Recently, I got thinking all about the power of discipline on the creative mind. What started me on this odyssey of creative thought, you ask? I had just finished watching the movie, Julie & Julia, on DVD.
The creativity of the human mind knows no boundaries, and therein lies the paradox: Without something to reign in, focus and channel that creativity, it tends to float aimlessly. While creative-types (including myself) will complain about the limitations thrust upon them, the truth is that without those limitations nothing gets accomplished and deadlines often aren’t met. Deadlines as in results, are also one of the aforementioned limitations.
Talk to any creative artist who has set about a project with no creative or time boundaries, and chances are very good you are talking to someone who has not even come close to completing said project. Such projects could go on indefinitely, growing in scope and essence… without direction or focus.
Trust me, I know this truth first-hand.
For the few who haven’t seen the movie, this is the one based on two true stories~that of Julia Child before she wrote her now-famous book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and that of the soon-to-be-30 Julie Powell, who loved cooking and saw it as a nightly refuge from her difficult day job. These two stories have some parallels, which deepen when Julie decides to tackle Julia Child’s recipes in one year and blog about the process.
At the beginning of the movie, Julie Powell is wallowing in a dead-end job and questioning what she’s done with her life, feeling lost at sea. For this heroine, the act of focusing on her passion (cooking), giving it structure (completing 524 recipes in 365 days), and commiting to be accountable (blogging about it daily) created a recipe for success. Watching this movie I saw parallels with my own creativity and that of others.
During all the years that I worked solely as a self-employed commercial artist, my client’s specifications created the structure and their deadlines created the accountability. I prided myself in always meeting client deadlines~and often early~while exceeding the client’s expectations for the project-at-hand. As a result, I was prolific in this work.
However, when there wasn’t client work it was easy to flounder, if I didn’t deliberately create some structure and accountability of my own.
Whether we like it or not, the creative mind thrives best with structure and accountability. Keep it up long enough, and it generates a creative discipline where creativity flourishes under even the tightest constraints.
What does this have to do with you personally or with your business? All of us have something that requires creativity in our lives and/or business, and can benefit from this formula:
Your Passion Find out what you truly love and focus on that. If you don’t know your passion, be wiling to try different things until you find it. Julia Child tried hat making, learning bridge, and studying French, before she happened upon cooking and discovered it was her true passion.
+ Structure What actions, related to your passion, are you willing to take on a regular basis? When I was working in mortgage lending in the 80s, I would come home from work each night, change my clothes, grab dinner and work on my acrylic paintings for 2-3 hours. I was happy to commit to this schedule because it was my passion at the time.
+ Committed Accountability How can you be accountable? If clients aren’t involved, find a buddy, a coach or a Quantum MasterMind that gives you the support and place to share the successes and frustrations.
= Success Julia Child’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Her book is considered a masterpiece, and it launched her teaching and television career.
Julie Powell’s efforts did not go unnoticed, either. By the end of her year-long journey, she caught the attention of the NY Times, got a book deal and ~as we all now know~ a movie deal, and is now working as a published professional writer.
If you’ve been feeling lost as sea, unable to find the shore with your creative work, look to see if your work contains the passion, structure and accountability. If not, try establishing some and see if it brings you safely back to shore.
Have you found ways to create structure and committed accountability for your creativity? Share with us below in the comments…
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello Nancy! I like this subject matter.
I actually do not need much external accountability. I tend to stick to what I say I am going to do with my business. If I do not meet a deadline then usually there is a clog with my energy somewhere and when I pay attention to that clog and work it out, I easily meet the deadline.
I do use classes as a tool to meet deadlines. I know that I have market a class by a certain time and I know I have to have class materials ready by a certain time so all those act as accountability measures.
The Quantum Mastermind is a great way too. That has helped me a lot in keeping my feet to the fire. The beauty of QMM is that if I am being overzealous with my deadlines, you guys have been a great bouncing board for that too.
I have found structure to be much easier for me now that I work from home and I work alone. When I worked in an office with constant interruptions and incessant phone ringings, I found it difficult to meet deadlines. Now that I work by myself, it is easy as pie.
Thanks for putting this out here Nancy. I think being aware of what you need in this area and creating that for yourself is key.
Big hugs!
Iyabo
.-= Iyabo Asani, The Inner Genius Coach´s last blog ..Can I Guarantee Your Results? =-.
Twitter: AffirmingSpirit
January 13, 2010 at 9:33 am
Thanks for stopping by, Iyabo!
It sounds like you use your classes as the “structure”, and the attendees for those classes then become the “accountability”. If you don’t show up for your own class (and I DO know coaches who have done that!) or are not ready for your class, your attendees will hold you accountable by possibly NOT showing up for the next class. This process works for you.
It’s always great to hear how Quantum MasterMind is providing support and helping solopreneurs, so thanks for that, too!
