 Image: Oscar Keys via Unsplash Building a solo business is not for the faint of heart.
As I celebrate three years of growing my coaching practice, Goldfinch Leadership, I’ve been reflecting on what this journey has truly required: constant attention, trial and error, and many failures – each teaching me something new. I've had to push my creative thinking skills beyond their previous limits, all while continuously creating content to share my ideas, voice, and offerings. It often felt like a hamster wheel, and by this past summer, I was burned out and exhausted. So, I decided to break the rules. This past August, I went dark on LinkedIn. No posts, no marketing, minimal interactions. I took a deliberate pause. The reason? I was mentally drained, and the pace I had been keeping was unsustainable. As an introvert, I thrive in quiet spaces where seemingly unrelated ideas can bounce around, forming new connections in unexpected ways. And here's where a vital creative thinking technique comes into play: the power of the pause. Why Pausing is Essential for Creativity The idea of pausing isn’t just a personal preference; it's backed by science. Neuroscientific research reveals that our brains benefit significantly from intentional breaks. During moments of rest, the brain's default mode network (DMN) becomes highly active. The DMN is the region of the brain associated with mind-wandering, daydreaming, and self-reflection – activities that are essential for creative thinking. When we're constantly "on," our brains remain in a state of focus that's excellent for completing tasks but not necessarily conducive to creative thought. In contrast, pausing activates the DMN, allowing us to connect dots, generate new ideas, and solve problems in innovative ways. This is why some of our best ideas seem to appear out of nowhere while we're in the shower, out for a walk, or – in my case – stepping away from social media for a bit. In my Applied Creativity: The Future of Work program, we explore this concept in-depth. One section is dedicated to helping participants understand how to leverage the power of the pause as a strategic tool in their creative process. It's not just about taking a break; it's about creating the mental space needed for creativity to thrive. A Real-Life Case Study: Tim Cook and Rick Rubin's Approach to the Pause An excellent example of this comes from Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple. When Cook took over as CEO after Steve Jobs' passing in 2011, he was under immense pressure to maintain the company’s innovative edge. However, instead of rushing to push out new products at Jobs' pace, Cook took a more measured approach. He often took deliberate pauses before making significant decisions, allowing time for careful reflection. A prime example of this is the development of the Apple Watch. Rather than rushing it to market, Cook and his team spent time iterating and refining the product to ensure it aligned with Apple's core values and truly brought something new to users. This strategic pause was pivotal, resulting in a product that redefined the wearable tech market. Cook's approach illustrates that in a high-pressure industry like technology, taking time to pause can lead to thoughtful, innovative outcomes. Rick Rubin, the legendary music producer for artists like the Beastie Boys, Tom Petty, LL Cool J, Lady Gaga and Johnny Cash to name a few, embodies a similar philosophy. Known for his deliberate pacing, Rubin emphasizes the importance of creating the right environment for creativity. His work with artists involves a process of slowing down, removing distractions, and allowing space for deeper, more authentic expression. Rubin's approach aligns with the idea that creativity flourishes when given room to breathe. Together, Cook and Rubin exemplify how stepping back – whether through strategic pauses in business or creating a conducive atmosphere in the studio – fosters creativity and clarity. They echo the practices of many business leaders who use time blocking to carve out "thinking time" in their calendars. This intentional scheduling of breaks allows them to step back from the noise, reflect, and generate more innovative ideas. My Own Experience with the Pause During my LinkedIn detox, my post impressions dropped to an all-time low. On some days, my content reached as few as 44 people. And you know what? That was fine. The algorithm can survive a little downtime. But my ideas? They thrived. Stepping back allowed me to close mental loops that had been nagging at me for weeks. I came back with a clearer sense of direction, reenergized, and ready to dive into new projects. Projects like building a rich and transformative on-demand course to help others grow their creative thinking capacity, convert anxiety, frustration and overwhelm into solutions, and embrace a new identity as someone who is creative, an incredibly powerful mindset that sets you up to tackle challenges with gusto. As I reflect on these past three years of building my business, I realize that the constant push, the trial and error, and the failures had put me on a limited supply of creativity. Taking this pause wasn’t just a break; it was a much-needed shift. It reminded me that real growth, whether in business or creativity, sometimes requires stepping back and letting the pieces fall into place. Creating Space for Your Own Pause If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider taking an intentional pause. It doesn't have to be a month-long social media detox. It could be a short, daily walk without your phone, a weekend free from emails, or simply some quiet time for deep thought. The key is to give your brain the space it needs to wander, reflect, and make new connections. In my Applied Creativity course, participants learn how to integrate these pauses into their routines strategically. It’s not about quitting; it's