I had a fabulous conversation with one of my clients today. He works at one of the world’s largest tech companies and just moved from Silicon Valley to New York City. He reflected, “I love living here. Unlike Silicon Valley, people in NYC have lives outside of work. We eat at amazing rooftop restaurants; we go to theater shows and concerts. It’s making me more efficient and purposeful at work. It’s giving me something to look forward to. I’m actually better at what I do because of my rich personal life.”
I replied, “I love hearing this! I’m thrilled. And I’ll, ‘yes, and’ you…. These activities give you one more thing that you need more than you think: creative nourishment.
“Your job is to create new possibilities, innovate, and creatively problem solve. You need your creativity more than you realize. Here’s what most professional artists already know: creativity requires food. It’s a well we draw from, and once we’ve drawn too much from it, we have to fill it back up. You are filling it up! And then you are using those resources in the best possible way at work.”
Regardless of your job title, you likely use creative resources more than you realize. How you fill yourself up in the evenings and on the weekends can radically change the energy, perspective, and feelings you have for and about your work.
How creative nourishment benefits your work
1. Gets your face out of the pool.
You’ve heard me say it before: when you get consumed with work, you lose perspective. It’s like your face is in the pool and you are seeing everything distorted through a watery lens. Creative nourishment breaks you out of routine and habitual thinking, gets your face out of the pool, and helps restore clarity and sight.
2. Creates a reset/mini-vacay
Creative nourishment doubles as a reset. For example: A 2-hour play, a fantastic meal with friends, or a stunning hike can all feel timeless. It can be a mini-vacation that helps you feel refreshed and new. It gives you perspective. It gives your brain space for insight.
3. Creates space for your subconscious to problem-solve
This spaciousness does double duty. Not only does it give you perspective, but it also gives your subconscious a chance to do its genius work and chew on problem-solving in the background. When I have a truly creative, restorative weekend, I come back on Monday with fresh solutions and ideas for my work and my clients.
4. Activates awe… which feeds your brain, body, and emotions.
Creative nourishment often inspires awe. Recent studies have found that awe activates chemical changes in the brain and body that have physical, psychological, and cognitive health benefits. Awe can foster better critical thinking!
5. Restores your creative well
With a full creative well, you have fresh resources to apply to any new problem, challenge, or call to innovate.
6. Simply, you’ll be happier and treat others better, too
Look, you’re going to be in a better mood. That means you can spend more time showing up as your best self. That means you’ll be a better communicator. And that means that you’ll be a better leader, colleague, and manager.
What’s not to love?
What Nourishes Your Creativity Most?
I’ve had this conversation with countless clients, and I’m delighted to say that the answers are diverse and creative in their own right! But here are some common ones to kickstart some inspired brainstorming.
- Time in nature
- Beauty (in whatever form inspires you)
- Concerts
- Playing music
- Live performances
- Crafts
- Painting, drawing, etc.
- Puzzles
- Museums and galleries
- Flower arranging
- Great, inspiring, nourishing books
- Inspiring films
- Beautiful meals
- New cultural experiences
- Stunning views or landscapes
- Horseback riding
- Scuba diving
- Improv
- Dancing
What else would you add?
For my Silicon Valley clients who are heavily influenced by a culture that demands work above all else, this is a habit change. For some, it’s a paradigm shift. It’s ok that you love your work and that it matters to you. Just remember to be a whole person and nourish the whole. Creativity is part of that. And, like my client I mentioned above, your work will benefit too.
What new action will you take next?
Start somewhere, anywhere. Nourishing your creativity doesn’t necessarily require a lot of time. It just requires that you make it a priority. Make a date with a friend to do something new or different. Or take your significant other out to a new restaurant that’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Or, take yourself out on what Julia Cameron calls “an artist’s date.” Go to a mosaic class. Wander around a gallery on your lunch break. Go somewhere with a beautiful vista or walk on the beach.
The possibilities are endless. It’s your career. Why not allow yourself to access the best of your creativity? And it’s your life. Why not make it luscious?
As always, if you know someone who could benefit, please forward this to them!
And finally, if you need more attuned 1:1 support, schedule a session. New clients can start with a 30-min free intro session. I look forward to connecting with you.