Came across this really interesting article about how having routine can actually improve your ability to create and think creatively.
The most fascinating part for me was the comparison of routine to hypnosis: "By repeating the same routine every day, all these creators are effectively hypnotizing themselves, deliberately altering their state of consciousness in order to access the 'deeper state of mind' that allows them to work their creative magic. The different elements of the routine become associated with this creative state of mind, so that they can re-enter it by simply repeating the steps of the routine."
The article also referenced the Daily Routines blog, which is filled with entries about the habits of artists, designers, scientists, etc, and how these might contribute to the creative process. The blog is currently on hold, but there is apparently a Daily Routines book out sometime this year. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled!
All of this got me thinking about whether or not I actually have any routines in place to help me be creative/productive... I probably do, but am not aware of them. More likely I have bad habits - working in places (like at the desk by my window), where I am seemingly compelled to be unproductive. From what this article is saying, I've hypnotised myself somewhat... whenever I sit here, force of habit compels me to not do work.
That said, there are places where I do seem to have sudden flashes of inspiration... like in the shower. I wonder if this happens to anyone else? This is something that I have personally attributed to the fact that I'm relaxed... once I've let go of the day a little bit and my mind isn't actually consciously thinking though the things I want to achieve, a lot of stuff often becomes a lot clearer.
Given all of this, I would love to be able to do a little survey of the fashion cohort at RMIT... lecturers and students. Just to find out if people do have habits to get themselves in the creative zone, or if they experience sudden flashes of inspiration (and if so, where and when these occur). Such feedback could hopefully really assist in refining some further areas for research. Although I am spurred on by the BIG(ger) question of 'What is creativity?', I am narrowing it down to a study of how people in creative fields can assist themselves to be more creative. This might cover a range of techniques, be a compilation of interviews (text or film format), or even a study of the interplay between raw talent and habit...
Phew. Was good to get some of those thoughts out. But will stop for the time being, as I don't want this post to be a big wall of text. I think I have stumbled upon a good creative habit for myself, though... writing. My head is currently churning with ideas...
The most fascinating part for me was the comparison of routine to hypnosis: "By repeating the same routine every day, all these creators are effectively hypnotizing themselves, deliberately altering their state of consciousness in order to access the 'deeper state of mind' that allows them to work their creative magic. The different elements of the routine become associated with this creative state of mind, so that they can re-enter it by simply repeating the steps of the routine."
The article also referenced the Daily Routines blog, which is filled with entries about the habits of artists, designers, scientists, etc, and how these might contribute to the creative process. The blog is currently on hold, but there is apparently a Daily Routines book out sometime this year. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled!
All of this got me thinking about whether or not I actually have any routines in place to help me be creative/productive... I probably do, but am not aware of them. More likely I have bad habits - working in places (like at the desk by my window), where I am seemingly compelled to be unproductive. From what this article is saying, I've hypnotised myself somewhat... whenever I sit here, force of habit compels me to not do work.
That said, there are places where I do seem to have sudden flashes of inspiration... like in the shower. I wonder if this happens to anyone else? This is something that I have personally attributed to the fact that I'm relaxed... once I've let go of the day a little bit and my mind isn't actually consciously thinking though the things I want to achieve, a lot of stuff often becomes a lot clearer.
Given all of this, I would love to be able to do a little survey of the fashion cohort at RMIT... lecturers and students. Just to find out if people do have habits to get themselves in the creative zone, or if they experience sudden flashes of inspiration (and if so, where and when these occur). Such feedback could hopefully really assist in refining some further areas for research. Although I am spurred on by the BIG(ger) question of 'What is creativity?', I am narrowing it down to a study of how people in creative fields can assist themselves to be more creative. This might cover a range of techniques, be a compilation of interviews (text or film format), or even a study of the interplay between raw talent and habit...
Phew. Was good to get some of those thoughts out. But will stop for the time being, as I don't want this post to be a big wall of text. I think I have stumbled upon a good creative habit for myself, though... writing. My head is currently churning with ideas...
I think you've hit on something here. This is why I believe writers need to write everyday: "By repeating the same routine every day, all these creators are effectively hypnotizing themselves, deliberately altering their state of consciousness in order to access the 'deeper state of mind' that allows them to work their creative magic."
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