The new year has kicked in with some vigor already. 
I sat down to do a mind map of all the business opportunities coming up in the next few months and the result resembled some sort of spider web very quickly.
Surfice to say I need to sit down and look at all the pros and cons of each opportunity focusing on ones that are in-line with my core values and my approach to business.
With all this work going on I have decided to start each and everyday by doing something creative and give my brain that morning positive boost to keep me going through the day.
I have taken up.... Origami... the Japanese art of paper folding.
I will be doing some origami every morning for the next year. It involves patience, focus and an eye for detail but also is a lot of fun and an artistically creative activity.
This reminded me of a concept in positive psychology that I had studied a few years ago called the "Broaden and Build" technique developed by Barbara Fredrickson.
For a very quick overview of the idea, by "broadening" and exploring new, creative thoughts and actions over time you "build" a your repertoire of skills, resources and reactions to a situation in a positive manner (psychological resilience).
This concept is also great for building high performance teams, which might go someway to explaining why companies like Google have offices that resemble a kids playground and that you should take your team out for a game of laser tag before a big brainstorming session!
The positive emotions spill over into your next activites and provide a much more engaged and productive team.
So if you would like a slightly belated New Years resolution, take on this one...
Do something creative everyday.
Comments
Thanks for the comments... if I create any amazing origami models I may post some off to you :)
Posted on 27/01/2012 5:02pm (27 days ago)
Hey Cam, my job isn't terribly creative but when I'm doing things for myself and I get a bit brick walled I draw it out. The drawing doesn't tend to be something impressive but once I get it down on paper I at least see what I want and then I can try and work out how to get there. Don't bog yourself down with detail either, it's so easy to get in that trap and when it all gets a bit much - hit the tea break with a big dose of fresh air!
Posted on 27/01/2012 11:19am (27 days ago)
Hey Cam, my 'job' if you can call it that is to be constantly creative... which can be a lot of pressure especially when I don't feel inspired or energized. To keep the creative flow going I do a few things... Work on multiple tasks at once (if I get stuck i just leave it and come back. Drink tea (I like all sorts of teas!) Get some excersize everyday... sometimes it's just 50 skips outside, sometimes I run up and down the stairs until I almost pass out (yes rather silly, but it's fun). Try to get enough sleep (this is the hardest part). Keep a visual diary of good design, architecture and funny stuff combined.
Posted on 27/01/2012 10:19am (27 days ago)
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