the 12 days of creativeness Archives

Do Your Work (And Live Your Life) On Purpose

This is part 4 of a 12 day blog series called “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want” or the more seasonal “The 12 Days of Creativeness”.

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”
– Helen Keller

By now you should have decided what you want and accepted your challenges as a necessary part of finding creative flow.

But if you’ve thought big and decided to shoot for your ideal career in music, those challenges are likely to be many, various and constant.

While taking responsibility for overcoming them will get you far, without a compelling “reason why” you’re likely to get discouraged and might find yourself blown off course.

This is the reason even those with the best of intentions and a clear goal give up before achieving it.

My Compelling Purpose

My purpose:

To make a positive impact on the world by helping others live the life they want to live and do the work they were born to do.

I believe that human beings are inherently creative, and that is what makes us human.

I believe that the tragic and ongoing waste of creative talent I see everywhere is as a result of people being taught to choose safety and security over challenge and possibility.

I believe that the most tragic words you can utter at the end of your life are “if only I’d…”

I believe that helping other people do what they were born to do is what I was born to do.

To me this is utterly compelling. And it is both my compass and the wind in my sails.

By the way, this became my purpose because I spent most of my life seeking safety and security. Ok, being a successful music producer and DJ might not be everyone’s definition of either, but for various reasons it was for me.

And your purpose will most likely come from experiences in your life that have deeply affected you.

The Wind In Your Sails

You might be wondering why I just used such a flowery and (the unkind might say) over the top metaphor to describe the benefits of my purpose.

In my defence, it’s difficult to be anything but over the top when you’ve found your purpose, because it comes from what you passionately believe and it drives everything you do.

This belief and drive will get you through the inevitable tough times ahead. With a purpose that you’re passionate about, you rarely need to use those exhausting willpower or self-discipline strategies which you and I know work briefly (if at all).

A purpose is like the wind in your sails – it comes from somewhere else and silently pushes you to your destination.

What If?

Don’t believe me? Ok, let me use an extreme example to demonstrate.

If a family member’s life depended on you completing that album you’ve been banging on about for years in just 2 months, what would you do?

Yes, you’d do whatever it took to finish it. And I’ll bet that your utterly compelling “reason why” would even mean you did it well.

Defining Your Priorities

By finding a deeper reason why you are working towards your chosen outcome, as long as the reason is compelling enough, you are placing that outcome at the top of your priorities.

Your mission not only compels you to complete your task (preferably without the threat of danger to your loved ones) but also the obstacles you face become relatively unimportant.

They’re still there, you recognise them, but with a compelling purpose you will find a way to get through, above, under or around them.

Procrastination rarely occurs for any meaningful length of time, and you don’t have to resort to willpower. All you have to do to immediately get on with it is connect with your purpose.

Your Compass

“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”
– John F. Kennedy

With a compelling purpose, decision making becomes easier and quicker. It acts as your compass, guiding you to stay on course because you take all your decisions and action based on it.

So when you do anything, you ask yourself if what you’re doing is “on purpose”. If it’s not, you don’t do it.

And it works for all decisions where big or small.

When I had the idea for this blog series I asked myself “does it take me towards or away from my purpose?” The answer was obvious.

Or when I’m writing a sentence and get stuck and wonder whether I should keep working at it or lose it, I ask myself “does this sentence take me closer to or further away from my purpose?”

If it does, I work on it and it stays in. If it doesn’t or does neither, I leave it out and move on.

Startlingly simple and effective decision making.

And The Unannounced Bonuses

“To forget one’s purpose is the commonest form of stupidity.”
– Friedrich Nietzsche

As if waving goodbye to self-doubt and procrastination for good and making decisions a snap wasn’t enough, there are also a couple of added bonuses to finding your compelling “reason why”.

1/ You’ll avoid shooting for the wrong goal. Many will spend years trying to get somewhere, only to realise that when they arrive they don’t want it. That’s what happened to me.

By working out what lies behind your goal, you’ll discover whether it’s the right goal before you spend years pursuing it.

2/ You’ll gain instant credibility. By becoming aware of the deeper purpose behind what you are doing, you become more authentic to those around you.

Imagine you are a big neon signpost broadcasting your inner workings to the world. I don’t know how or why, but others usually pick up on this stuff.

By identifying your purpose you will transmit your passion and belief to everyone around you.

I’m sure you know people who do this. It’s infectious, magnetic and people will naturally want to help and support you.

“Success demands singleness of purpose.” – Vince Lombardi

It is certainly possible to achieve a great many things without thinking about your compelling purpose.

But by taking time to work this out now, you’ll find the journey to your goal easier, quicker and more fun. You’ll be more likely to succeed.

