In times of crisis, much like we are faced with today, creativity can be a huge factor in the outcome. It can be the differentiating factor between emerging from the crisis successfully or getting pulled into the doldrums of despair. And to emerge successfully, one has to depend on our innate creativity to shine a clear path forward.
The truth, when viewed creatively, comes into rapid focus:
- First, the news is all over the place and largely disappointing. Getting a straight picture of what is going on with this crisis is almost impossible.
- Then, lots of us have little experience with hard times anymore. If you are too young to remember the Gulf War or the Cold War or even the last recession, then these times can be scary and this problem can seem insurmountable. But rest assured, it’s not.
- Finally, change is inevitable and often one of the hardest things to deal with. How the crisis will change things remains to be seen, but whichever shape things take, there is an opportunity for you to think creatively to stay relevant.
Here are the top three ways creativity can help reassure us in these challenging times:
- The nature of professionalism is changing.
What used to be unprofessional has now been redefined by this crisis. So now, working from home with kids screaming in the background, dogs barking, and other distractions are commonplace. I have been on conference calls with clients who have been clients for years and just now learned that they have children.
When looked at through a Creator Mindset, we see that this crisis has added humanity to our world. A humanity that was so well concealed and buttoned up just weeks ago has now been allowed to bloom out in the open. No more hiding. This is the real us.
- Nothing lasts forever.
This COVID crisis will one day be over. It was thought that Ebola, SARS, swine flu, and others would last forever. But these, too, had a fixed shelf life. We all hope and pray that COVID won’t last for too long, but one day, this disease will be gone as well, or at least reduced in scope. It is so hard to see beyond what is in front of us right this minute – and the hardships many of us are facing. But, as with most trials and tribulations, this too shall pass.
Because nothing lasts forever, the Creator Mindset depends on having a long-term vision. If things are hectic in the short term, creativity forces us not to lose sight of the long term! Things will indeed get better. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when. Don’t lose sight of that incredible truth. Take a deep breath. It’s temporary. Everything is.
- Maintain some degree of normalcy.
Don’t worry, no one was prepared for this disease to strike. Few could tell it was going to get this bad. And therefore, few prepared properly or were ready for the full brunt of its impact. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t maintain a level of normalcy.
The Creator Mindset relies on you doing what makes you – well – you. If you usually get up and put a suit on for work, then do so at home. Yoga or some sort of meditation every evening? Go on a run? Two sugars in your coffee or tea first thing in the morning? Do not change it. Don’t change what it is that you do because of this crisis. It is what makes you who you are, and any disruption in that will throw off your creative potential!
In my book, The Creator Mindset, out this June, I talk about a crisis that occurred in the early ’80s and how it reshaped the packaging of products today. For the better. It turns out that crises can be the catalysts for very good things. There is always a silver lining. And in this time, it is essential that you find yours. With creativity.
I have good news for my awesome and loyal readers! The Creator Mindset book is now on pre-release through my website: www.thecreatormindset.com. You get some cool freebies by pre-ordering the book on the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite bookstore today!
