Creative Focus - How To Go From Scattershot To Laser Focused In 3 Steps

How easy to you find it to focus on one creative project, and to really make some significant progress?

When’s the last time you really felt “That was a great session of creating, I really enjoyed it and feel I moved it on to the next stage”?

Most creative people struggle to get this focused. New ideas pour in constantly, and rather than stick with the project you’re working on, it’s so easy to just jump aboard the next interesting new wave and ride it until another new one comes along.

You end up with dozens of unfinished projects scattered around – both physically, and scattered around as fragments in your head.

Having fresh ideas is a crucial part of a fulfilling creative life. But another equally important element is finishing creative projects, feeing proud that you’ve completed something and that it’s an authentic expression of who you are.

Rather than flitting from project to project like a confused moth in a room full of candles, sometimes it’s good to get laser-focused on just one at a time.

So here are 3 steps to get your creativity focused:

1. Write your “Statement of Intent”. Pick one creative idea to work on and commit to a period of time to work on it. Write your commitment down, it makes it clearer and more likely that you’ll follow through with it. For example: “I commit my creative energies to working for 30 minutes a day for the next 14 days on my new short story about my time travelling in Singapore.”

Include in your “Statement of Intent” an overall period that you’re going to work on the project (eg 14 days) and how much and how often (eg 30 minutes per day) to help you get really focused.

2. Do not disturb. Throughout your period of focus, do all you can to eliminate distractions. Create in a place that is as undisturbed as possible. If necessary, let people know of your intention and kindly request they respect your privacy for that short period of time and allow you to focus.

To manage incoming new ideas, simply keep a small notepad nearby. When a new idea appears, jot it in your notepad to work on at a later time, then close the notepad and continue on your current project.

3. Review, adjust, create. Don’t worry about setting a specific goal like “I’m going to finish 10 pages of my new altered book”. Instead commit just to giving the project your time, energy and focus and allow it to evolve naturally, in whatever way it needs to.

At the end of your period of creativity, review your progress. Congratulate yourself on what you’ve achieved. Ask what’s worked well and what you can adjust to help you be even more focused the next time. Then set a new Statement of Intent and get creating again!

This 3 step process is a powerful way of getting focused with your creativity, and building your confidence in creating.

Now it's your turn. Start with step 1, and write your Statement of Intent. Then work on through the other 2 steps. Happy creating!

Would you like to kick-start your creativity today? Then download your free copy of the Explode Your Creativity! Action Workbook at http://www.CoachCreative.com

From Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin.