In the midst of a creative marathon, the sprint towards the finish line can feel all-consuming. For me, that’s been the reality as I hammer out the final chapters of my next book. Picture it: weeks of rewrites, a direction that felt “off” until it was nearly scrapped and started anew. It’s a doozy of a process, one that demands the lion’s share of my attention and energy as I push to wrap things up for my publisher.
Yet, amid this whirlwind of deadlines and word counts, I’ve stumbled upon a not-so-secret secret to maintaining not just my sanity, but also my creative spark: Play.
Yes, play. Those moments of uninhibited, carefree joy that seem diametrically opposed to the seriousness of looming deadlines. But here’s the thing—integrating brief, playful breaks into your work routine can be incredibly rejuvenating and is often the overlooked ingredient in making great stuff.
Harnessing the Power of Play
During this intense writing phase, I’ve found solace in a few key activities, which, while they might seem like diversions, are actually vital to my process. For starters, music has been a cornerstone of my creative life, notably during the early days of the Chase Jarvis LIVE show. Those epic, live musical performances weren’t just entertainment; they were a celebration of creativity in motion. I’m even toying with the idea of bringing them back. Imagine weaving the energy and spontaneity of live music into your day—what a way to refresh your brain!
Ann Patchett, a literary icon I admire, once shared a quote that’s stuck with me: “I am a compost heap, and everything I interact with, every experience I’ve had, gets shoveled onto the heap where it eventually mulches down, is digested and excreted by worms, and rots. It’s from that rich, dark humus, the combination of what you encountered, what you know and what you’ve forgotten, that ideas start to grow.” This metaphor beautifully captures the essence of creative recycling—how our experiences and interactions, when revisited with a playful mind, can transform into something extraordinary.
Even power washing—the seemingly mundane task of blasting dirt off my driveway—has become a form of play. It’s surprisingly satisfying, almost therapeutic, turning a chore into a game. Who knew watching dirt wash away could offer such a delightful break from the grind?
Integrating Play into a Busy Schedule
These playful breaks are not just about distraction. They’re about shifting perspective, recharging the brain, and coming back to your work with a refreshed, often more creative outlook. For those caught in the crush of deadlines or consumed by tasks, remember that play isn’t a detour from productivity. It’s an integral part of the creative process.
Schedule Short Play Breaks
Consider setting aside specific times for brief play periods, much like you would schedule a meeting or a coffee break. Even 5 to 10 minutes can suffice to step away from your work and engage in something wholly unrelated and joyous. This could be listening to a favorite song, doodling, or stepping outside to feel the sun on your face.
Make Play Practical
Incorporate playful elements into tasks that must be done. Like my power washing, turn routine chores into playful challenges. This can transform what might otherwise be mundane tasks into sources of joy and satisfaction.
Prioritize Play as a Non-negotiable
Acknowledge that these moments are as crucial as your work. By mentally categorizing play as a necessary part of your schedule, it becomes less likely to be skipped over. When you view play as essential rather than optional, it takes its rightful place in your life.
As you tackle your own creative challenges, consider incorporating small segments of play into your routine. Whether it’s losing yourself in a musical interlude, finding metaphorical inspiration in the most unexpected places, or turning a chore into a game, these moments of levity are your secret weapon. They keep the gears of creativity oiled and your spirit in the game, ensuring that even under pressure, you’re not just making stuff—you’re making great stuff.
Play might just be the breath of fresh air your process needs. So, this week why not give it a try? Turn up the tunes, find joy in the mundane, and let those creative juices flow!
Until Next Time.
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