Once you trust yourself, you can actually program yourself to be ready when you need to be outwardly creative. I do this every time I have a project do. I look at the calendar, tell myself, “Okay, Brain, you have to be ready to write that chapter next Thursday, start working on it. I’m going to go do laundry now.” Because my creative self and I have an open and trusting relationship this process has never failed me. I had to work up to trusting it with really big projects, but it has passed every test.
Pavlov’s Dog… what every pet knows
If you are a pet owner, you are aware of the uncanny way your cat seems to know when you are about to open the can of cat food, or the way your dog knows when you are getting the leash for a walk. Pavlov’s dog knew that the sound of the bell meant food was on its way and would begin salivating just at the sound. In psychology, this is called classical conditioning and, I hate to break it to you, but you and Pavlov’s dog have a lot in common. The good news is, now you have a wonderful opportunity to train yourself to be creative when you want to be!
You may have heard that some artists and athletes have rituals they employ when they are being called upon to perform. This is the same principle we are working with. Our environment and our rituals become associated with the activity we are engaging in. I was accidentally conditioned in childhood when we did our Sunday house cleaning while my dad played his stereo. To this day, whenever I hear Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On?” I get a nearly uncontrollable urge to clean the kitchen. In fact, when I need to clean and am not in the mood, I put Marvin on the stereo and instantly I become the White Tornado.
You can do exactly the same thing. Create the environment that most supports your creativity and set it up consistently. Consistency is the key here. Your brain will then associate the environment with the activity. When I write my coaching newsletter, I always begin with my cup of tea and burning incense while at the computer. In fact, I have incense going right now. This sends the signal to my brain, “Oh, it must be time for some focused writing now,” and the process begins to flow almost effortlessly as a result.
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