Tipping the Scales using Creative Techniques

At the mere mention of creativity, many people run. This article explores ways to approach life and business by engaging your creative 'right brain' thinking, aka 'calling in your muse!'

"But what has this got to do with me?" you might ask if you haven't already clicked away. "Everything," I answer, as if you really asked that question.

Creative thought is an instigator of change. And since your life has probably changed over the years, then creative thought has likely played a role. But wait a sec... There is another instigator of change. It's the "I should do's" or "I have to's" or even the nasty "I can't's."

Yes, our life changes are much more complicated than simply determining if we have creatively chosen our path, or if we are being directed by influences that say 'you should, you can't, and you have to," BUT let's for a minute pretend it is that simple.

Imagine a balance weigh scale, with one brassy plate labelled "creatively chosen my path" and the other side labelled "should, have to, and /or can't." Then imagine which side weighs heavier in your life.

Yes, now. Don't try to analyze too much or question the concept, just quickly off the top of your head imagine which side weighs heavier.

Got the picture in your mind? Good.

There is no right or wrong about how your imagined scale looks. The question to ask yourself after you've pictured this scale is "Am I happy?" Use this tool to get clearer: Imagine a linear scale numbered from 1 to 10, with 10 being "I'm so happy the world is my oyster, and I have nothing but pearls in my life" and 1 being "Excuse me, happy? Never!" Where would you put yourself on that scale?

If you've placed yourself up near 10, then the first balance scale is probably weighted ideally for you.

If not, ask yourself "what small steps could I take to shift these scales? Can I find a way to chose my direction, rather than be led by the "shoulds" and "have to's"? Play with these questions creatively. You could start by using the "What if" technique. Example: "What if I actually did start to research the trip I've always wanted to do?" or "What if I simply got some paint and paper and played?" or "What if I did leave my job?" Notice what emerges and see if you discover that small step that will have you shifting the scales more to your favour.

I don't know if you noticed, but within the 400 words above there are four creative thinking moments: 1. Pretend it is that simple
2. Imagine a balance scale
3. Imagine a linear scale
4. "What if" questions.

Did you notice how easy it was to get an image, thought, insight or answer? Without using tools that engage the right brain, a very lengthy process would have been required to get the same results. That process would have required a full explanation of the concepts of 'living life creatively', and 'living life based on exte
al directions'. Your left brain would have required documentation, references, my complete biography, a linear process that made sense, and maybe even testimonials, before it would have taken the next step.

Phew. I'd have had to write a whole book for you to find the answers that you have the options of finding just by doing the simple exercises in this article.

Isn't self discovery just so much easier when you invite creative thinking into the process?