One thing that supercharged my creativity
And it has surprised me
My relationship with creativity has changed. As I get older and move further into my thirties, my creative side is something that needs to be fed and nurtured like a plant I can’t forget to water. In my twenties, it felt a bit easier to produce stuff — or at least a bit more haphazard. The plant didn’t really need watering as much. I threw metaphorical spaghetti at the wall and would see if it would stick. I had no strategy, no plans, no tools. Who cares what I created in my twenties! Because it’s just your twenties! A decade of trying stuff out. A decade of forgiveness because no one really expects that much of you. At least that was my mindset back then.
Things feel a bit different now.
So let me tell you about the one main thing that currently helps with my creativity and productivity:
In a nutshell: I no longer drink alcohol. I was looking for a consistent daily practice, and the consistency had to run deeper than just turning up to the page. I had to also turn up with a clear mind.
Now, it seems, I have to work harder to set myself up for success: the ease, the flow, the fun (ironically) doesn’t come as easily. Of course there are many things I don’t miss about being in my twenties. Many things were definitely harder (such as but not limited to: money, life admin, relationship with myself) but something I do miss is that youthful bright and breezy relationship with creativity. I didn’t really overthink it, I just wrote stuff. When I was working on the first draft of Olive (back in 2018), I went to Margate and bought a load of cheese and wine and stayed up all night writing and listening to music. I just wrote and wrote and wrote. It was kinda no big deal.
My relationship with creativity now feels more important and focused. Dare I say, matured? I need to stay more focused in order for the ideas tap to turn on. I have to do various things to look after my body and mind: