Getting into the Right Mindset

Now, before we go any further, I think it’s worth taking the time to talk about mindset. Because, I don’t know about you, but when I’m about to start on a new project I often feel a crushing sense of pressure that “it’s time to be creative.” And, spoiler alert, creativity isn’t something that you can simply turn on. There are a number of pesky myths about creativity that drive me bananas. And the one I find most annoying of all is the idea of the “eureka moment.” Great ideas don't simply appear out of nowhere. Things take time, iteration, and experimentation. So, if you’re anything like me and feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a new project when you’re facing a blank “canvas,” here are my go-to “rules of the road.”

NOTE: Some of you might have heard me talk about these before or have run into similar ideas in your own lives and work. These are fairly standard best practices for brainstorming, and by far the most useful concepts from my past corporate life. If you need a physical reminder of these, I’ve created a printable you can access via the QR code in the Appendix for you to tape up in your workspace.

Rules of the Road

Follow the tips below for getting your mindset in the right place:

• Don't be serious: This is the time to be playful and silly (and definitely not the time to take yourself seriously). Channel your inner kid and let your imagination run rampant. Remember, nobody is going to see these but you.

• Go for quantity: The goal isn’t to get one thing right; the goal is to get a lot of ideas out of your brain.

• Hold your judgment: This is a hard one. As soon as I create or draw something, my knee-jerk reaction is to judge it as good or bad. I’m constantly working on reframing and rephrasing my reactions. So instead of saying, “I hate that!” I’ll try to look for what bugs me and say, “How fascinating is that!” instead.

• Wait to fall in love: If you fall in love with your first idea, you’ll get stuck fixating on it. Make the effort to go beyond your first instinct, as you’ll often be amazed where it’ll take you. You can always return to it and fall back in love with it later!

• Try something you (think) you hate: Try using blocks you DON’T like or a layout that you find yourself flipping past. It’s so, well, comfortable to stay playing in your comfort zone. Allow yourself to be the weirdest you can be. Because who cares?! It's worth repeating that nobody will see this but you!