Your Creative Resolutions

By Lise Richards

At the end of each year, we take stock of what we've accomplished and the goals we want to set for the coming year. Because of what I do for a living it is inevitable that each year many of my friends and clients talk to me about their resolutions to be more creative. Together we discuss art and home projects, garden designs, new paint colors and elaborate party plans. Creativity takes on a magical new quality and we are all inspired. Yet by mid-February, many have fallen back to their old routines and are left wondering where their creative intentions have gone. None of the projects that seemed so inspiring at one time are in process, and worse it seems that they are all but forgotten.

In contrast, I have been able to make sure that my creative projects grow in magnitude and importance in my life each year. This year alone, I have written book proposals and articles, created and taught new workshops, expanded my creative business, started two blogs, explored new art materials and finished more new projects than I have ever done before. Projects I once never thought I could tackle. And next year I'm lending even greater importance to my creative projects.

So this year, when my friends ask how to make their resolutions stick, I'll talk to them about how easy it is to become their own creativity coach. With clear intention, you really can manifest creativity in your life in tremendous ways. Here are four simple steps to make it happen:

• Explore your ideas. I like to do a mind-map for all my creative projects. I take out a huge unlined piece of paper out along with assorted colored pencils or markers. Then, I begin to write down each creative project I want to do. The trick is not to edit yourself before you even start. Just write until you can't write any longer. Once you've finished, just sort the list by what excites you the most.

• Schedule the projects and add reminders. In a special calendar, I assign a date for each project. These first two steps (exploring and scheduling) are very important. We all know that words have power to change our circumstances. Writing your creative goals in a place that you refer to often will keep you motivated to achieve them. Don't stop at assigning a date for the project; determine when you will buy materials, prep your work areas, or explore an art opening for new inspiration. I love to doodle, so I doodle all my reminders on my calendar in bright colors so that I won't miss them. I'm sure you can think of new ways to keep your goals firmly in front of you.

• Take action. Now the simple part — follow through on what you've scheduled. If you really can't meet your objectives, then reschedule. Don't just delete or ignore your projects. Ignoring your projects leads to a negative pattern — exactly what you're trying to avoid. Enjoy the process; remember this is supposed to be fun! And by all means, celebrate your victories. It is important to congratulate yourself when you've taken action.

• Chronicle your achievements. Once you've finished your project, take pictures, blog, journal, or otherwise document your success. Recording your progress is easy, and can be a creative project all by itself. This journal is sure to inspire you as you dream up new creative resolutions in years to come. •

© 2006 Lise Richards

As a lifestyle & creative arts designer, Lise Richards' mission is to help people live more creatively in artistically designed spaces. More »

12/6/06