A creative mindset is not only about managing downside risk; it’s also critical to use your mind to go on the offensive.
How can you keep your mind open, happy, and positive? Because, let’s face it, the quality of your life is determined by what you think and feel.
Science tells us that positive thoughts are healthier—they makes us feel better and are tightly correlated with flow states and improved performance. We simply cannot ignore the role that mindset plays in creating everything we want for ourselves—whether a gorgeous illustration, a sonata, a thriving business, or the life we envision.
I like to think of mindset as the ground floor, the bedrock. The wrong foundation crumbles quickly when loaded with challenges, and we become trapped in the rubble. The right foundation can support a rocket launch.
6 key mantras I’ve used to help stabilize a creative mindset are:
- You are a creative person.
- The world is abundant and full of possibilities.
- Your situation can always be changed.
- You can use your creativity to create the change you seek.
- Creativity is natural and healthy but requires practice.
- Creativity is ultimate personal power.
Unfortunately, you can’t adopt a creative mindset just by thinking about it. Repetition of corresponding actions is necessary to develop it. Changing your mindset requires the consistent effort of putting this set of beliefs to work.
Think you’re creative? Great, then prove it by creating something: today, tomorrow, and the next day.
Only when you commit to a program of creative development will your old ideas about talent and destiny start to melt away. Beware: the stronger your creative muscles get, the deeper and richer your work—and, by extension, your life—will become. This is potent medicine. The creative mindset is the launchpad for a virtuous cycle.
Enjoy!