Episode 21 | Micro Creativity
Friday, August 09, 2024
Creativity takes time and energy. Most of us are living really busy, productive lives and it feels like we have very little time to spare. So, in this episode, we're going to explore ways to incorporate little moments of creativity into everyday life.
Episode Topics
- What is Micro Creativity?
- Identifying small blocks of time for creativity
- Ideas for Micro Creative activities
Defining Micro Creativity
Micro Creativity is small moments of time dedicated to creativity or small creative acts that solve problems.
Sometimes, we are reluctant to do something because we have an idea that it takes a lot of time or other "necessary" resources. It's time to change our mindset around the time it takes to be creative.
Start by setting the intention to be creative. Then, these little moments of time will build on each other to have a compounding effect on your creativity.
"Finding" Time
While "finding" time is a bit of a misnomer, you can identify small pockets of time throughout your day that can be used for creativity.
For a formal method, do a time study. Document your activities throughout the day in 15-minute increments. If you do this for a couple of days, it will help you become aware of how you spend your time. This is especially useful if you are compelled by data.
But this tool isn't for everyone. Just mentally going through how you spend your day can also help you identify where you have some minutes to spare.
Even though everyone has different days, here are some examples of where you could find time:
- Binge watching TV
- Setting the alarm a few minutes earlier
- Prepping the night before for the next day
- Any time you find yourself waiting: in line, on hold, waiting for an appointment
- Excessive phone scrolling
- Delegating chores and tasks to free up time
- Downtime at work
Be Ready for Your Creative Time
So, you've found free time for creativity. Now, what? Be ready when it comes up by making a list of things you could do during this small pocket of time.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Research a creative skill you want to learn and make a plan to tackle it
- Meditate
- Brainstorm
- Get lost in thought
- Keep an idea journal
- Daily reflection (visual or written)
The Four Q's
During this show segment, we introduce four ways to interact with the material presented: A question to answer, a quest to complete, an aspect of creativity we've noticed this week, and a quote to ponder.
Question:
Where can you find time for micro-creation?
Quest:
Come up with a list of micro-creative activities.
Quality Creativity:
Evie's Daily Reflection Journal
Quote:
"The 'if I had time' lie is a convenient way to ignore the fact that novels require being written and that writing happens a sentence at a time. Sentences can happen in a moment. Enough stolen moments, enough stolen sentences, and a novel is born - without the luxury of time."
- Julia Cameron
Episode Credits
The Everyday Creative is hosted by Evie Soape and Emily Soape. It is produced by Emily Soape.
Please drop us a comment or question at hello@theeverydaycreativecollective.com. You can also find us on Instagram @theeverydaycreativecollective and Pinterest.
Theme Music: “Living Life” by Scott Holmes Music. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive.
Break Background Music: "Alive In It" by Ketsa. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive
Hi, we're Evie & Emily
Co-founders of The Everyday Creative Collective
We believe that everyone is creative. Creativity can be used to enrich everyday life. Click here to learn more.
