Hey there,
There is a certain skill in living up to your potential while not burning yourself out, and building this skill is one of my main objectives for the time being. This past week I researched the strategies of those who seem both creative and productive. No one gets it right on the first try, and accepting this fact is the first step in building the behaviour needed to move forward.
Interesting ideas
Ā Routine may support creativity
During the winter holidays, I had around three weeks where I was free to do whatever I wanted. So after meeting with family and friends, eating cake(s) and catching up on the episodes of my favourite shows, I decided it was time to do something productive for myself. My calendar was free; I had all the time to take care of my creative goals. And I didnāt. Somehow I started taking the first steps towards my creative goals when I returned to work and back to my usual schedule. Going to work helps because it forces me to set a precise time interval to think about my own stuff. And I make the most out of it, knowing the following day I wonāt be able to sit around and wait to feel inspired. Having a routine gives me time and a proper context to be creative.
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Ā The Creativity Faucet, full articleĀ here
Julian suggests thinking of creativity like a faucet. When turned on, it will start pouring wastewater. If left on for some time, clear water will finally arrive. The relation to creativity is that when we begin creating, bad ideas will usually show up first. If we stick with the process long enough, better ideas will come along. Our brains start to recognise why the bad ones are labelled as bad and start producing more innovative connections. In my experience, every time I start creating something, I allow myself the luxury of not judging whatever comes to my mind first. I write everything down, and even if itās terrible or poorly expressed, I remember that I can come up with something that makes more sense if I give myself enough time to do it.
Media recommendations
Ā Course:Ā Visual Thinking: Drawing Data to Communicate IdeasĀ on Skillshare
I enjoy doodling, even if I’m terrible at it. These lessons explore the concept of visual thinking and its use for better communication. It’s a pretty elementary course, which can help you relax while drawing straight lines, bar graphs, and cute icons.
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Ā Video:Ā Master Learning Tips from Language Expert @Steve Kaufmann
An interview with a language expert who shares tips on learning faster and more effectively. Hereās a quote that stood with me:
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Ā Series:Ā Roman EmpireĀ on Netflix
Since I havenāt found the inner strength to renounce Netflix once and for all, I decided to use that time for more educational purposes, like watching history documentaries. This one is on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
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Ā App:Ā No app this time, just good oldĀ post-it notes
Iām still figuring out how to balance things out between screen time and reality. I didnāt consider that writing for a blog will suddenly increase the hours I spend in front of the laptop writing, editing or doing research. I feel like the digital format slightly kills creativity, so I went back to drawing my ideas, writing with markers, engaging more of my senses into the creative process. Hence, the post its suggestion. Give it a try 
May the rest of your week be joyful, productive and balanced!
Anca