Comments on: Fishing With David Lynch: Creating Value From Nothing

By: sterling

sterling — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:39:54 +0000

@Amy – I like the word “passion”…it sounds like an elevated state of “desire”.

Your point on being fearless is huge. The tip on practice is very important for “real-time” creative expression like dance or martial arts.

@Tom – Thanks for sharing your methods and for the subscription (I subscribed to your blog for a few days ago…great advice there).

I really like your complete “idea dump” method of brainstorming. The going back when inspired is something I’ll definitely try. It seems like I’d be much more productive when inspired rather than forcing myself through a “chore”.

By: Tom Volkar / Delightful Work

Tom Volkar / Delightful Work — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:20:18 +0000

When the idea comes I initially pounce on it. First I do a little rough mind mapping and empty my mind of all I think I know on the topic. Then I let it simmer for a few days going back to the file when inspired. I also keep a tape recorder in both car and kitchen because most of my inspired thoughts come during those off-work times.

Good blog and article. I’ve subscribed so I shall return.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:57:47 +0000

In my life I find creativity where there is passion. I suppose the desire is always there and not always specific to any situation. In dancing my best creativity comes when I’m present, engaged with the music and my dance partner; it comes when I’m not afraid to do something that might look stupid; it comes when I’m willing to boldly draw attention to myself. Most importantly, it is essential to have spent time practicing so that when the creativity hits I have the ability to express it.

By: sterling

sterling — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:22:11 +0000

@Nick, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Your notebook and pen are somewhat famous now, thanks to your blog articles on productivity.

By: Nick Cernis

Nick Cernis — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:35:14 +0000

I start with a goal. Then break the goal down into steps. Then fill in or complete each step until it’s brought me to that goal. It works with blog articles and pretty much everything else!

I also carry a little black notebook everywhere — I even keep it by the bed!

By: sterling

sterling — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:18:10 +0000

@Amir – Thanks for the comment.

@Abbie – I like that method of only going with the ideas that energize and excite. That goes along well with Lynch’s point of the ideas starting with desire. After desire, it’s energy and excitement that carry the fragments into a whole idea.

I also don’t do anything specific for creativity. A lot my ideas pop up randomly like when in the shower or just before falling asleep.

By: Abbie

Abbie — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:39:14 +0000

I’m with Ian. I don’t actually “do” anything to spark creativity. Often times I’ll come up with several ideas throughout the day. I only follow through with the ideas that energize and excite me.

By: Amir | Passion-Based Learning

Amir | Passion-Based Learning — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:52:20 +0000

Great analogy with that whole fish thing. So true. Nice!

By: sterling

sterling — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:20:57 +0000

@Barbara – So true, panic & creativity don’t work well together. Like you, my ideas often flow when I least expect it. Almost like its easier to be creative when I don’t try to force anything.

@Ian – Thanks for stopping by. What a great way to live, to trust yourself to find the answer without conscious thought. That sounds like an almost effortless way to flow through life.

By: Ian Denny

Ian Denny — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:42:16 +0000

Sterling,

I actually don’t do anything. I tend to reflect upon a challenge, but trust myself to find the answer without conscious thought.

I find I wake up early with the answers to challenges or creative inspiration. I consciously feed my mind though through blogs, reading and people I meet.

In terms of blogs, I have at times lacked inspiration, but it usually comes. I don’t have a real plan for the blog – and the direction changes quite a bit!

But alot of the material is already there. Experiences and knowledge are stored away. It just takes a snappy headline I see in a newspaper, a blog post on a completely different topic, or a conversation I have with someone to spark an article.

I’ve tried storing up blog posts in advance, but I have to admit it doesn’t suit me. Part of the fun of a blog is the anticipation – I don’t even know what I’m going to write about next!