Your Personal Creativity Playlist: Kickstart Those Creative Juices With Music

Are you feeling overwhelmed or burnt out? Then it's time to get your creative juices flowing. But how do you do that if you're not feeling the least bit creative? There are so many different things you can do - take a walk, read a book, watch a movie, talk to a friend, just to name a few - but we're going to focus on something that Albert Einstein used to do, and that's listen to music.
 
Now Albert Einstein didn't just listen to any music, he listened to Mozart. And there's a reason behind that. The reason Mozart was a good choice and helped get Einstein's creativity flowing is because research has proven that certain music compilations and songs allow the brain to be more creative. 

So does that mean you have to follow in Einstein's footsteps and listen to Mozart to get your creative juices flowing? Not at all. Talk to a group of people and more than likely if you ask them what music makes them feel creative and helps them think better, no two of them will give the same answer. Music has different effects on different people, so don’t think you have to cultivate a love for classical music to benefit.

Different types of music can also have different affects on your mood. Think about it - when you want to relax do you listen to the music you like to work out to? Probably not. Your workout music is more than likely upbeat and fast paced not something slow and soothing that you can relax to. And vice versa - you wouldn't want to try and workout to your playlist of relaxation music.  And it's no different when it comes to turning on those creative juices. You'll have to find the music that inspires and motivates you.

Here's a tip to keep in mind: when it comes to music and creativity, once you find some music that helps get you in that creative space, stick with it and listen to it over and over whenever you need to be in a creative frame of mind. Soon you're brain will recognize that when listening to this specific music, it's time to turn on the creativity.

As you can see music is one way you can start to train yourself to be more creative. So start experimenting with some different music to find what brings out a feeling of creativity and innovative thinking within you. And remember, once you find the music that inspires and sparks creativity, keep listening to it whenever you want those creative juices to start flowing.

The Power of the Hive: How a Mastermind Group Can Get the Creativity Flowing

It doesn’t matter if you’re a business owner, a mom, or the CEO of a major corporation.  Sometimes you just can't find the motivation to think outside the box or be the least bit creative. It's times like this that you need to seek some inspiration from others, and one way to do that is by being a part of a mastermind group. 

While we all know the benefits of being a part of a mastermind, especially if you’re a business owner, what you may not realize is how those benefits translate into improved creativity in all aspects of your life.

Benefit #1 - Creative Ideas from Others

Sometimes you just get in a rut and don't feel creative at all. That's when you go to your mastermind group and draw on their creativity. Let them know what you're working on and ask for their ideas and thoughts about it. Soon you'll probably have more ideas than you know what to do with and sometimes just one comment from someone else is all it takes to turn your creative thinking back on.

Benefit #2 - You're Pushed to Think Bigger

When you're a part of mastermind group, people will challenge you to think bigger than you've probably ever thought before. They're going to encourage you step out of your comfort zone and stretch yourself to reach for bigger and better things. And if you're going to be thinking big, it's going to require you to use your creativity and think outside the box.

Benefit #3 - Partnering with Others

One of the biggest benefits to being part of a mastermind group is that you'll get to know those in the group with you, and you’ll start building relationships with them. As time goes on, you may find someone you want to partner with on a project or someone else might approach you about partnering with them. It's a win/win situation as long as the both of you do your fair share of the work. Even better, you’ll experience how the other person thinks and works, which will in turn encourage you to think differently – otherwise known as “be creative.”

Benefit #4 - Brainstorming

When you work for yourself, there isn't anything much worse than getting stuck and not knowing how to move forward. But if you're part of a mastermind group, you’ll be able to go to the group and brainstorm ideas with them. Let them tap into their creative thinking skills and knowledge to help you get unstuck and moving forward again.

These four benefits are definitely not an exhaustive list of reasons to join a mastermind group, but they do show you how being a part of a mastermind can kick start your own creativity. Simply by discussing ideas with others in your peer group, you’ll discover new and different ways of approaching and solving problems, and that is the biggest benefit of all.

You Can’t Force Creativity: Know When to Work and When to Stop

When it comes to creativity, while there are courses and books out there about it, you don't have to pay top dollar to take a course or buy self-help books. Sure those aren't bad things but creativity is such an individual experience, it's something you can develop and practice on your own. And just like the other muscles in your body, your brain is a muscle that needs to be worked too. There are many different things you can do to get your creative juices flowing, but here’s the most important tip: know when to stop working. 

