Do you consider yourself creative?
If you had asked me 10 years ago if I thought I was creative, I would have looked you in the eye and said NO! Thankfully, I made a monumental shift in my thinking and unlocked the doors to my infinite creativity that continues to surprise me AND inspire my son.
Tip #1 - When inspiration hits, grab it!
You see, I used to think that in order to be creative you could go into a room for an hour, shut the door, find inspiration, and come up with the most strategic, creative idea for mankind. But, when I tried that, I became paralyzed. My mind went blank. And any ideas that came to mind were just plain old ordinary stuff that was only deserving of the trash can.
Looking back, I realize I was putting too much pressure on myself. I definitely didn’t understand how to be creative. Now I realize that it’s all about inspiration. Having an idea and going with it.
Those ideas don’t always come when you’re sitting at your computer or with a pen and paper to create a fun game, write a blog, or your next project plan. What I’ve learned instead is to be prepared for unexpected, creative ideas.
When inspiration hits, I type a few notes on my phone. Or on a sticky note. Or I record a short video, so I capture all of my ideas quickly. And then I flush out the details later.
Tip #2 - Don't overthink it
If I sit down right then and there to create my masterpiece of an idea, I get stuck after the first sentence. By then I am in my head making sure the first sentence is perfect and then that brilliant idea is gone. My mind is literally blank.
I may close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and pray that the idea comes back. But it usually doesn’t. Probably because I am already judging my poor-quality work. Or I’m judging myself for trying too hard and for going against my creative process.
Instead of wasting more time trying, I leave my once great idea for later.
I never know when that inspired idea will return. But when it does, I will be ready. Ready to go with the flow. To type or speak bullets to capture the concept and then let if unfold later into a beautiful message.
"Now I realize that it’s all about inspiration. Having an idea and going with it."
Tip #3 - Go with the flow
I get more accomplished when I’m “in the flow”. I am thinking and responding to the present things around me in a more meaningful way. And that helps me best support my autistic son.
When he looks at me, he is showing me that he is ready to connect with me. I want to respond quickly with a creative action to keep and expand his attention.
In the middle of a social interaction, if my son shows signs of tuning out or walking away, I want to reach him through a clever request that will inspire him to stay. This helps him build a longer attention span as well as endurance and resilience for social interactions.
When my son shows signs of boredom with his routine (that I spent a year and hundreds of hours creating to make sure it was “just right”) I want to be able to adapt quickly and devise exciting options to inspire him to continue to want to get up each day and reach his potential.
And much more….
Bottom line
The key to creativity is to have fun. Locking oneself in a room and expecting to be creative is the worst thing to do.
Instead….we can enjoy life. Be present and mindful of each moment. Allow life, people and places to inspire us. And in those inspiring moments, enjoy the most perfect ideas that bubble up and out and unfold into reality for us and our beautiful children.
About Jane Lynn
I am the mom of an amazing autistic young man who has taught me more about life, love and success than any school or job could have. I get so excited about what we learn together that I can't wait to share it all with you. I am an autism life coach, neurodiversity and parenting speaker & trainer, that is inspired by discovering and sharing practical strategies and resources to make your life a little brighter and to help you thrive.
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