I want to finish up this article by sharing some information about creating and finding creative ideas from a coach’s perspective. I will discuss trusting yourself, willingness to discover, quieting your editor,
participating in brainstorming and scheduling timely application of creative ideas.

TRUST YOURSELF:
One of the downsides of being a seasonal creative person is my usual flow of ideas, slows down when I’m not producing creatively. It’s a good reminder for me to keep in the flow, whether I am under a deadline or not. I know that when I’m fearful of taking a creative risk, my anxiety also interferes with my skills. If I’m still working through a skill during that time, then my weak areas will show up more often. I may need to work slower than I’d like. If I am procrastinating because of fear, my production slows down, even when I’m working under a deadline.
Can you see where a lack of trust can really be harmful? These are two examples of where the quality of your trust will negatively effect your creative process.
I know that there are some artists who work better under pressure. That’s fine as long as you meet your goals and still take care of yourself. The obvious perk of trusting your ideas is that you will continue discover more ideas, grow, create and take more creative risks.

WILLINGNESS TO DISCOVER:
It’s important that you become willing to discover new ideas and modes of artistic expression. Develop your natural curiousity if you haven’t already done so. Spend some time watching children play in the park or baby pets play in the pet store. They only want to explore, everything, over and over again, until they’re finished. They only want to play and experience the world, without filters, pre-conceived ideas or rules. If you are a parent, then take the time to learn from your own children as they play. Please understand I’m not asking you to throw out your rules and creative philosophy, I’m just asking you to cultivate an open mind and heart. Risks are easier to take when you feel secure, can trust yourself and follow-through on your decisions.

QUIET YOUR EDITOR: I have a critical voice that always makes her opinions known, when I am working creatively. She lives for giving me left-brain advice, especially when I don’t ask for it. I have conversations with her, so that I don’t ignore her or let her assume control of my creative process. She plays a very important part in the proofing of my pieces, my writing or anything else that I’ve created
in final draft. But she’s not helpful when I’m brainstorming, practicing a skill, learning a new skill or beginning my creative process. She is way too critical. She doesn’t tolerate new stuff, curiosity or risk-taking. So, when I use self-talk I send her out on an errand, giving her a task to keep her from becoming bored, then when I’m done with idea development, I call her back in to help me edit my work. You can write dialogues in your journal if you don’t like to talk to yourself. I use several techniques that will help me. If I’m in a hurry, I rely mostly on self-talk.

ACTIVE BRAINSTORMING:
Awareness is one key to brainstorming. It’s important to know that you have ideas to offer. Acceptance is the second key.
Taking not of all contributions no matter how odd, weird or bizarre they may be.
The third key is to move your editor out of the room. Brainstorming requires the freedom to toss anything and everything in or out until you arrive at the best idea.

TIMELY APPLICATION:
After brainstorming, it’s important that you store your ideas for future use.
You can jot notes down in a file, a journal or some other place where they will be safe, and where you will be able to refer to them later on. If you don’t manage your ideas, you will lose or misplace them. For the procrastinators out there, it’s vital that you consistently manage your idea files. If you don’t know what you want to do, then where will you go creatively? It’s one more good excuse to put off your creative work sessions.

Finally,it’s your responsibility to take care of your ideas, no one else can do it for you. Treat your ideas with respect and care,you will experience more creative energy and contentment in the future.

Tags: Articles - Creativity Coaching //