For example, imagine you’re working on a project that requires a bit of creativity. Maybe you’re writing an ebook or a series of blog posts, or maybe you’re designing a new website. With the deadline looming you may think that you have to work 24/7 (figuratively speaking of course), keeping your head down and just powering through it to get it all done.

That’s how many of us tackle projects, but it may actually be the worst thing for you when it comes to creative work. Let's face it, if you're not feeling creative you're going to end up staring at a blank page, which will only stress you out even more. Forcing creativity rarely works.

Instead, learn to recognize the signals that it might be time to stop work for the day. As mentioned above, if you're not feeling creative it’s not something you can just force to happen. You have to learn to listen to your intuition and if you're feeling stuck, take a break and walk away for a bit. In fact, you may even find it’s during that break that your creativity starts flowing and you come up with a great new idea for that project. It also works the other way, too. If your intuition is telling you that you're about to have a breakthrough and come up with the creativity you need to finish the project, then keep on working.

What if you don’t have a project with a deadline, though? Maybe you just want to develop your creative side. The same rules apply. You cannot force yourself to get the creative juices flowing. If you've been starting a blank document on your computer monitor for 30 minutes, chances are you need to get up and walk away. Or maybe you can take a few minutes to just start writing and see what happens. Sometimes that can do the trick and trigger your creativity. You know yourself best so learn to listen to your intuition and work with yourself instead of against yourself.

While you can practice and develop your creativity, and you can train yourself to be creative on demand, part of that training is learning when to step away. By listening to that inner voice and recognizing the signs that you may be stuck, you’ll find it much easier to produce creative works.

Boost Your Creativity for Better Business

Creativity is all around us and each of us has the ability to be creative - it's just a part of who we are. Sometimes it comes easy and sometimes it doesn't. If the latter is the case for you and creativity seems challenging, it doesn't have to be. All you need to do is train yourself to be creative and you'd be surprised that it can be as simple as practicing your powers of observation and becoming better aware of your surroundings.
Here are some tips you can try that will help you improve your observation skills that will in turn help improve your creative skills.

Pay attention to details - this one requires you to slow down and be mindful about what you're doing and where you are. For example, when you get dressed, pay attention to what you do first, second and so on. When you leave your house, look at and notice the color of the door. Little things like this will help you learn to be present in the moment, no matter what you're doing and this can carry over into creativity. When you're mindful of what you're doing, you see things in a different light and your creativity begins to come alive.

Do something different - sometimes all it takes to not only hone your observation skills, but to also get the creative juices flowing, is to simply take the time to do something different. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate like running off and taking an exotic vacation, though. It can be something as simple as visiting a new place locally you've never seen before. When you do something new, you're more aware of what's going on around you because you're paying closer attention while observing what it is you see, smell, hear, feel and taste. 

Go to a park, coffee shop or some other public place with a pen and notepad - this one is fun because people watching can be very interesting. Set aside some time to head to a nearby park (or anywhere public) and observe those around you. Pay attention to how they walk, what they're wearing, and how they interact with others.

As you observe them, begin to write down different details. Pay attention to your senses and write about things you see, hear and smell. Don't spend too much time thinking, just write whatever pops into your head. Again, not only does this help you improve your observation skills, it helps you learn to focus and be mindful of what's going on around you. And as you do this exercise and begin writing, you'll start using those creative thinking brain muscles that need to be exercised.

Being mindful and observant is a skill we can all improve upon. Too often we go through life missing many of the details, but if you make it a point to notice what’s happening around you, you’ll soon find many creative ways to use what you learn in your writing, artwork, or other creative endeavors.

Success Story! Meet Faye Nulman

One of the reasons I love attending events is that I always meet such interesting people.  Like my friend Faye.  I was fortunate enough to meet her at Wendy Lipton-Dibner's Move People to Action event in January.  After she stopped my migraine in its tracks in a few minutes during a break by the pool, I became intrigued by her business and spent the rest of the weekend learning more.  I love her and I know you will too.  Meet Faye Nulman!
 

1. Faye, tell us about yourself.  This question always gives me reason to pause; as each day it feels as if I am someone new based on lessons learned, experiences from the previous day and even the weather or if I have meditated/practiced any yoga that day. 

A more nuts and bolts answer:  In hindsight, a trend setter.  Having been raised in a traditional family where the women work in some low level job, get married and have kids, I started out following that model and broke it when I chose to divorce after 21 years in a marriage with 2 children.  So for the first time in my life truly being on my own I was now single parenting, working full time; I decided to go back to school for massage therapy in addition to everything else that was going on in my life!    From one decision my world has evolved into me realizing my potential as an Intuitive Transformational Empowerment Specialist; a human GPS for emotional, personal and life guidance. An International speaker and educator utilizing my years of training and personal one on one work incorporating modalities such as: EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Strategic Intervention Coaching, Access Bars, Reiki, Massage Therapy, Raw Foods, Yoga, Sound Healing, & Relaxation Meditative modalities to ingrain a sense of positive energy flow within each client or group. 

2. Tell us about your business.    My business is a healing practice. What started out mostly as massage therapy has evolved into integrated modalities being customized to what a client requires. Depending on the day and or the client, we can be looking at EFT/Coaching sessions, Access Bars/Reiki/Amethyst Bio Mat, Yoga/Meditation, Crystal Singing Bowl Meditation/Healing.  An exciting development with the crystal bowl meditations was my recently released CD: Crystal Bowls for the Soul! Feedback has been outstanding as to positive experiences with increased sleep, an ensuing of peace. 

A recent appointment example: Client was involved in a car accident one year prior to our session, had been in constant pain for that year.  We originally decided they needed to have an Access Bars Session while on the Amethyst Bio Mat to help delete the old “stuff” in their brain and to ease some of the pain.  In speaking with the client once they arrived, we decided to work with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) while they were on the bio mat.  Not only were we able to release a ton of held stuck negative emotions surrounding the accident, the client left with no pain!  Cookie cutters don’t apply here.  Every client’s needs are customized. 

3. Why did you start your own business?  I don’t truly know if we start our own business or we choose something different from what we have been raised to know.  When there is a deep yearning for something different rumbling through our minds, we begin to search for answers; as we come to those answers we see different possibilities and then decide how to proceed.

4. How did you choose this particular niche?  After being in the corporate world for far too long and having a deep sense of knowing this was not the way to be, I began looking for something that would allow me to give back in the world.  Having been adept at back rub contests between friends as a kid, I believe the information was there but took awhile to be seen.  I guess I was a closet healer!

5. What do you like most and least about being your own boss? Like most:  choosing when to work and with whom I want to work.  Like least: paperwork!

6. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?  Staying focused when required.  It can be quite easy to just want to not handle the business basics.  You get to be the boss looking over your shoulder as if you were in a J.O.B. (Just Over Broke) and the boss/employee.  Being able to switch gears on a dime also helps.

7. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?  Feeling guilty about taking time for ME.  When you are an entrepreneur you always want to be available for your clients.  The reality is, that does not serve anyone well for the long run.  The most important thing you can do for your business is to take YOU time, consistently.  It feeds you on a spiritual level and gives you the energy you require to keep doing what needs to be done.

8.  Do you have any resources that you have used to build your business that you would recommend?  A large part of the evolving and expansion of the business came in the form of education.  Areas where I was either challenged or had a desire to learn more.  Also being aware of what the clients were requesting and I didn’t yet have training in. This created the space for the interlacing of modalities so that if say “x” didn’t serve this client, then we could go to “y”.  That’s the nuts and bolts aspect.  The deeper aspect came from doing A LOT of personal transformation work.  When funds were low, tapping into as many free resources as were available to help open dark spaces internally.  Then taking bigger plunges and doing organized programs.  As you expand, you bring that to your business.  No one escapes looking inward.

9. Do you have any tips to share on promoting yourself? Smile! No one wants to hang around someone who is grumpy.   Have lots and lots of person to person conversations.  Ask for referrals from happy clients.

10. What other advice would you like to share with someone starting their own business?    You owe it to yourself to try. Fear of losing a paycheck kicking in?  Start part time developing your business, then when you feel comfortable in at least having a foundation built, move into it full time.  IF for some reason it doesn’t work out, you can always find a different arena to play in or go back to a J.O.B.

11. How can we contact you to learn more about your products and services? 

Website:  www.akneadedescape.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Kneaded-Escape/184997056851?fref=ts

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=12316149&trk=hp-identity-name

Blog: https://akneadedescape.wordpress.com/

Phone: 732-895-5926

Email:  info@akneadedescape.com

12. Is there anything else you would like to share?  Create your own because you feel passionate about what you are choosing.  If you are going into this just for the money, you will soon feel as tied down as you did with an employer.  Know that there are always avenues for expansion, you just need to ask yourself:  How does it get even better than this?!

It's Time to Talk About Writing Blog Posts

Let's answer some questions I've been asked about writing blog posts.

