Invest the time and watch/listen to this video.
Here are the key points that called out to me.
I have put everything in a block quote because I'm not sure how much of the following was ad verbatim or paraphrased.
People function in two modes: open and closed. Creativity is not possible in the closed mode.
Close mode:
- We are in this most of the time.
- Lots to be done. Get on with it; get through it.
- Active; possibly slightly anxious. Impatient.
- Little [creative] tension.
- Purposeful [focused on reaching specific goals]. Tunnel vision.
- Stressed and a bit manic.
Open mode:
- Relaxed.
- Expansive. More encompassing. Wider picture views.
- Less purposeful.
- More contemplative.
- More inclined to humour.
- More playful. Make absurd connections.
- Curiosity for its own sake.
To be most effective we need to [be able to comfortably] switch back and forth between these two modes.
Conditions that are more likely to induce the open mode:
- Secludedness - Separateness from everyday life for a specific time and in a place.
- Space - Not to be under pressure; seal yourself off in a quiet undisturbed place.
- Time - create space for a specific time. An oasis with boundaries of space and time.
- Time - Play with a problem longer, to tolerate the discomfort/anxiety when we have not solved a problem. Don't make snap decisions. Set a deadline for a decision and don't make a decision until then. Trust the process.
- Confidence - Fear of making a mistake is detrimental to creativity. Play means being open to anything that may happen. "You can't be spontaneous within reason" Alan Weiss? When being creative, there is no wrong or mistakes.
- Humour - Gets us from closed to open mode. Laughter = relaxation. Serious vs solemn; seriousness should not preclude humour. What is solemnity for? What is the point of it? Giggle all you want!
Find people you like and trust to play with. If just one person in the group makes you feel defensive, that is a sign of danger.
An intermediate state between open and close is impossible.
Thanks to Tammy Davenport for sharing this link.