Interesting point you make about the constant interruptions of working in a large office versus working alone. Some folks can’t work alone because fun things (refrigerator, TV, outdoors) are too big of distractions for them~but you and I are not among those people.
)
Many blessings,
Nancy
What a timely read, Nancy! Like Iyabo I commit to holding events or workshops, which create a time-line and that has been a huge gift. During the past year I committed to offering a different event each month and more recently started blogging using what I have learned or am learning. The practice of committing to create something new for each of the past 12 months benefited me as well as all those who attended. However, there are other areas I have been resisting, like learning how to record my music. Your article has reinspired me to commit to the friends who offered to teach me– Great article!!
With Love and Appreciation, Kathleen
.-= Kathleen Casey´s last blog ..Does the Question or the Answer Ignite Your Passion? =-.
Twitter: AffirmingSpirit
January 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Kathleen! Wonderful to have you visit my blog (loved your latest blog post!).
Interesting that both you and Iyabo have discovered that offering classes provides “structure” for creativity to flourish. I especially love this:
That really intrigues me~I like the idea of committing to 1 new thing every month. I’ll keep you posted!
Many blessings,
Nancy
Awesome, timely post Nancy! It’s interesting because I have been floundering a bit myself with my business over the past year or so. It’s easy for me to sell offline and make a connection with people, but I have struggled converting that to online and honestly have been stuck and frustrated with where to find good answers (as I’ve been burned a lot and wasted money) and how to get the right (and good) help as I’ve wasted money there too.
My plan for 2010 was to make changes and make it the best year yet. I ended 2009 by being awarded one of four grants from our Chamber of Commerce for Women in Business. I have used those funds to invest in quality help and support and am so excited for what lies ahead in 2010 and look forward to incorporating all of my creativity with accountability and most importantly ACTION! I have a great team assembled and am looking forward to all the possibilities ahead!
Thanks so much for offering such wonderful insight on a topic that really hit “home” for me!
In abundant gratitude,
Deanna
Thank you Nancy for so eloquently describing how important discipline is, since it is the container and channel for creativity. A repeated daily activity is also the grounds for calming and focusing the mind, much like a repeated sound or mantra. The Brain science supports this; it is about how the RAS works.
I am expanding into the world of workshops and teaching on my own schedule now (instead of teaching at hospitals and extended universities) and I notice how much more I need to block out and respect my time blocks. Otherwise, I would research ancient Sanskrit texts and research and read to my heart’s content without writing about the brilliance that I just integrated.
I am looking forward to using the Quantum MasterMind as a tool.
Thank you again for a well written description of discipline as a focus for creativity.
Twitter: AffirmingSpirit
January 15, 2010 at 2:04 pm
@Deanna – Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Sounds like you have already seen the benefit of combining your passion for making jewelry with a structure and accountability. I would not be surprised if you really began seeing growth in your business, and more personal satisfaction in your work, as well! Keep us posted.
@Kathleen – I love the insight you bring with
Of course, that’s the *basis* of meditation and meditative activities ~showing up, every day, no matter what! I know as an artist, that’s also a big key~just *show* up, no matter what.
I’m happy to hear that you’ve found a way to honor your own schedule at the same time you’ve recognized the need for order to contain the *flow*. Thank you for stopping by and sharing these valuable insights!
Many blessings,
Nancy
Years ago when I was a dance major in college, my teacher often quoted Martha her teacher at Julliard who happened to be Martha Graham. Martha said, “technique will set you free.” The very thing that is so disciplined is what gives us so much freedom. It was a great lesson for me that I’ve held dear and carry with me into all areas of my life.
.-= Silky Hart´s last blog ..Come On, Get Happy =-.
Nancy, I had to think about this one a bit and I too must agree! I’ve spent several years teaching myself how to work with these amazing computer technologies, blogging, designing web pages for my own pleasure and using digital photography & story telling to capture messages and hints and gifts from Nature. I hoped by sharing what I’m learning it can help someone else open their heart a little to the magic that’s all around them!
While doing that I was working elsewhere to make the money I wanted to support my explorations (ISP, domain registration, internet provider, etc.) I’m not totally sure I want to continue in that vein… I haven’t had much inspiration to teach or perform some service, although helping people unlock their creative capacities could be a good focus for me!
With the work we’ve been doing in 2009 with rescue dogs and fostering them I am beginning to have that pull toward the “Doggie Day Care” and I love the idea! I JUST now realized there is something useful I could start promoting right now and that would be fostering animals as an alternative to shelters and helping people learn what’s involved! (hm-m-m! might have to make a visit to the Humane Society on Monday! There I go – if I hold myself to that I’ll have some structure to start the momentum!)
