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Ritual Creativity

A blank page stares at you. You just can’t get started on the report, the ad, or the clever marketing promo you need to create. What’s a person to do?

Try a creativity ritual. 

Rituals give our brains instructions. They tell our brains: “do this” or “think about this” or “let go of that idea.” Your mind is like a search engine and techniques like rituals and questions initiate that search process. I like to envision my mind as a general with an army of searchers, just waiting for my instructions.

One of my favorite creativity rituals involves a wirebound sketch pad from the office supply store and colored markers. I use the sketch paper to create mind maps, to put ideas in groups or simply to jumpstart my thinking by writing down questions and ideas. The unlined paper and different colors helps overcome the block of linear thinking produced by lined paper or worse yet, the forced linearity of the computer screen. My mind knows that when the sketch pad and markers come out, it’s time to produce and it rarely disappoints me.

Another favorite ritual is what I call the “15-Minute Bribe.” Let’s say you have a project you’re reluctant to begin or that seems overwhelming. Start it by promising yourself that if you work for just 15 minutes (even if you don’t put anything on paper but a title), then after 15 minutes you can quit. I’ll usually start by writing down questions I have, which stimulates the brain to search. Soon, I’m scribbling away with ideas that begin to link together to create the project.

Your creative intelligence is always there, just waiting to be tapped. Next time you’re stuck, try a creativity ritual and let your personal search engine go to work for you.


Shannon Bradford is a writer and coach, helping people learn how to master their brains to succeed in their careers and businesses. She is the author of Brain Power (Wiley, 2002), 15-Minute Career Change, and 15-Minute Breakthrough.

© 1999 Shannon Bradford


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