But most importantly you’ll make sure you’re pointing in the right direction.

This is part 4 of a 12 day blog series called “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want” or the more seasonal “The 12 Days of Creativeness”.

Accept The Challenge. Take Ownership.

This is part 3 of a 12 day blog series called “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want” or the more seasonal “The 12 Days of Creativeness”.

“A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with, the wind.”
– Lewis Mumford

Assuming that you’ve done what I asked yesterday and decided what you want, you’re probably wondering if it’s possible.

This is natural. If you’re not feeling any hint of trepidation, you’re not thinking big enough.

Challenge Leads To Flow…

According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychology professor who has researched the phenomenon in hundreds of people for decades, one of the essential elements of the flow state is challenge.

Because without challenges you’re not inspired to achieve. You must challenge yourself to prevent boredom which is in many ways the opposite of flow.

As Does Ownership Of Decisions

He has also found that those who regularly enter flow feel that they have ownership of their decisions. They have chosen their course of action which isn’t random or as a result of external circumstances.

Given that two of the prerequisites for getting into flow are challenge and ownership, it’s remarkable how many musicians, whether they be newbies or seasoned professionals, use external challenges as an excuse for a lack of action.

The “Excuses Hit Parade”

Two of the most beloved excuses for us musos are “the state of the economy” and “the music industry is dead”. We just love blaming our woes on either, or even better – both.

This isn’t new.

17 years ago, when I made my first record (it was an real vinyl record back then), I remember nervously shuffling into an industry executive’s office.

He took a great deal of pleasure in informing me that the recent recession was still causing “a bloodbath” (his words), and he couldn’t see it improving anytime soon as “the music industry is dead” (his words again).

He then told me to give up and do something else. Being young and foolish, I didn’t listen. And I went ahead and made a living for 17 years in the “dead” music industry. I still hear variations of the same story today.

And in another 17 years you will hear it again.

Challenges? Or Opportunities?

We are going through dark economic times.

And there have been seismic shifts in the way we write, distribute and consume music which has meant that some old models are dead. But that does not mean that the music industry is dead, it is just different. It will continue to change every day.

Change equals challenge. But challenges are simply opportunities in disguise if you have the right attitude.

So “the music industry is in such a state of flux that all bets are off” becomes…

“the music industry is in such a state of flux that anything is possible.”

Stop Complaining

Do you find yourself complaining and blaming external circumstances?

I know I did for years until I realised what I was doing. But by blaming something or someone else you are just moving your power from yourself to whatever you’re blaming.

Don’t let your challenges define you, because your response to them will always define what happens to you.

No More Excuses

“As far as I was concerned, the Depression was an ill wind that blew some good. If it hadn’t occurred, my parents would have given me my college education. As it was, I had to scrabble for it.”
– Sargent Shriver

There are a many reasons you could find for not be able to do something. But there are just as many you could find to do it. And while you’re making excuses there will be many just getting on with it and succeeding.

So if you decided what your perfect life or career would be last night and woke up this morning with thoughts like…

“the music industry is dead”
“the economy sucks”
“I don’t have the time”
“I don’t have the equipment”
“I need more software”
“I haven’t got the contacts”
“I don’t have the talent”
“I don’t know how”
“I’m scared”
“I’m too old”
“I’m too young”
“I’ve got kids”
“I’ve got a high pressure job”
“I need to pay the bills”
“that record label ripped me off”
“my agent is useless”
“my manager only cares about his other artists”
“I don’t get paid enough”
“the crowd doesn’t understand me”
“I’ll do it when I’ve…”

…remember that for every possible excuse you can find there will be hundreds, if not thousands who have overcome it.

Find Inspirational People And Read Their Stories

Even if you’re facing particularly challenging circumstances it’s likely that others have done the same.

It’s not hard to find people who have not only overcome huge adversity but found great success and understanding from that adversity.

In fact it’s startling how many say it’s the best thing that happened to them.

People like this refuse to let their circumstances determine their situation. And they aren’t special, they are ordinary people just like you who do special things.

So if you find yourself asking “who’s fault is this?” or “why me?”, just change the question.

Ask yourself “what can I do about this?” and notice how those challenges become opportunities.

This is part 3 of a 12 day blog series called “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want” or the more seasonal “The 12 Days of Creativeness”.

Know What You Want

This is part 2 of a 12 day blog series called “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want” or the more seasonal “The 12 Days of Creativeness”.

“If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it’s OK. But you’ve got to shoot for something. A lot of people don’t even shoot.” – Confucius

Learning how to get into creative flow is a holistic process. All pieces of the puzzle are connected. They simultaneously cause creative flow and are symptoms and benefits of creative flow.