If I want it to grow into something REAL It will take some discipline and would force at least some structure, as in a schedule for doing presentations. That would also be the best way to meet the people who would be able to foster or provide financial support to the creation of a care centre. Wow!
Thanks for getting my brain working on this!
Twitter: AffirmingSpirit
January 16, 2010 at 9:23 am
@Silky – Thank you for stopping by to comment! It sounds like you received this guidance early on. I remember my art professors *saying* similar things, but I didn’t internalize (and therefore appreciate), the message until later in life. Was it the same for you, or did you immediately *get it*?
@Cheryl – Reading your post is like watching you reach the AHA in real-time!
I hear you on how the day-to-day job can suck the energy out of you~if you let it. Julie Powell was going through that until she found the recipe for combining her existing passion (cooking) with some structure and accountability. I do believe this recipe makes having a day-job tolerable!
Sounds like the “Doggy Daycare” & “Pet Fostering” are your passions, the research/contacts/talks provide your structure, and the accountability comes from sharing what you’ve learned/discovered and have decided to take action on (perhaps a blog or a coach?). Anyone else in your area share this passion? Perhaps you could form a committee to divvy up the jobs and account back to each other/community.
Thank you both for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Many blessings,
Nancy
Yes there was a definite AHA there! Reading other people’s responses was very helpful in allowing me to mull them over a bit in reference to my own activities!
Thanks so much Nancy!
Hello again. Yes, to answer your question, I did internalize it early on. I have to say there was a balance of technique classes with classes like Improvisation and Dance Composition. But, I have to say that those classes were more fun when I had more options from a more advanced technique than being limited by little or no technique. At the same time, it isn’t all about technique. If you watch dancers who are brilliant technically, but have no soul or passion, it can be boring. I recommend Twyla Tharp’s book, The Creative Habit.
.-= Silky Hart´s last blog ..Come On, Get Happy =-.
Hi, Nancy, thank you for including me in this discussion. Although I still do graphics work for myself and a few web clients, my workload and timing has dramtically shifted to our new (2 yrs) life on the farm. My daily tasks and deadlines are mostly physical ones now (feeding, cleaning, shepherding), yet I still incorporate learning by listening to books on tape and podcasts while my hands are busy, or by having quiet time out of doors, always good for reflecting. And working with the alpacas keeps my intuition fresher than wrangling technology ever did. Somehow I do not mind this continual learning curve, whereas the computer ones frustrated me more often than not.
Most alpaca owners are women who are likewise passionate about these gentle animals. Generally, we are supportive and nurturing, creative and business-minded, willing to share of ourselves and our various talents. It is a microcosm of the way the world can work, and I find that to be incredibly stimulating, inspiring me to want to do more, to give more, to be more. I am so excited to learn the many new things that I can easily get scattered, so must remind myself “progress, not perfection.” Making daily/weekly lists helps. My challenge is to complete open-ended tasks when external deadlines are either distant or non-existent. Networking with other alpaca farm owners on similar paths helps me to stay on track. It is all good.
I reflect on what I learned about creativity in The Artist’s Way, and expand my horizons by getting off the farm, exploring our new home city, doing things with others beyond the realm of alpacas/farm life. It’s akin to “life after children.” And I learn a lot about myself from what I refer to as “cross-over thinking” like this, applying AHA’s and concepts from one area to something quite different. Thank you!
Twitter: AffirmingSpirit
January 17, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@Cheryl & @Silky Thank you for your follow-up comments and clarification! The key really is *PASSION* first, then add structure & accountability.
@Ann of the Alpacas, thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your different perspective. You certainly are creative on the farm (I’ve seen the yarn & knitted pieces), even if it falls outside the traditional definition~turns out, we are *all* creative since we create our life experiences. Thank you for sharing what has worked for you!
Many blessings,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
I find that structure, discipline and even deadlines help me get my best work done. I agree that without structure one’s creativity can just flounder. My latest projects require time frame commitments such as my newsletters and even my blog. There is something about the discipline of doing these projects on a regular basis that spikes my creativity even further. It instigates new ideas and topics I want to write about.
I hadn’t thought about that formula before but it makes a lot of sense. And, in a way isn’t that part of why we are here in the physical – to channel our creativity into form?
All the best,
Susan
.-= Susan Eller´s last blog ..Manifesting Your Goals =-.
Twitter: AffirmingSpirit
January 18, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Yes, I agree, Susan ~we’re here to *channel our creativity*! Although I remember my art professors talking about discipline, I always saw it from the point of *driving* oneself versus seeing it as a benefit to creativity. It was watching the movie, Julie & Julia, that made me stand back and notice the magic that was at work.
So many artists feel *lost* ~and stay that way, spending years noticing *what is* and never harnessing the structure and accountability that could set them free!
Thank you, always, Susan for your thoughtful comments!
Many blessings,
Nancy
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