#395 Making space for creativity

Creativity flourishes in margin, not in chaos. We often expect creativity to flow on demand, but our best ideas typically emerge during moments of relaxation—in the shower, on walks, or as we're falling asleep.

• Creativity is like a kite that needs open skies to fly, not the confined space of a garage
• Downtime isn't wasted time—it's the soil where fresh ideas take root
• Children's creativity flows from exploration and play, not from rushing
• Creativity multiplies in community when people feel safe to share ideas
• Einstein described creativity as "intelligence having fun"
• Busyness may get things done, but margin births game-changing ideas

Schedule 30 minutes this week for unstructured time—no agenda, no screens. Go for a walk, doodle, play guitar, stare at clouds, or simply let your mind wander. Visit growthinstigators.com to learn how we can help you or your team grow.

Chapters

• 0:00 The Creativity Paradox Introduced
• 0:25 Creativity Needs Margin to Thrive
• 0:52 The Kite Analogy
• 1:13 Einstein's Take on Creative Intelligence
• 1:36 Growth Challenge: Schedule Unstructured Time
• 2:38 Final Question and Sign-off

Transcript

Speaker 0: 0:00

You ever notice? Your best ideas never show up at your desk. No, they show up in the shower, on a walk or right as you're trying to fall asleep. Welcome to message 395 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach.

Speaker 0: 0:18

Fulfillment Friday making space for creativity. Here's the one big idea I want to land today. Creativity can't breathe in chaos. It grows when you create margin. We treat creativity like it's a faucet. Okay, brainstorm time go.

Speaker 0: 0:37

But the truth is creativity hates being forced. It shows up when there's room for it. Can you be creative on demand? Well, steven Pressfield says it's. So what have you found to be true in your life? Let me give you a picture.

Speaker 0: 0:52

Think of creativity like a kite. You can't fly a kite in a garage. It needs wide, open skies. Margin is that open sky. Without it, ideas crash before they ever even lift off.

Speaker 0: 1:05

And this isn't just about being quote unquote artsy Leaders, entrepreneurs and parents alike. Creativity is how we solve problems, discover new approaches and keep things fresh. So here's what I've noticed Creativity flourishes in margin. Downtime isn't wasted time. Time it's the soil where fresh ideas take root. Creativity grows with play. That's right. Ever wonder why kids come up with wild solutions. They're not rushing, they're exploring. Adults need to do that.

Speaker 0: 1:39

And last thought is creativity multiplies in community. When people feel safe to dream out loud, sparks ignite. One thought leads to another until something brilliant is born. Albert Einstein nailed it when he said creativity is intelligence having fun. Oh, I like that. If your life feels like it's all grind and no play, don't expect breakthrough ideas. You've squeezed the fun out of it. So here's your growth challenge Schedule 30 minutes this week for unstructured time, no agenda, no screen. Go for a walk, doodle, play guitar, stare at the clouds, smoke a cigar, give your brain oxygen, because here's the truth. Busyness may get things done, but margin births ideas that change the game. Hey, I'm here for you. Visit growthinstigatorscom and let me know how I can help you or your team grow. Here's the question for today when was the last time you made real space for creativity and what came out of it? As always, keep instigating growth in all you do.