about setting the stage for the kind of deep thinking that fuels groundbreaking ideas. This is precisely the lesson I learned through my own experience – and the practice that leaders like Tim Cook and Rick Rubin have shown to be invaluable in their fields. Final Thoughts: Leaning Into the Long PauseIntentional breaks are powerful. They help us recharge, refocus, and reconnect with our deeper, creative selves. As we step back, take a breath, and lean into the long pause, we find that we come back sharper, clearer, and more aligned with our goals. So here's to quitting for a bit – to stepping back and finding the clarity we need to create something truly remarkable. As I look back on three years of Goldfinch Leadership, I’m reminded that pauses aren’t just a break from the hamster wheel; they're the key to building something lasting. Ready to Explore the Power of the Pause? If this idea resonates with you, I dive even deeper into these concepts in my Applied Creativity: The Future of Work program. And in celebration of my company's third anniversary, I’m offering an exclusive deal – the entire course for just $99 (regularly $985) until November 15 if you use the coupon code 3YearsFor99. Learn more and sign up here.
0 Comments
 Image: JJ Ying via Unsplash
Artists are often viewed as mysterious beings, seemingly possessing magical knowledge that’s beyond the grasp of mere mortals. They create something out of nothing, captivating audiences with their chosen medium, whether it be visual art, music, theater, film, or writing. Their creations serve as mirrors to the world, reflecting back profound truths or offering unique perspectives. Their work can evoke a range of emotions: enthralled, amused, frightened, or deeply moved. Like I said, it’s almost as if they wield a kind of magic. But here's the secret: it's not magic at all. In reality, artists have honed a few key skills to a high level of proficiency. And guess what? You can develop these skills too, tailored to your own medium, whether it's problem-solving, project management, research, communication, analytics, or anything else you do. So, what exactly do artists excel at, and how can you cultivate these abilities in your own life and work? Here’s how: 1. Observe + Notice In art school, you're taught the art of observation. You learn to see shapes, colors, textures, and tensions that others overlook. This keen observation is essential for artists, enabling them to capture the essence of what they perceive and express it through their chosen medium. In life and work, the ability to observe and notice allows you to see what others miss, to discern the subtleties of a situation, and to gain a deeper understanding of reality. 2. Reserve Judgment An artist must learn to set aside judgment while honing their observational skills. When sketching from life, for example, you can't afford to label something as unattractive or imperfect. You must see things as they are, without bias, to capture their true essence. In work and life, reserving judgment enables you to approach challenges with objectivity, make decisions based on facts rather than preconceptions, and build meaningful relationships on understanding rather than judgment. 3. Challenge Assumptions Building on the foundation of observation and reserving judgment, artists excel at challenging assumptions. Did you know that, in drawing a portrait, the eyes typically fall halfway between the chin and the crown of the head? Yes, that far down. Your perception of reality isn't always accurate. By challenging your assumptions, you open yourself up to new perspectives and insights, essential for innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving in both work and life. 4. Ask New Questions Artists are masters of inquiry, constantly asking, "What if?" and "Why not?" These simple yet powerful questions spark a cascade of new ideas and possibilities. Just like feeding different prompts into ChatGPT yields different responses, changing your approach can lead to fresh insights and solutions. Cultivating the ability to ask probing questions empowers you to explore new avenues and uncover innovative solutions to complex problems. 5. Lead with Curiosity Curiosity is the lifeblood of artistic expression. Artists approach the world with a childlike wonder, constantly questioning, exploring, and seeking to understand. Cultivating curiosity allows you to delve deeper into subjects, expand your knowledge, and generate novel ideas. Embrace your innate curiosity, and watch as it leads you toward new discoveries and insights in both your personal and professional life. 6. Practice Using Tools + Techniques Just as a painter wields a brush and canvas, artists master a variety of tools and techniques to bring their visions to life. Similarly, in work and life, knowing which tools and techniques to apply can make all the difference. Whether it's choosing the right software for a project or employing effective communication strategies, skillful application of tools and techniques enhances your effectiveness and efficiency. 7. Develop Mastery Repetitive practice breeds mastery. Watch a virtuoso play the piano. Through countless hours of dedication, artists develop an intuitive understanding of their craft, allowing them to transcend the technicalities and focus on their creative vision. Likewise, in work and life, mastery of your domain empowers you to tackle challenges with confidence, innovate with ease, and achieve extraordinary results. So, what sets artists apart isn't some elusive magic; it's a set of skills that anyone can develop with dedication and practice. As someone who was trained as an artist and now applies these skills as a coach, advisor, and thought partner, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of embracing these principles.  Image: VietNam Beautiful via Unsplash What do you see when a child kicks a soccer ball?
