The Creative Brain & Time.
Ever feel like you're constantly wrestling the time instead of creating your best work?
I've absolutely been there. I want to help you ditch the chaotic “messy genius” cliche and craft a schedule that truly fuels your creative spirit.
For the past 4 years, I've been hanging out online with awesome solopreneurs just like you.. My background is a bit of a mixed bag: healthcare, non-profit, education... but all those experiences taught me one thing: solid systems are GOLD.
But the trick is adapting them to our unique creative energy.
We all know traditional time management can feel like trying to squeeze into a pair of jeans two sizes too small. 😬
It just doesn't work for our brains.
So, in this first episode, let's ditch the "messy genius" stereotype and get real about why those old-school strategies fall flat for us. Then, we'll dive into how understanding our natural rhythms can seriously unlock our superpowers. 💥
Sound good? Let's get started!
Why Traditional Time Management Fails Creatives.
You've heard the stories: the brilliant artist with the overflowing studio, the visionary entrepreneur with papers scattered across their desk. It's tempting to believe that creativity thrives in chaos. But the "messy genius" is more myth than reality.
While a little bit of mess can be a sign of ideas in motion, chronic disorganization is a recipe for overwhelm, missed deadlines, and burnout. The most successful creatives I've worked with understand this - They've learned to strike a balance. They embrace the messiness of creativity during brainstorming, but then they establish routines, set priorities, and maintain focus when it matters.
They know that a certain level of structure is essential for bringing ideas to life.
I understand that to some having rigid schedules could be as enjoyable as trying to force a flower to bloom in the dead of winter. Those suffocating deadlines and endless to-do lists? They're absolute inspiration killers for creative souls. We crave a different approach, one that celebrates those spontaneous "aha!" moments and allows us to freely explore the winding paths of our imagination.
Traditional time management, with its unyielding structure and obsession with measurable output, is like a square peg in a round hole for creatives. It's not just a matter of preference; it's about how our brains are wired.
Creativity thrives on spontaneity and the freedom to explore ideas without constraints. In fact, neuroscience and psychology research reveals that rigid schedules can actually hinder our creative thinking.
Ever noticed how your most brilliant ideas tend to surface when you're relaxed and your mind is free to wander? It's not a coincidence. Our brains are most active and innovative during states of relaxation and diffuse thinking – the polar opposite of what traditional time management encourages.
This is when we're able to make those unexpected connections and stumble upon groundbreaking solutions.
So, what's the science behind those "aha!" moments that often happen when you're in the shower ? It all comes down to the fascinating interplay between focused and diffuse modes of thinking.
Focused mode: is when we're actively concentrating on a specific task, like powering through a to-do list.
Diffuse mode: that dreamy, unfocused state, where creativity truly flourishes.
Studies show that when we're not hyper-focused on a particular task, our brains are free to forge new neural pathways and wander down unexplored avenues. This is where those”ahha”" moments arise.
However, traditional time management, with its rigid structure and schedules, can inadvertently suppress this essential diffuse mode, making it more challenging for those creative sparks to ignite
Energy Management
Figure out when you're feeling most switched on and ready to go – that's your "peak performance" sweet spot. Use that time to tackle your biggest, most important projects, the stuff that needs your full attention. When you're feeling a little less energetic, that's the perfect time to knock out those easier, less demanding tasks
If you're a morning person, like me right now, schedule your deep work for early in the day – think writing, planning, or calls with clients. If you're more of a night owl, save those creative brainstorms or editing sessions for the evening. And if you always hit that afternoon slump, switch gears and focus on less demanding stuff like checking emails or tidying up your files.
The natural flow of creativity is not a linear process. Its more like a dance of the two modes thinking.
Think of it in four steps:
Prep work: This is where you gather info, do research, and dive deep into the problem or project.
Let it simmer: Now step back and let your brain do its thing in the background. This is often when those "aha!" moments hit.
Lightbulb moment: This is the breakthrough stage, where ideas click and solutions show up.
Reality check: This is where you fine-tune your ideas, try them out, and see what works.
By getting how these stages work, you can groove with your creative flow instead of fighting it. You can set the scene for each stage to happen naturally, instead of trying to force creativity on demand.
Till next week!
xxoo
Kathleen
Curious to delve deeper into the fascinating connection between creativity and neuroscience? Check out this insightful article from the American Psychological Association:
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/04/cover-science-creativity
