Lessons from Creative Coaching & The Idea Process

In my one-on-one Creative Coaching time with Carlos Whittaker last month, he mentioned to me that I should read this book called “IdeaSpotting: how to find your next great idea.” by Sam Harrison.

I just wrapped up reading  it and one thing that has been so valuable is the idea process breakdown. While there is no formula for creativity, I believe this process is helpful in seeing ideas come to life. It goes like this:

Explore: observe & listen

Freedom: brainstorm & visualize

Pause: stop & detach

Embrace: edit & select

Life: prototype & implement

I think one of the harder parts for me has been the idea of the “Explore” stage. You need margin & the ability to let things inspire you when you don’t need them for a project that is right in front of you. As part of the Creative Coaching process, I have come face to face again with the reality that I am not a naturally curious person. Having to do my assignment where I had to become an Illusionist made me realize just how much I take things at face value and I’m ok with that. I’m not the guy who has to figure out how the Illusionist is doing it. I’m not the guy who calls everything into question, who heads out into uncharted territory. But I’m learning. My standard mode of operation is to find something that works and stick with it. I used to travel the same routes to school & work. I liked the predictable (still do). It was safe. Comfortable. But what I’m also finding is that you can sometime miss out on ideas, inspiration – when you don’t explore.

So I’ve been trying in small ways to explore. To drink something different at Starbucks, to go to a different place to read. I enjoy going to this park that’s pretty huge. I usually walk around the same areas, but recently I have been venturing out to explore other parts. And if you are naturally like this, you might think, what’s the big deal? (or it’s about time dude). But for me, it’s part of my journey. To get comfortable exploring. Not connected to a job, or task at hand. Simply to observe & listen. Stop for a moment. Look around. Get a different perspective. I’m finding it stretching me creatively. And in the end I believe it will inspire me to do things, or try solutions that I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

What’s a potential road block to your creative process?