Romancing Your Muse
Posted in Creativity by: SandiYour creativity isn’t just a talent…it’s a life force all its own. It has its own needs, wants, and desires. For that reason, those of us who have built a business around our creative talents know how important it is to nurture the muse in each of us. Press it to perform without proper care & attention and you’re sure to *block* your creative flow. Not something you want happening when faced with the very real issue of business deadlines. As business owners, we are at the mercy of our muse, but at the same time have to learn to control it.
So….how do you do that?
Simple, really. Romance your muse like you would a lover, after all - your relationship with your muse is far more intimate than any other relationship you could have. It knows everything about you…even things you might not consciously be aware of yourself. Now that doesn’t mean you have to take it out to dinner & a movie (unless that’s what your muse demands) but it does mean you have to think about your muse and what it needs to be happy and productive. Just like you get to know a lover’s likes and dislikes, you should be just as aware of your muse’s likes and dislikes.
Does it need peace and quiet, or music playing so loud the neighbors 3 streets away need earplugs?
Does it encourage your creative flow to work early in the mornings? Late into the night?
Do certain life events create havoc in your relationship with your muse?
What environments/sensory input brings out the best in your muse?
These are things you should know about your creative self if you want to avoid blocking your creative process. Just like knowing your lover prefers red wine over white, or candle light over electric can help you craft the perfect dinner date, knowing what moves your muse will help you craft the perfect flow to your creative process. It’s an investment of your time and attention that can truly make the difference in whether or not your muse is willing to cooperate with your business deadlines!
