Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder and CEO, once described creativity as “just connecting things”. Speaking of how creatives came up with an idea, he said “…they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.”
So, if this is true, if creativity is all about making connections in your brain to come up with new ideas, then how do you expect to be creative when you’re always watching tv, or browsing the internet, or playing on your smartphone? All of these new technologies are distracting us from what is right in front of us… they’re distracting us from being present in our lives, “recording” new experiences, and connecting those dots.
You need to give yourself time to allow your mind to let things sink in, to fill in the gaps, and to connect your thoughts + experiences. So your creative exercise this week is to turn off all of your electronics for one full day. It will be hard, but you can do it! Take in everything around you, “stop and smell the roses”, pay attention and be present. Let your mind wander and connect those dots. At the end of the day you will feel refreshed, alive, and may even have a few new ideas jotted down in your journal!
I dare you to actually DO this exercise! And when you do, please come back to share your experience by leaving a comment below. :)
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