Freedom. Joy. Friendship. Play. A child at play is a moving illustration of creativity and human development. Children learn by playing. It’s how humans are wired. Consider what a child learns by kicking a ball:
What does a social psychology and economics student who’s taking an engineering course see when a child kicks a soccer ball? A solution to poor infrastructure and electricity on demand. Wait. What? Adults Can Benefit From Play, Too It’s true. The innate ability to learn through play isn't limited to children. It's a fundamental aspect of human nature that can spark innovation and drive change. Back in 2008, two students at Harvard University, Jessica O. Matthews (referenced above) and Julia C. Silverman, who was studying Social Anthropology and Economics, made this creative leap together in an engineering class. You see, Matthews’ family is from Nigeria, and on her many trips to visit family who still live there, she observed two big things:
Matthews brought this observation to Silverman, and they co-create a device that harnesses and stores the kinetic energy of being kicked to generate reliable energy for a small device. And through the iterative process of trial and error, their experiments resulted in a prototype of an object called SOCCKET - a soccer ball with an embedded gyroscope generator and a power port - that could turn 30 minutes of play into three hours of light or a fully charged cell phone. The imaginative leap this took is one seen time and again in creative thinking: random association. Let’s walk through what the process could have looked like. Observation: Matthews and Silverman observed two disparate facts and brought them together: the universal love for soccer, and the prevalent issue of unreliable electricity in a wide array of communities. This observation sparked their curiosity and planted the seed for innovation. Playful Exploration: Inspired by the idea of play and its potential to generate energy, Matthews and Silverman began experimenting with different materials and designs. They approached the challenge with a sense of curiosity and playfulness themselves, allowing them to explore unconventional ideas. Frustration and Setbacks: As with any creative endeavor, the process was not without its challenges. Initially, engineering experts said their idea couldn’t be done, forcing them to adapt and learn on their own. There were surely moments of frustration when initial prototypes failed to meet expectations or faced technical difficulties. But instead of giving up, they persisted, using setbacks as learning opportunities to refine their approach. Iterative Design: Through a process of playing with trial and error, Matthews and Silverman iterated on their designs, continually refining and improving the SOCCKET prototype. Each version brought them closer to their goal, as they learned from both successes and failures along the way. Excitement and Breakthroughs: Alongside the challenges came moments of excitement and breakthroughs. When they successfully developed a prototype that could convert kinetic energy from play into usable electricity, it marked a significant milestone in their creative journey. These moments of success fueled their motivation and inspired them to keep pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Collaborative Innovation: Throughout the process, Matthews and Silverman collaborated closely, leveraging each other's strengths and perspectives to overcome obstacles, uncover their blindspots, and drive innovation forward. Their partnership exemplified the power of teamwork in creative problem-solving. Real-World Impact: The culmination of their efforts resulted in the creation of the SOCCKET, a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to address energy poverty and empower communities around the world. Their journey from observation to invention demonstrates the transformative power of creativity when combined with empathy, persistence, and collaboration. The two women went on to co-found Uncharted Play (now Uncharted), a company “on a mission to accelerate the equitable development of smart, sustainable infrastructure worldwide.” What started as a simple obsersvation of play became their ethos for impact. The Power of Play The journey of Matthews and Silverman in creating the SOCCKET illustrates the power of play to transcend perceived limitations and drive transformative change. They dared to challenge the status quo and ask, "what if?" They embraced the spirit of play, allowing curiosity and imagination to guide their creative process. They ignored the experts who said it couldn’t be done and taught themselves just enough to have a breakthrough. Through playful exploration, they uncovered unexpected connections and solutions that had the potential to reshape entire communities. The SOCCKET may not have turned into the promise it initially held, but its conceptualization and initial impact serve as a powerful testament to the potential of small ideas to spark significant change. The story of the SOCCKET demonstrates how innovation and creativity, even in their early stages, can have far-reaching implications and inspire broader conversations and initiatives. This story serves as a powerful reminder that your greatest breakthroughs often emerge when you give yourself permission to play, to dream, and to push beyond the limits of what's expected or assumed. When you unleash your creativity and refuse to underestimate yourself, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. So, what's your limit? Don't underestimate yourself. Embrace the playful, imaginative spirit within you and dare to dream big. Who knows what transformative impact you may unleash on the world.  