Take one of the first steps – knowing what you want.

Knowing what you want causes you to get into flow more easily because you have a clear destination that motivates you to take action without having to use willpower.

And a symptom of creative flow is naturally knowing what you want to achieve, without the self-doubt or uncertainty which are the hallmarks of everyday humdrum “non-flow” life.

And knowing what you want is clearly beneficial!

What Do You Want?

So ask yourself the question right now. Turn away from the computer, take your time and think about it.

What Do I Want?

I’m afraid saying “I want to be a top music producer” isn’t enough. You must be more specific and detailed.

Here’s some questions that will give you some ideas. Feel free to add or take away. The more information you get from this process the more powerful it gets.

How successful do you want to be?
What do you want to do?
Where do you want to be?
Who do you want to be with?
What music do you want to write?
How many tunes do you want to sell?
How often do you want to play out?
To how many people?
How much do you want to earn?
What do you want to be remembered for?
What else do you want to do?

And this process is as important if you are already a top music producer.

Unless you are already living your perfect life and doing exactly the work you want to do, asking these questions will allow you to get clear about what you need (or more accurately – want) to do differently.

If “What Do I Want?” Is Difficult To Answer

Don’t worry – you’re not alone.

I turned 39 this year and until relatively recently I hadn’t answered it. But when I did, my life changed completely and I’m now doing what I believe I was put on this earth to do.

It’s incredible how few have asked, let alone answered it. When I ask my clients what they want, very few can answer. I could probably count on one hand those that know before they come to me.

Some even get defensive, they don’t want to be asked it. They think it’s self-indulgent or find it embarrassing to admit what they really want.

Sometimes it’s tied up with avoiding disappointment. Maybe they think they’ll look stupid if they don’t get what they want.

But what’s worse – a little disappointment or living the rest of your life wondering “what if”?

Don’t think about how or if you’re going to do it yet. The point is to be clear about how things would be if absolutely everything was perfect. This can be as big (or as little) as you want.

After all – it’s just what you want!

If this seems like dreaming to you, then you’re doing it right. But as soon as you dream it, write it down. Because when you write it down it becomes more than a dream.

It becomes a destination.

This is part 2 of a 12 day blog series called “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want” or the more seasonal “The 12 Days of Creativeness”.

Knowledge vs. Wisdom

This is part 1 of a 12 day blog series called “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want” or the more seasonal “The 12 Days of Creativeness”.

Why are you reading this?

My guess is you’re looking for information which (you hope) will give you the knowledge you need to learn how to get into the peak state of creative flow at will.

But both and information and knowledge are useless without the wisdom to use it.

If you’re anything like me you’re inundated with more new information every day. And good information or not, unless you’re very careful you won’t have the time or space to use it.

You don’t need more information! But you do need more wisdom.

So when I decided to write this blog series I had a problem. How do I teach you what I’ve discovered about inspiration and creative flow without it becoming yet another piece of useless information?

Unfortunately I don’t have the power to determine how you use the information or knowledge I’m about to give you. The only way I can do that is in a one to one coaching context.

But by starting this 12 day series with my best ideas on how to locate and engage your innate wisdom, I’ll have done what I can to give you the kind of help you can use.

Think Creatively About Creative Thinking

Why do so many music production courses, tutorials and so much “how to” advice take such a left-brained approach to creative work?

It might be that today’s technology plays such a big role in the average musician’s daily life that we assume we have to focus on the “1s and 0s” to be any good.

But I’m not so interested in the 1s and 0s. The 1s and 0s are just the tools, the medium.

The 1s and 0s don’t give you shivers down your spine. The 1s and 0s don’t make you laugh, cry and everything in between. The 1s and 0s don’t remind you of a past love or give you hope for the future.

No, that comes from somewhere else. So why not use that same part of our brain, body or soul to think about and learn your craft?

I want you to take a more creative approach to creative thinking. I want you to remember what it’s like to be a child again. I want you to use your imagination, because that’s where the magic lies. The same kind of magic you’re trying to create in your music.

So what exactly do I mean by “think creatively about your creative thinking”?

In one sentence:

Don’t just imagine, dream and create your music, do the same with your creative process, your work and your life.

Forget Your Need To Know “How To” At First

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

In the next 12 days my aim is to provide you with as much value as I can. But unlike most other places offering advice most of it won’t be “how to”.

I know (and most successful people) know that your success doesn’t come from the “how to”. It comes from the “what”, the “why” and the “what if”.

This is also the most difficult part. If you’re struggling to get to the next level with your music it’s most likely because you’re caught up in the “how to” and haven’t spent enough time thinking about what I will teach you in the next 12 days.

