Write to Create
Photo by ToastyKen
There are times when I’m stuck in a rut and cannot seem to get anything done anymore. These days remind me of a Gatorade TV ad featuring Ronaldinho trying very hard to run and kick a ball underwater.
During a string of these days, I discovered a technique to get myself pull myself out of them with very good results. I’ve called it the “Write to Create” process. Here’s how to do it.
First, you’ll need supplies for the “Write to Create” session:
- A new and cozy venue (a cafe is good) with just the right amount of ambient music (or din). You should not be easily distracted.
- Your most comfortable clothing, wear them.
- Enough money for your favorite drink, large.
- A notepad and pen, or a laptop.
Step 1 – Arrival
Upon arrival to the cafe, take your time to scan the entire place. Slowly take in the ‘vibe’ that it exudes and mindfully look out for that perfect table where you can settle down.
Step 2 – Relax
Order your favorite drink and get snug and comfy. Chill out for as long as you feel like. Observe your breathing slow down and your mind calm.
If you should be confronted with negative thoughts, e.g. a critically delayed project, your bank balance, etc, turn to them briefly and close them. By ‘closing’ them, I mean to say something like “Alright, I know the project is delayed but it is something that I can attend to tomorrow. Today, I am taking a break from that.”
Close negative thoughts until there are no more.
Step 3 – Write to the Edge
Once you are satisfied with your peaceful state, take out your notepad and start writing. Write from the start of the day, when you first open your eyes in the morning.
Don’t strategize or plan your writing. Simply recall and write, recall and write.
Don’t analyze nor draw conclusions – this is not a term paper.
Don’t be mindful about what comes out. Let your writing pick up speed as you flow your thoughts easily into words.
Write about how you felt when you walked into the table you’re sitting at now. Write about the waitress who just served you.
Feel yourself sitting up as words just fly out from your pen. Write without restrain until this very moment – to this very w-o-r-d.
Step 4 – Break Free
Without hesitation, just let your mind and words take off. It’s like launching a hang-glider off a cliff. You’ve planned for this and have been working hard running up the hill. And at the moment of lift-off, everything is different.
You’re airborne! Your feet tingles with thrill. You’re flying!
Don’t stop writing! Because now is when the good stuff comes up next. Just retain the momentum and trust the process.
Very good stuff has come up for me whenever I do this. It’s stuff I wouldn’t think about if I were to go about it through the typical brainstorming or planning meetings. In the past months, all my best ideas came from this “Write to Create” process.
Do give this a try and tell me how it worked out for you.