Forcing Inspiration

Most people, when they have to complete a creative endeavour, often tend to wait for inspiration. It is not unusual to find, therefore, that most people take inordinately long to complete projects or never finish them at all. Look at the infinite number of people with half-finished first-drafts under their bed. This reveals a lack of understanding of how the mind and creativity work, for the best way to find a bucket-load of inspiration is to force it out.

1) Engaging in the Task.

Simply engaging in the task generates ideas. By defining the work process, people can frame the mind for the coming task and keep work flowing.

2) Absorption in the project.

Absorption in a project creates inspiration for other, similar projects. Screenwriters know that they will come up with lots of good ideas for other screenplays while they are working on the present one.

3) Blocks.

One reason for a lack of inspiration is that the creator suffers from any of the many forms of evaluation apprehension. By forcing engagement in and completing the project, that creator can leapfrog blocks, which progressively decline with further projects. Confidence comes from having undergone a set of positive successful experiences.

4) Competencies.

Another reason for not embarking on projects is the lack of developed competencies. Competencies build up gradually over a set of positive experiences:

i) The experience curve shows us that in the early stages, relative lack of experience, knowledge and refined methodology limits performance to sub-optimal levels. With time these factors improve and productivity increases exponentially.

ii) Subliminal and subconscious learning ? when we are motivated by an endeavour we will become good at it by working at it on various cognitive levels.

iii) Subliminal and subconscious perception ? many skills and actions are initially learnt with much conscious effort, then, with practice, they come easily and smoothly. After complete automisation, paying attention may actually be detrimental.

The above concepts are encapsulated in common expressions such as, "you have to write a million words before you write anything good." Knowledgeable screenwriters know that it was really only after a certain number of completed screenplays that they really began to get good.

5) Process.

One of the most sustained myths about creativity is that it is not a process. In fact, inspiration and insight results from a definite process which includes:

i) Dividing the problem into sets of smaller problems.

ii) Intensely investigating problems.

iii) Forcing the production of ideas using creative versus critical thinking.

iv) Seeking stimuli.

v) Applying constant conscious thought.

vi) Engaging in rest and unrelated activities.

vii) Allowing incubation

6) Forcing prolific activity.

Forcing engagement in an endeavour triggers prolific activity ? and it can be concluded with a high degree of certainty that quality of output is closely related to sheer quantity. The single best creative product tends to appear at that point in the career when the creator is being most prolific.

In conclusion, inspiration is best attained by forcefully and consciously engaging in a project. Experienced hands will tell you, just do it!

************************************

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased at http://www.managing-creativity.com

************* ***********************

You are free to reproduce this article as long as the author's name, web address and link to MBA dissertation is retained.

Kal Bishop MBA
Kal is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller.

---

Need A Boost? Take a Look at How Far Youve Come

Too many of us are too hard on ourselves, always... Read More

My name is Smarty Jones -- Embracing Gods Glory

Our deepest fear us not that we are inadequate. Our... Read More

The Importance of Friendship

My students and clients have constantly heard me stress that... Read More

For Old Times Sake

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 19,... Read More

Supercharge Your Dreams!

We all accept the fact that the lighter the backpack,... Read More

The Priceless Gift of a Knee-High Smile

She was just over knee-high standing next to me in... Read More

Escape From the Dungeon: Jennifers Survival Story

Have you ever been encountered with a trauma in life... Read More

Maternal Instincts

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 14,... Read More

Who Are The Underminers?

How many of you had the experience growing up of... Read More

Improving Your Self Esteem

Often in our society, we are bombarded with the lives... Read More

7 Strategies to Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks

You Can Overcome panic attacks and anxiety! That is great... Read More

Trusting Your Genius Within

Comments about New Theories in the Professions and Business!I recall... Read More

The Shoemaker and the Brat

At seventeen years old, I was a brat. A mixture... Read More

Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time

I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More

My Favorite Movies Journal

The movies--what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I... Read More

$12 And 90 Minutes To Change Your Life

Have you ever listened to self hypnosis tapes? Or listened... Read More

A Path To Peace

The root of discord and violence between people and nations... Read More

Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?

We all have those moments, don't we? We're right in... Read More

Go Ahead... Journal! (Taking Time To Record My Souls Journey With God)

Imagine sitting down in a relaxed setting -- a setting... Read More

Why Are We So Lost? The Journey Home

Did you ever wonder how you ended up where you... Read More

How You Can Change Your Destiny

The outer conditions of a person's life will always be... Read More

Self Acceptance ? Lessons From My Hair Affair

For our diet and, indeed, in every aspect of our... Read More

Quitting Before It Even Starts

Most people give up just when they're about to achieve... Read More

You Can Make a Difference

When I study of world these days, I see a... Read More

Principles That Govern My Life

The strength and durability of a building is found in... Read More

Do You Pay For Services Out of Obligation or Appreciation?

Have you ever paid for services rendered with a strong... Read More

Blessings and Art of Living

My perception is that universe infinitely blesses us every moment.... Read More

Stop Trying to be Perfect

In the moment of completing a thought or action, it... Read More

Walking The Walk

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 14,... Read More

5 Notions That Americans Should Put Out To Pasture

Wisdom and knowledge come from the same family but are... Read More

Who is My Mother?

Text: Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3: 31-35, Luke 8:19Mother's Day has... Read More

Change Begins With Choice

Any day we wish we can discipline ourselves to change... Read More

Universal Thought System Language Keywords

Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More