Embracing Creativity by Letting Go of Control: A Fresh Perspective
Written on
Chapter 1: The Illusion of Control
To be truly creative, one must learn to release the need for control.
Photo by Sivani Bandaru on Unsplash
Control can be a debilitating mindset that has affected humanity more than any epidemic. Have you ever thought you could dictate how your life unfolds? Do you find yourself trying to mold your children into the individuals you wish you had become? The harsh reality is that most things you believe you can control are likely to lead to your dissatisfaction.
Instead of striving for control, consider the concept of “befriending.” For instance, if you aim to improve your eating habits, approach it by cultivating a positive relationship with nutritious foods. If you wish to attract a better partner, work on becoming your best self. If you desire more sincerity from your child, engage with them to deepen your understanding.
Section 1.1: The Pitfalls of Control
Ever faced failure in an exam? I certainly have. Initially, I attempted to impose a strict study routine, prioritizing academics above all else. It worked momentarily but soon became tiresome. Why? Because I didn't grasp that growth is a gradual journey, and my next opportunity to demonstrate improvement would arrive in a year. The result? I reverted to old habits within a month.
Attempting to force everything into rigid structures can stifle creativity. Ideas cannot be commanded into existence; rather, one must nurture the creative process and remain open to inspiration.
Most creative environments can become stifling, not due to the individuals in charge, but because they lack an understanding of how to foster creativity. During my time at an advertising agency, we were pressured to generate countless ideas daily. However, the lack of freedom to propose less-than-perfect concepts stifled genuine creative exploration.
Much like cleaning out a long-unused pipe, you must first clear out the debris before fresh ideas can flow freely.
“I believe ideas have consciousness, and if they aren’t nurtured, they depart.”
When you open the door to creativity, be prepared for all kinds of ideas, not just the polished ones. Embrace the less refined ones to pave the way for more brilliant concepts that might have been overlooked for years.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Collaboration
Have you ever worked within a creative team? When you strive to control not just your output but also influence others' creativity, you may inadvertently stifle the unique contributions they can offer.
A creative journey is deeply personal, and the more you attempt to box others into your way of thinking, the more you risk losing out on their distinctive ideas. It’s essential to articulate your goals and the reasons behind them, but imposing a specific method can suppress their individual creativity.
As a filmmaker, I find that I benefit most when my team feels empowered to contribute their ideas rather than simply adhering to my directives.
Chapter 2: Unlocking the Flow State
The first video titled "Why Do We Judge? | Adam Khamis | Encounters TEDEd Club" delves into the reasons behind our judgments and how they can impact creativity.
To truly enjoy the creative process, understanding the flow state is crucial. Have you ever been so immersed in your work that it feels as though it’s happening without your direct involvement? This state, often referred to as flow, is where high achievers thrive, focusing not solely on the end goal but on the system that leads to it.
Following a structured process can help achieve this state, often resulting in surprising outcomes. It can feel almost surreal, as if you aren’t entirely responsible for your output.
“We all possess an infinite well of creativity within us. The objective of any creative endeavor is to learn how to tap into it.”
In the flow state, your conscious mind—home to your insecurities and fears—takes a backseat, allowing your subconscious, filled with experiences and imagination, to take the lead. Achieving this state may require practice, but it’s a skill that can be developed over time.
The second video titled "Dealing with Judgement from Others (Excerpt)" offers insights on how to manage external judgments and their effects on creativity.
LAST
Trying to control others or the creative process rarely leads to productive results. When you let go, individuals will either choose to leave—often a beneficial outcome—or they will grow and contribute in ways that align with your collective goals. This can create a mutually beneficial situation.
Within you lie three reservoirs of creativity: the well of imagination, the well of personal experience, and the well of inspiration drawn from literature, films, and art that have moved you. Training your subconscious mind is a mental exercise that can unveil hidden creative potential, and your future self will certainly appreciate the effort you invest today.
If you haven’t yet explored the earlier parts of this series, here are the links:
— Part I
— Part II
— Part III
— Part IV
I hope you found this article engaging. If you did, I would love to enjoy some coffee. Feel free to click the link to help me out!