Because when you’ve taken the time and considerable effort it takes to get into the right place mentally, you’ll find the “how to” naturally falls into place.

So if you find yourself getting impatient or frustrated with what you might think is a waste of time, just remember that the “how to” will look after itself after this mental preparation.

Trust The Process

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

I know some of my methods won’t appeal to everyone.

Some are too set in the traditional ways of learning that they’ve become comfortable with at school or university. That’s fine. I’m not here to make you comfortable, I’m here to help you if you want it.

I have your best interests in my mind and heart. If some of what I tell you seems a little out there, just go with it – you’re not losing anything by keeping your mind open.

Just know that most of the successful people I have studied, met or modelled employ these strategies either consciously or unconsciously. And it is these strategies that make them successful.

Learn To Use Your Intuition

“I can make up my mind about people and ideas in sixty seconds. I rely more on gut instinct than thick reports.” – Richard Branson

Imagine you could access every memory and everything you’ve ever learnt. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Well you can – by using your intuition.

Most high flyers in all walks of life talk about using their intuition or “gut instinct” to make important decisions.

This is your unconscious, the part of your mind that has access to everything you’ve experienced. Learn to notice it, act on it and you will rarely be wrong.

Unfortunately your intuition won’t communicate with you in the most obvious way. And you might not be used to noticing it.

“I have trusted to my intuition to find the subjects, and I have written intuitively. I have an idea when I start, I have a shape; but I will fully understand what I have written only after some years.” – V. S. Naipaul

Here’s a simple technique I used to start to listen to my intuition. I got it from Robert G. Allen.

I want you to remember the last time you knew something was right but didn’t know why. You had no concrete evidence, you just knew.

Describe that feeling. Where is it in your body? In your head? Chest? Stomach? What does it look like? It might not be a feeling. It might be a voice or a picture.

Now you’ve described it you’ll be able to recognise it again. Practise paying attention to your intuition.

You might not believe it yet, but you already have all the answers you’ll ever need right there.

Don’t Worry About The Right Answers. Just Ask The Right Questions.

“Understanding a question is half an answer.” – Socrates

Confusion is a great state to be in.

A confused mind is open to many possibilities that a certain mind isn’t. Confusion also comes before before understanding. Be comfortable in your confusion.

More specifically, through this process your conscious mind will naturally want to answer all the questions that pop into your head immediately.

“We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.” – Lloyd Alexander

Try to ignore your conscious mind. Just be comfortable with and concentrate on asking the right questions.

The answers will come.

The 12 Days Of Creativeness

(or “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want”)

Ahem.

I’m sorry for the title’s tenuous play on words. But it’s the closest I could get to “The 12 Days of Christmas”.

I guess the mince pies must be getting to me. But the reason for this inexcusable misuse of the English language is an honourable one.

During my recent relocation from London to Sydney I’ve had a lot of time to think about how I can serve you best. I want to start my 2012 with a bang, and help you start yours with an even bigger BOOM!!!

You Are Creative To Your Core

I believe that all human beings are creative to their core.

This belief has become stronger as I’ve watched my 22 month old son Harry get older. Apart from breathing, sleeping and eating he does almost nothing else other than create (although admittedly this creation most often takes the form of a mess or worse!)

I also know that our current education methods stifle and suppress creativity, by teaching what we can’t do and what we’re not good at.

Everyone has talent within them. Neuroscience is starting to prove that even though different people might start with a genetic predisposition to be good in a particular skill, this is nowhere near as important as doing it over and over again.

By doing something repeatedly we literally change our brains and become better at it.

My Mission

Isn’t it our creativity that separates us from the other creatures with whom we share this beautiful planet?

And won’t it be our capacity for creative thought that will allow us to find solutions to the many challenges that we face?

What better mission could I have than to help others express and share their creativity with the world?

So, if you’ll allow it, I’d like to help you make 2012 the best year of your creative life so far.

Not Quite A Partridge

And due to the time of year I thought I’d take a seasonal approach.

“The 12 Days of Creativeness” (or if you’re reading this and it’s not Christmas – the slightly more mundane title of “12 Steps You Must Take To Get Into Creative Flow Whenever You Want”) are a series of posts that just like “The 12 Days of Christmas”, will start on Christmas Day and finish on the 5th of January.

But that’s where the similarity ends. Instead of lords, ladies, pipers or partridges each “day” will describe an essential step you must take in order to get into the hyper-productive and hugely enjoyable state of creative flow whenever you want.

Ho Ho Ho…

Now Christmas and New Year are a very busy time for all of us. We have friends, family and fun to be attend to.

But I’ve always found it the best time to reflect not so much on what has been, but on what could be.