Which comes first - the title or the post?  Actually, it doesn't matter.  Sometimes I have a great title in mind inspired by something I've seen or read.  And sometimes my beginning title isn't so great but a better one comes to me as I'm actually writing the post.  The key is to create a title that will encourage readers to visit your blog and read your post. 

What about the actual post?  Are there rules to follow?  Again, not really - and what rules there are can be bent a little if it makes your post more engaging.  This is not your high school composition class.  This is you sharing your thoughts, your knowledge, and your passion with others.  That allows for a bit more flexibility.

Should my blog post be structured in a particular manner?  There is no definitive structure for a blog post.  It is a good idea to let your readers know what the post is about as soon as possible.  I try to establish that in the first paragraph or so.  If you aren't writing educational or factual posts, then that isn't as important.  But you do need to capture your readers' attention as quickly as possible.

The end of your post is just as important as the beginning.  Don't leave your readers hanging.  Don't leave them wondering if there should be more.  When you are finished with what you have to say, summarize or draw some conclusion, but leave no doubt that your are finished. 

How long should my post be?  Truthfully - as long as it needs to be to say what you want to say.  You will notice that some of my posts are longer than others.  As long as you aren't rambling about things that have no bearing on your topic, that is usually not a problem  That being said, the average blog post is generally between 250 and 400 words.  Any shorter, and you probably not going to get as much bang for your buck.  Any longer, and unless you are providing lots of good, useful information, your reader may get bored and stop reading.  That doesn't mean you can't occasionally go shorter or longer.  Again, good content is the most important factor in blogging.

Sometimes I feel like I am writing a lot of fluff just to have "filler" for what would otherwise be an extremely short post?  How do I avoid this?  You don't always have to.  Sometimes, you just need to have some fluff.  Remember, your readers come from diverse backgrounds.  What makes sense to one person may completely confuse another.  If adding some filler helps make your post more cohesive and understandable, go for it.  Especially in instructional posts, more detail is often better.  No one is going to become a regular reader of your blog if they can't get what they need from it.

So when do we leave the filler out?  Just as we don't want to leave out important details or clarification for the sake of shortening our post, we don't need to make the same point three or four times just to make it longer.  If you have already made your point, you're done.  Move on.  Likewise, if you're telling a story, there is no need for elaborate, flowery narratives or extraneous details if they don't add to the story or don't clarify what you are saying. 

Like everything else in business, there are guidelines for how to write blog posts for maximum effectiveness.  But the bottom line is this - write what you know, write what you are passionate about, provide useful, interesting content, and everything else is negotiable.

Starting to Blog

So you've decided to start blogging.  Good for you!  A blog is a great way to begin creating an online presence for yourself.  However, before you create your first post, there are some things to think about.

1.  What is your blog about?  The answer to that questions is what do you know?  Are you an computer expert?  Then that's what you write about.  Do you know a lot about gardening?  Then maybe you should write about that.  It's best to pick a subject that you are knowledgeable in.  That will greatly increase your ability to continually have topics for blog posts.

2.  What is your passion?  Passion is important in blogging.  Your enthusiasm will show through in every post.  And it is easier to sit down and write habitually when you are passionate about your topic.  So if you are equally knowledgeable about computers and gardening, for example, choose the topic you are most passionate about.

3.  What is the purpose of your blog?  Are you looking for a place to share your ideas and passions?  Do you plan to monetize it to make money?  Is it part of an overall marketing plan for your business?  Are you trying to share your expertise and gain influence and publicity?  All of these are possible through blogging but you must know what your goal is to help you create your blogging style.

4.  Where will you host your blog?  There are several good platforms available.  The two most popular are Blogger and WordPress. Both have good and bad points.  Personally, I use Blogger because I find it much easier to work with than WordPress.  However, I have many friends and clients who swear by WordPress.  Choose whichever is easier for you.  The key is to choose a good, reliable platform that is comfortable for you to work with.  You can also choose to self-host your blog but I do not recommend that if you are just starting out.

5.  What will it look like?  Both Blogger and WordPress have many free themes you can use to create the look of your blog.  Some bloggers feel that free themes aren't effective; that the only way to look truly professional is to buy a theme.  I disagree.  What matters most is the content.  If you are habitually posting insightful, compelling content, the theme is secondary as long as it is easy to navigate.

Congratulations! You have just taken the first steps in starting your own blog.  That wasn't so bad, was it?  Next step: get writing!  We'll talk about that in our next post.