The Sheer Scope of Creativity
In the last 24 hours I’ve encountered a vast array of creativity: from plants finding ways to grow underneath rocks, my kids putting snacks together when there’s apparently “no food in the house”, friends and clients creating new possibilities and directions for their life/work balance, an investment webinar explaining how portfolios are creatively managed and volatile situations planned for, to the magnitude of diverse ways in which the people across the globe are supporting each other in the face of destruction.
The Bigger Picture
All of this and far more is possible because we’re using our inbuilt Creative Capacity to play our part. Some are using it in a devastatingly negative way, but far more are rising to the challenge of finding positive ways to make impactful change. You are a part of that, however small you may think your contribution is, it still counts toward the bigger picture.
Imagine If …
Although I didn’t realise it until the end of 2021, I am part of a huge Creative Movement (and have been all of my life) on a mission to:
“…help individuals and organisations understand and harness their innate powers of imagination, creativity, and collaboration, to recreate the worlds that we live in.
Our purpose is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to imagine, reimagine, create and recreate.”
The posthumous book “Imagine If… Creating A Future For Us All”, was launched last night by Sir Ken Robinson’s (SKR) daughter, Kate. I’ve read and re-read his previous books, I even went to the same University as Sir Ken, albeit 30 years after him! He beautifully and precisely articulates what I’ve always felt about each person I encounter (yes, even those I struggle with!):
EVERYONE has immense creative potential, but we need to create the right conditions for that to grow, evolve, and thrive in a way that supports the very best vision of our shared present and future.
Seeing Potential
I saw these unique potentials as I grew up, as a student, in my Hairdressers Saturday job, as a Bar Maid, Agency Worker, Performer, Drama Teacher and Examiner, kids holiday leader, workshop leader, Entrepreneur, Event Producer, Business Mentor, single Mum, End-of-Life Carer, Community Activist, and it has led me inexorably to become a Creative Empowerment Coach.
You don’t move through all of this and more without having the Creative Capacity to navigate each high and low, to imagine what’s possible and create the conditions for that possibility to exist.
The Sticking Point
The sticking point is this: we tend to see Creativity in a very narrow sense. It belongs to a small group of people, it must be perfect, it’s frivolous, it only involves the arts, etc. Added to this the Education system is designed in terms of standardised tests that measure academic skills in terms of right or wrong. Even where an opinion is asked for, the right points are required to make the grade.
There is a place for all of this, of course, but the system swings so far that way that those who deliver it find that their future is in jeopardy if they don’t teach to the test. Students are conditioned into desperately looking for the “right” response and feel utterly lost without someone to tell them what to do and would rather play it safe than learn through the magic of failure.
This doesn’t serve you in life. It doesn’t expand your ability to think on your feet, to come up with creative solutions to the problems you will inevitably face, to be bold enough to take initiative or calculated risks. To imagine and create the life you could joyously live.
If you don’t manage to fit into the system (and many don’t) in this way you often feel like you don’t belong, there’s something wrong with you, and you either get into trouble as you push against it or squeeze yourself into an unfulfilling box in an effort to be accepted.
But this leads to frustration and still the sense that you’re just NOT in the right place. It spills out into your relationships, your workplace, your life.
All you want, more than anything, is to explore what you’re capable of without fear of being an outcast, of getting it wrong, of losing your job, of not being enough. I know, I’ve been there! But I also know how to turn this around.
Endless Possibilities
Imagine If you DID have space to explore all of that, without fear, guilt, worry, or shame. To build the conditions for positive Creative Change in your life that enable you to uncover your dormant talents and passions, and bring them into being so that you no longer have to settle for an unfulfilling, boxed-in life that painfully trudges along.
Imagine the difference that would make – the joy it would bring to your relationships, the energy and productivity it would bring to your work, and most importantly the ability to fully connect to and express your authentic Self in every aspect of your life!
Imagine the exponential potential if EVERYONE had this opportunity and saw just how important their part is in creating a beautiful future for us all!
A Creative Call To Get Started
But where do you even start? Right here, right now.
Whether or not you are “grown-up” does NOT matter. It is NEVER too late. You don’t even have to be creative in the “traditional” sense to get going. You can build the conditions for positive Creative Change in yourself, your community, and your place of work, wherever you are, now. It’s needed as much as it ever was.
This is how you, me, and all of us change the world bit by creative bit!
If you want to kick start this Creative Change where you are, please do get in touch for a cuppa and a chat. I’d love to hear what your “Imagine If…” sentence is and take the next steps to make that a reality!
Need To Chat?
Support For Your Own Journey
The Thought, Track, Activity of the Week posts are a great place to support you a little further with this journey, here’s the latest: February 28 – March 6, 2022.
Jump into the Jax Lovelock Facebook Group – a safe and supportive space for those who are on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, and/or support others with their own journey
It’s a place for connection, inspiration, encouragement, and up-to-date information on coaching, workshops, and programmes.
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I can’t wait to work with you!
Love & blessings, Jax.