creativity | Trinity Christian Life Coaching

Creative Thursday: Does Your Environment Effect Your Work?

Posted on July 24, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Where do you work on your creative projects? Do you find that some areas bring you down? Is there anything preventing you from your work?

I mainly work at home, but there are times when I discover that I cannot get into the groove. There are too many other things that distract me. When that happens, I have to get away in order to accomplish my goals. At the moment I’m writing this at GG’s house {she has no internet to distract me}.

So what can I do so that my environment does not affect my work?

Set a dedicated space to work—whether this is a corner or a room, find an area just for work
Turn off distractions—turn off the television, internet and other distractions.
Use Music—find music that allows me to concentrate and get into the needed mood and groove
Explore other areas—find other places to work such as a coffee shop, library, park, etc. Often just a change of scenery helps.
Schedule time to work—schedule the time to work on your craft. Knowing it’s on the schedule and has to be done is a huge help at time.
Decorate—decorate your area to inspire you and your creative medium
Do Not Disturb—Let your family and friends know that you are working during this time and cannot be disturbed.

What have you done to make your environment more attractive for working?

Tweetables:

Does Your Environment Affect Your Work?

Creative Thursday: Exploring Your Creative Desires

Posted on July 17, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Do you have ideas that come a mile a minute? Do you have numerous outlets or interest to try? Would you like to make a living with your creative desires?

Creative types often deal with all of these questions.

So how do you determine answers to these questions?

Write your ideas out
Try different things
Determine what you can’t do
Determine what you enjoy doing and want to continue to explore
Is this just a hobby and for fun?
Is this something you dream about making a living out?
Can you eat, sleep and breath this creative style
How can your ideas be implemented into your medium of choice?
Are you willing to learn and develop your skills?
Are you willing to take chances and step out of your comfort zone to meet your goals?
Do you have the financial resources to pursue your dream?
Write out your goals and a plan to get from where you currently are to where you want to be.

What other steps would you recommend to explore your creative desires?

Tweetables:

Exploring Your Creative Desires

Discovering your creative talents

Creative Thursday: The Importance of Networking

Posted on July 10, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

This is the time of year that many conferences are taking place.

Networking is essential to most of the creative arts. Often it is all about who you know that allows you the break you are looking for.

So what are some great ways to network?

Workshops—often are for just a few hours or days, concentrating on one emphasis to help you grow, learn and improve
Conferences—often last a weekend to a full week, offers numerous classes, opportunities for critique, networking opportunities and the chance to meet important people in your industry
Critique Groups—groups that meet to share one another’s work and offer constructive advice on how to improve and make it better
Classes—these can be anything from a music school to a theatre or art class to a continuing education class at a university. You’re there with others of your skill level that also want to learn and grow. You could make friends, find accountability partners or even find someone to collaborate with.
Networking Events—many communities offer networking events, check your local listings. You can also check with the library, school or business that specializes in your interest.
Volunteer—if you’re interested in theatre but unsure how to get started, volunteer to help with the sets, costumes, etc. This is a great way to make friends, see what happens behind the scenes and ease yourself into this area of interest. You never know what doors may open through this endeavor. This is a great way to get involved with any creative interest.
Mentor—a mentor is a great way to grow. The mentor offers his/her expertise and advise, can offer contacts and networking opportunities you may not otherwise have. The most difficult aspect is finding a mentor that has the time to take you under his/her wing.

What have you done to network?

Tweetables:

The Importance of Networking

Reasons to Network

Ways to Network

Creative Thursday: Worshiping God With A Creative Spirit

Posted on July 3, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Often we think that we can only worship God through prayer and Bible study. This is a great way to worship God and very important, but it’s not the only way to worship God. There are some creative ways that we can also worship our Lord and Savior.

Journaling—journaling is very popular and you hear many people talking about journaling. Journaling allows you to pour
Art Journaling

out your feelings on paper. I often find that when I pray I can’t find the words, but when I write a letter to God the words just pour forth. Journaling comes in many forms: writing God a letter, keeping your thoughts in a daily journal, etc.
Art Journaling—I had a friend that introduced me to this recently and I found it greatly freeing. Again, there are numerous options to what you can do. This can be coloring a picture, drawing a picture, stamping, cutting out designs to paste on the page, etc. Within the picture or design you can write your prayers or you can allow your picture to show your prayer or just pray as you journal.
Painting or Sculpture—a few years ago our church had a man come in and paint a picture of Jesus during the service. The skills of this man is amazing and he worked so fast. We may not be at this skill level but can still paint or create a sculpture while praying and praising God.
Dance—dance is a great way to praise God and show him your heart. This can be done in church or the privacy of your home. Often we hear churches say that we should not dance, but we’re told that King David danced for the Lord with great abandon. If he can do it why can’t we? {2 Samuel 6}
Music—in church music is a vital part of worship, but you can also worship through music in your home or car. Whether you play an instrument or just sing to the Lord. We are told to “make a joyful noise.” {Psalm 95:2} As musician there are times I cannot find the words to express my heart to God, but can lift up my voice to the Lord in song. I always feel better. Whether you turn on the radio, sing a capella, play a CD, use soundtracks or play your own music, God doesn’t care as long as we praise Him. Music also lifts the mood.
Drama—this most likely would be done in a group, but you could also act out a scene or monologue in the privacy of your home. Drama is a great way to express yourself and show God your heart.
Design—this option has numerous possibilities, because you could design an area in your home to pray and worship, design a piece of jewelry to wear, design a craft project, etc. Just remember that regardless of what you are designing, you are doing it to the glory of God.

What are some creative ways you’ve worshipped God?

