastic. The best way to describe it is to quote their “about” section: “Being Boss is not about following a cookie-cutter formula for success or dwelling on the imperfections encountered along the way. It’s about you choosing to face the real-life experiences that come with building a business with honesty and grit. It’s about showing up as you are and doing the work and trusting that boss… you got this.” They have podcasts, blog posts, and books available. Being Boss is a great place to go if you are looking for empowerment and a confidence boost, and their site is gorgeous, too!
I hope this list gave you a few sources of inspiration and empowerment for the year ahead. My own goal for 2018 is not only to seek information but to stop fighting it when it tries to point me in a new direction. Let’s make 2018 our year of new ideas and creative growth!
Written by Catherine McGuire
