In this episode, I will talk about how you can find your creative strength. I’m also going to give you a creative prompt, something you can do easily and in a short amount of time, to get some creative play into your day.

A small caution might be in order. If you’re sensitive to language, I must warn you that the occasional swear word might slip through the cracks when I edit. That might happen if I’m talking about something I’m particularly passionate about.

Show Notes

What am I working on?

• Refashioning clothing
• Sewing blackout curtains for the TV room
• Painting a trailer for the riding lawnmower
• Re-organizing my schedule to make it fit me better
• Moving into a better way to share what I offer
• Finishing the forest nymph
• Staying cool in the heat

What’s your creative strength?

Why should you look for your strengths? Science has proven that using your strengths makes you happier and more fulfillled. Those who use their strengths regularly generally perform better than others and have more confidence.

The first thing to do is to look at your interests and passions. What do you think you’re good at?

Then look at the things you did a lot when you were younger, the things you’ve enjoyed. Notice the times when it was easy or fun. Talk to the people who know you best; friends and family. They won’t be shy about pointing out your talents.

If you still don’t know what you’re good at, then make it a goal to try something new every week. Start with what’s easy, what comes naturally to you. Then try to push the boundaries a bit, to see where it takes you.

Drawing & Painting: Try a completely new technique, a new concept or tool (maybe on your computer).
Knitting & Crochet: Try out a new stitch, go for a design you haven’t done before.
Cooking: If you love cooking, try to create your own recipes. Experiment with ingredients.
Photography: Instead of taking pictures from your regular viewpoint, play with angles, viewpoints, light, and settings.
Writing: If you normally write about people in first-person, try doing it in third-person, or imagine how an animal (like a bear) would behave.

It might, of course, be things like juggling, dancing, singing, sculpting, graphic design or anything else. If you have a different field than the ones I’ve listed and you need ideas. Send me an email.

Trying something new and pushing the boundaries is good even if you know what you do well. You’ll know if it’s for you by how it feels. Does it feel challenging and fun or just frustrating and hard? Trying something new really gets those synapses firing, and helps you figure out what works for you.

Today’s inspirational words are by John Cleese, and he says “Nothing will stop you from being creative so effectively as the fear of making a mistake”.

That’s it for me for today. Remember to sign up for the Playing with Photos Workshop on August 25.

Thanks for listening to the Creative Explorer Podcast. The next episode will, among other things, be about what to do when you’re stuck. If you have any questions, just reach out to me at linda@lindaursin.net Remember to rate and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.