I’ve decided to move my office into my shower. No seriously. After conducting tens of hours of rigorous scientific research, I have realized that 9 out of 10 of my genius ideas occur to me in the shower. There must be something about the humidity and the water. So, I’m moving my office to my shower. I’m still working on the issues of waterproofing my laptop. I’m sorry if this image causes you to be a little sick but I assure you this is for the best.
Ok. Actually, after thinking about it a bit longer, I’m realizing that creative ideas spring upon me in other places–like when I’m forced to walk long distances, when my phone is dead, when I have to drive alone without music, that one time I went for a run, and when I’m trapped in elevators. So, after a bit more thought, maybe it isn’t actually my shower that is a conductor for creative energy…maybe it is quiet, a lack of structure and maybe even boredom.
I’ve come to realize that for me, creative energy requires certain conditions in order to be released. When I am rushed, hurried and frantic, creative ideas and innovative schemes seem to dry up. Maybe creative energy needs space. Stop. Listen. Be patient. Turn down the noise.
My suspicion is I’m not alone in this. Whether you are an engineer, an artist or a stay at home mom, creativity and innovation propel all of us toward greatness. We all need ideas. Ideas unlock the places where we are stuck. I’m discovering that there is a way to structure our frantic lives for creativity and innovation. It probably involves letting your phone run dead, walking instead of driving, or carving out space for a longer shower.
All this is so counter-intuitive. We believe that running fast, busyness and long hours are what make us productive. Admittedly, this is partially true. However, without space for quiet–for curiosity, wonder and undistracted thought, the ideas, innovation and creativity will dry up. Perhaps our daily schedules need blocks of running fast interspersed with blocks of locking ourselves in a closet.
The world needs your creativity. We need your ideas. Do us all a favor and create some dead space. Be bored. Take your time. Power it down. Let’s generate creative thoughts and fresh ideas. I bet our lives, families, offices, schools and churches will be better for it.
image credited to r. nial bradshaw via Flickr
