Rest+Space=Creativity
In my last post, I wrote about needing rest. I recently took a few days off and pushed back a commitment, which seemed like such a big decision while I grappled with it. Yet now that it has been made, it’s almost hard to remember why I agonised over so much. Not only am I feeling the benefits of the pause and rest, everyone I was working with appreciated the honesty and supported the decision. Not only that, my creativity came flooding back. I was thinking of new ways to organise the business, possible new opportunities and even picked up my paint brushes and created a painting.
My biggest takeaway is not that space and rest equals creativity, I know that and have believed in that for some time now. My new learning is that you never arrive at just managing it all perfectly in every situation. It is a constant work in progress to remember the ebb and flow of life. To let go and accept the natural rhythms, it’s the reason we have ebbing and flowing tides, we have waxing and waning moons, we have seasons.
Creativity Begets Creativity
Flexing your creative muscles is most often self-perpetuating. This can become your secret weapon (motivator) in business. Creativity in business is a way of thinking that inspires, challenges, and helps people to find innovative solutions and create opportunities out of problems. It’s the reason some companies wow us with new, amazing ideas, whilst others merely follow the beaten path. It’s the source of innovation and inspiration. Creativity serves several purposes. It not only combats stagnation but facilitates growth and innovation. According to Harvard Business School, here are five reasons why creativity is important in business;
1. It Accompanies Innovation
For something to be innovative, there are two requirements: It must be novel and useful. While creativity is crucial to generate ideas that are both unique and original, they’re not always inherently useful. Innovative solutions can’t exist, however, without a component of creativity.
2. It Increases Productivity
Creativity gives you the space to work smarter instead of harder, which can increase productivity and combat stagnation in the workplace. Routine and structure are incredibly important but shouldn’t be implemented at the expense of improvement and growth. When a creative and innovative environment is established, a business’s productivity level can spike upward.
3. It Allows for Adaptability
Creatively approaching challenges requires adaptability but doesn’t always necessitate significantly adjusting your business model. Change is inevitable in the business world, and creative solutions are vital to adapting to it.
4. It’s Necessary for Growth
One of the main hindrances to a business’s growth is cognitive fixedness, or the idea that there’s only one way to interpret or approach a situation or challenge. It’s important to encourage creative thinking, and act on findings, otherwise businesses can stagnate—one of the biggest barriers to growth.
5. It’s an In-Demand Skill
Creativity and innovation are skills commonly sought after in top industries, including health care and manufacturing. This is largely because every industry has complex challenges that require creative solutions. Your clients will also appreciate your creative solutions.
Take Risks and Find Your Practice
Creativity often entails moving past your comfort zone. While you don’t want to take risks that could potentially cripple your business, risk-taking is a necessary ingredient of innovation and growth. In order to not fall into the habit of going with the flow, allow yourself space and develop a practice that helps you stay grounded, open, resilient and creative.
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