How to Find Your Creative Balance
After working with digital, creative, and marketing talent for more than 30 years, I’ve been at the forefront of topics that have stood the test of time. Finding the right creative balance is something that almost every professional struggles with at some point in their career. If this is something you’re dealing with, here are four of my own personal solutions that have proven to be effective for me through the years.
1. Challenge yourself
Getting “stuck in a rut” is a real thing — and it happens when you fall into the same routine. Whenever I start to feel like I’m hitting the creative wall, I know it’s time to step out of my comfort zone. According to Thrive Global, companies like Google encourage their employees to spend 20% of their time exploring new experiences, and I love this idea.
Since I’m the outdoorsy type, I usually go for something like scuba diving, skiing, or kiteboarding — but I’m also looking forward to learning Spanish in the near future. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it’s a nice change of pace to keep the creative juices flowing. Be spontaneous, let loose, and most importantly, have fun.
2. Be in the moment
Sometimes a little distraction throughout the day can boost your levels of creativity. Don’t get too buried in your work that you miss out on the sparks of inspiration all around you. Carve out some time to connect with your team members, take in the view, or stroll around the block. These are simple activities that can do wonders for your state of mind. According to The HR Digest, it’s helpful to set aside 10 to 15 minutes every two hours to move around. If you’re short on time, just two minutes of meditation or three deep breaths can help you get back in the moment. Not only will you return to your work feeling rejuvenated, you’ll have a whole new outlook.
3. Take time to travel
Exploring new places opens up a world of possibilities. Even though it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, make the effort to schedule a few trips each year. I recently had the opportunity to visit Nepal, and my creative outlet was to photograph the people I met throughout my journey. Today, those images fill my office with tons of energy and inspiration.
According to Forbes, travel encourages you to expand your views and push yourself to grow in new ways. And it doesn’t mean that you have to travel around the globe to gain the benefits. You can drive just a few miles and get lost in the world around you.
4. Channel your energy
The digital and creative fields move fast — which means you might feel like you’re constantly multi-tasking. If your schedule is demanding, it’s helpful to have a go-to activity that helps you collect your thoughts. Mine is Wing Chun, a concept-based form of martial arts that I’ve been practicing for almost 30 years. It keeps me grounded, increases my focus, and clears my mind to welcome new ideas. Whether it’s a physical or mental activity, go out and find something you love, pour your heart into it, and make it a priority. If you stick to it, you’ll know exactly how to bring it all together – even when you’re being pulled in several directions at once.
When it comes to finding your creative balance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, these are a few starters that can help you find what works in your life. Just remember that it’s all about connecting with what inspires you – and applying it to your career. Once you get that nailed down, you’ll have the tools you need to achieve your highest goals.