Image: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash In an era where change is the only constant, traditional strategic planning approaches often fall short in navigating volatility and fostering innovation. It's not enough anymore to create a 3-5 year plan and stick to it. To truly thrive, organizations and individuals alike must embrace creative thinking as the cornerstone of their strategic planning efforts. Let's delve into why creative thinking is indispensable for success and how it can catalyze innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity across all levels - both personal and professional.
Defining Creative Thinking: Creative thinking is the ability to approach problems, challenges, and opportunities with originality, flexibility, and imagination. It transcends conventional thinking to generate fresh ideas, novel perspectives, and innovative solutions. Creative thinkers excel at connecting disparate concepts, embracing experimentation, and viewing failure as a stepping stone to success. Creative thinking is indeed a mindset characterized by curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge the what you've taken for granted. It moves past the concept of only artistic or cultural output, and shifts from an understanding of creativity being an activity to one as a way of being. Benefits of Creative Thinking at Different Levels For Individuals: At the individual level, creative thinking entails embracing curiosity, exploring new ideas, and challenging the status quo. It's about being open-minded, adaptable, and willing to take risks. By tapping into your innate creative thinking styles, you can unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth while building confidence and resilience. You also grow your emotional intelligence by better understanding how you function in the world. Imagine facing setbacks as challenges that can be overcome, instead of facing insurmountable obstacles. For Teams: Creative thinking within teams fosters collaboration by encouraging diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. Teams that embrace creative thinking can develop robust strategies that address a wide range of possibilities. Sometimes the solution is hiding in plain sight, and it takes a new approach to see it. By harnessing the collective intelligence and creativity of team members, organizations can drive innovation and achieve sustainable success. Teams can also expect a deeper appreciation of the diverse thinking styles across members, which fosters increased inclusivity and appreciation. For Organizations: Creative thinking at the organizational level means staying ahead of the curve, adapting to change, and driving innovation. It involves embracing a growth mindset and being willing to experiment and learn from failure. Creative organizations don’t have to be flashy, but they do need to be clever. By fostering a culture of creativity and innovation (both incremental and disruptive), organizations can position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Applied Creativity Techniques in Strategic Planning In strategic planning, creativity isn't just about generating wild ideas. It's about applying dynamic thinking to solve complex problems and uncover new opportunities. The overlap between analytical thinking and creative thinking is much more vast than it may appear. Here are some applied creativity techniques that can enhance your strategic planning process: Confirming the Question: Ensure you're asking the right questions before diving into solutions. Don't spend your scarce resources of time and money on the wrong issue. Spend extra time up front confirming the problem you're trying to solve. It's crucial for directing creative efforts effectively. False Constraints: Introduce artificial limitations or temporarily eliminate existing constraints to encourage outside-the-box thinking. Create a false deadline, suspend the budget for brainstorming, or cho0se three key areas to focus on. Breaking free from constraints can lead to innovative solutions. Human-Centered Design: Adopt a human-centered approach, like creating ideally targeted personas or empathy maps, to gain deeper insights into the needs and preferences of stakeholders. Understanding the human element is essential for developing solutions that resonate with users. Challenging Assumptions: Identify and challenge underlying assumptions that may be limiting your perspective. Frame your assumptions as the opposite to see if the original holds weight. By questioning established beliefs, you open up space for alternative viewpoints and fresh ideas. Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Expand your knowledge base by learning from diverse industries and domains. Create teams from departments that don't typically collaborate. Borrow ideas from a non-competing individual or company. Drawing inspiration from unrelated fields can spark creativity and lead to unexpected insights applicable to strategic planning. Imagining Opposite Results: Consider the opposite of the desired outcome and explore solutions for that scenario. What if you caused the problem you're trying to solve? This technique encourages creative problem-solving by challenging conventional thinking patterns and encouraging innovative approaches. Redefining Resources: Think creatively about available resources and explore unconventional ways to leverage them. Expand beyond the tangible to include intangibles, like identity, spaces, seasons or cycles. By redefining what constitutes a resource, you can uncover untapped potential and drive innovation in strategic planning. Conclusion Creative thinking is indispensable for strategic planning success in today's dynamic work and business environment. By embracing creativity at the individual, team, or organizational levels, you can navigate uncertainty, foster collaboration, drive innovation, promote inclusivity and belonging, and ultimately achieve sustainable success that can adapt when the unexpected happens. As you look to the future, remember that creative thinking isn't just a skill—it's a mindset that empowers you to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing world. Are you in the process of an important and strategic planning process? Maybe it could use an infusion of creative thinking. Reach out to discuss how Goldfinch Leadership can help. About: I’m Veronica Scarpellino, Founder of Goldfinch Leadership, a Creativity + Innovation Coach, and a Creative Intelligence Practitioner. I work with individuals and organizations to tap the underutilized resource of human creativity to promote growth, success, wellbeing and joy. I teach Applied Creativity, work with individuals in career transition, and deliver unique team building workshops across industries.  Image: Erik Dungan via Unsplash Do you ever find yourself teetering on the edge of a brilliant idea, only to be halted by an inner voice screaming, "You're in danger! Don't jump!"? If you've experienced this, know that you're not alone.
Creative minds often grapple with self-doubt, anxiety, or frustration that seems to block the path to innovation. But what if I told you there's a secret weapon to shatter those barriers? Enter emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ isn't just about managing emotions; it's your superpower for breaking free from the fight-flight-freeze mode when challenges arise. Picture this scenario instead: You're on the brink of a creative breakthrough when that familiar doubt sneaks in, your heart rate accelerates, and you instinctively retreat. But then you pause, taking a deep breath as your EQ steps in. It helps you recognize the emotional whirlwind for what it is: fear of the unknown and misplaced self-doubt. With your newfound awareness, you take a moment to self-regulate, quieting those inner negative voices. As you regain your composure, you're able to leverage the power of creative thinking. How? By asking the right questions, exploring new perspectives, and tapping into your unique insights. You dissect the complex emotions you experienced, extracting the valuable nuggets of information they hold. Surprisingly, that initial emotional turmoil becomes fuel for innovation. And here's the good news: You can learn to better manage these rogue emotions and inner voices. Moreover, you can discover creative thinking techniques tailored to your unique style, propelling your ideas forward. Research underscores the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in fostering creativity. Dr. Daniel Goleman, renowned psychologist and author of "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ," says, "Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand, and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy, information, connection, and influence." This insightful perspective underscores the profound impact of EQ on our cognitive processes and creative endeavors. I've had the privilege of teaching these strategies to some of the most brilliant creators and experts. While their selection of tactics may vary, the end result remains the same: breakthroughs. So, the next time that inner voice warns you of danger, remember: your EQ is your creative compass. It's your guide to navigate the inner landscape and unleash the genius within. If you're eager to develop new skills to calm that inner noise and amplify your creative capacity, I invite you to schedule a chat with me. Together, we'll explore the tools in my kit that can empower you on your creative journey. |
AuthorVeronica Scarpellino is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the ICF and Board Certified Coach (BCC), stands at the forefront of creativity and career evolution. With over 20 years of immersive experience and formal coaching, she specializes in guiding professionals through transitions, emphasizing the transformative potential of creative thinking. Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
484.474.0285
© 2021-2024 Goldfinch Leadership LLC
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Goldfinch Leadership logo designed by MF Studio.