Creativity Defaults: How Are You Unknowingly Limiting YOUR Creativity?

What would you say if someone suggested to you that you were greatly limiting your creativity and creative output without realising it, every single time you come to create?

You might respond in a variation on 1 of 3 ways:

1. You might deny it indignantly, saying: “That’s ridiculous, of course I’m not, why would I hold myself back and limit myself, I love creating!”.

2. You might say: “Ok maybe sometimes I limit myself when I’m feeling less confident or negative about a project”, which is something no doubt we all relate to from time to time.

3. Though it’s highly unlikely, you might respond: “I know I limit myself and I know exactly how. I’m going to stop immediately.”

So why is almost certain you’d reply with answer 1 or 2 and not 3?

Simply because you probably don’t realise just how and when you DO limit yourself, and the subtle and almost imperceptible ways these limitations can manifest themselves.

To explain why this is more clearly, here’s an analogy:

When I come to write a new article, I open a blank document in my word processor. To make it easy for me to get the idea down on the page and write as effortlessly as possible, I’ve already set up my word processor program to use a default font, size, margin and so on. This means I can get straight into writing with as little delay and distraction as possible.

The font I use is the very neutral Verdana, the size of 11 point is large enough to see clearly, and the page size of 125% is also as easy to view as possible.

But what if, as my default new blank page, the font size was set to a tiny, eye straining 4 point? Or the default font was an oblique elaborate handwriting typeface? Or the page size set to 10% so it appeared on the screen about the size of a postage stamp?!

Of course, if any of these were set as the default, I’d struggle to get going. I’d either type away anyway, squinting to see the almost invisible text appearing, and along the way give myself a headache and a sore neck, and my face a permanently pained expression.

Or I could change each of the settings one by one to some that were more comfortable and easy to use. But then, unless I change the stored default settings, each time I again open a new blank document, I’ll go through the same clumsy process.

So how does this relate to your creativity?

Well, consider what happens when you settle down to create. What are YOUR default settings, both internally and externally? Are the conditions set up to enable you to create as easily and freely as possible?

Is your attitude and outlook set to “Open, Creative, Adventurous, Motivated”? Or is it more like "Fearful, Anxious, Doubt-filled, Lethargic"?

And your external environment, how is that arranged? Organised in a way that suits and enhances your creativity? Uplifting, inspiring surroundings? Tools and equipment all ready and available?

Or is it cluttered, chaotic, bleak and bland, with your equipment scattered haphazardly so you can never lay your hands on the right pen/ brush/ instrument/ material/ when you need it?

Take a few minutes out to look honestly and carefully at these factors, both the internal thoughts and processes in your mind, and the external environment you create in.

Then ask yourself if your default settings for creativity really are as favourable as possible to give you the opportunities to create your best work?

If like most of us, they’re not, then start to think about how you can improve them, and take the action necessary to put these changes in place. Reset those defaults, and notice what a difference it can make.

:: Share Your Experience ::

What are YOUR Creativity Defaults set to? And how can you adjust them to enhance your creativity?

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