Tweetables:

Worshiping God With A Creative Spirit

Creative Thursday: Worshiping God With A Creative Spirit

Posted on July 3, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Often we think that we can only worship God through prayer and Bible study. This is a great way to worship God and very important, but it’s not the only way to worship God. There are some creative ways that we can also worship our Lord and Savior.

Journaling—journaling is very popular and you hear many people talking about journaling. Journaling allows you to pour out your feelings on paper. I often find that when I pray I can’t find the words, but when I write a letter to God the words just pour forth. Journaling comes in many forms: writing God a letter, keeping your thoughts in a daily journal, etc.
Art Journaling—I had a friend that introduced me to this recently and I found it greatly freeing. Again, there are numerous options to what you can do. This can be coloring a picture, drawing a picture, stamping, cutting out designs to paste on the page, etc. Within the picture or design you can write your prayers or you can allow your picture to show your prayer or just pray as you journal.
Painting or Sculpture—a few years ago our church had a man come in and paint a picture of Jesus during the service. The skills of this man is amazing and he worked so fast. We may not be at this skill level but can still paint or create a sculpture while praying and praising God.
Dance—dance is a great way to praise God and show him your heart. This can be done in church or the privacy of your home. Often we hear churches say that we should not dance, but we’re told that King David danced for the Lord with great abandon. If he can do it why can’t we? {2 Samuel 6}
Music—in church music is a vital part of worship, but you can also worship through music in your home or car. Whether you play an instrument or just sing to the Lord. We are told to “make a joyful noise.” {Psalm 95:2} As musician there are times I cannot find the words to express my heart to God, but can lift up my voice to the Lord in song. I always feel better. Whether you turn on the radio, sing a capella, play a CD, use soundtracks or play your own music, God doesn’t care as long as we praise Him. Music also lifts the mood.
Drama—this most likely would be done in a group, but you could also act out a scene or monologue in the privacy of your home. Drama is a great way to express yourself and show God your heart.
Design—this option has numerous possibilities, because you could design an area in your home to pray and worship, design a piece of jewelry to wear, design a craft project, etc. Just remember that regardless of what you are designing, you are doing it to the glory of God.

What are some creative ways you’ve worshipped God?

Tweetables:

Worshiping God With A Creative Spirit

Creativity Thursday: 9 Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Creativity

Posted on June 25, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Creativity is very subjective to the person seeing, hearing or feeling the art that has been created. There are plenty of critics along the path to try and derail the creative and bring you down.

However, there is one person that should be your greatest cheerleader. That person should be your parents.

So what can a parent do to support their child?

Put them in classes—help your child to learn, improve and develop their skills and ability
Give constructive criticism in a loving way—never put your child down. Find a loving way to encourage them and offer advice. One great approach to use is the orea method—start with something positive, mention what needs to be improved, end with something positive.
Find a mentor—help your child find a mentor to encourage them, guide them and help them continue to develop their skills
Set up their own space to work—set up a special place just for this child to create
Give time each day {or week} to work on their craft—allow time each day {or week if you can’t each day} to allow your child to work on their art. Even if it is just for thirty minutes or an hour each day, you will be able to determine the interest and dedication your child has towards his/her craft.
Help them find a critique group—a critique group helps you to grow and improve your craft
Love them unconditionally—love your child unconditionally for who s/he is and support their dreams. Even when being realistic about a job and employment, you can support your child’s dreams in their spare time.
Give emotional support—give your child emotional support. Sometimes that is a listening ear, a hug or even bragging to others about your child’s abilities and interest.
Set limits on how long you will support them financially—this is mainly for adult children, dependent on their parents and longing to pursue a career in their area of interest. Regardless of being an actress, writer or dancer, let them know up front at the beginning what {if any} support you can offer and the cutoff date. This way the child knows to either find work in that field or a job to tie them over in the meantime.

What have you done to support your child?

Tweetables:

9 Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Creativity

Creative Thursday: Saying Thank You

Posted on June 19, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I had several piano teachers as a child and young person. I learned something from each of these teachers.

By far the hardest teacher was the one I had in high school. She was extremely tough on me and even difficult at times. We often disagreed. Our biggest obstacle was I wanted to play other styles than just classical and she refused. Even a hymn would have been nice, but she was resistant to anything but classical music. This led me to become greatly discouraged and not practiced what she assigned as much as I should. I’d rather play what appealed to me.

The punishment for not practicing and being as polished as she preferred was to receive a smack on the knuckles. {I don’t recommend this.} However, because she pushed me, I was able to receive a partial scholarship the first time I went to college.

Once I became a teacher and had my own roll of students, I was able to better understand where this former teacher of mine was coming from. I was greatly discouraged when students did not practice or seem to care. Believe me, a teacher can tell!

I had a greater appreciation for this woman and the discipline she instilled in me. Ironically, today I greatly enjoy playing classical pieces; although that is not the only style I play.

A few years ago, I decided to say thank you to this woman. I wasn’t sure if she’d even remember me, but I wrote her a thank you note telling her how much I appreciated her and all that she taught me. I never received a reply, but felt considerably better just knowing that I had said thank you.

What teacher’s do you need to thank?

Tweetables:

Saying Thank You to Our Teachers

Creativity Thursday: How Do I Recover from Negative Feedback?

Posted on June 12, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

As creative types, people are going to either love or dislike our product. It doesn’t matter if you’re a musician, artist, writer, designer, or dancer, there are going to be those that absolutely love what you do and those that don’t care for your style and aesthetic.

So how do you recover when someone doesn’t like your work:

Allow yourself a few minutes to deal with the rejection and “lick your wounds”
Remind yourself that this is only one person’s opinion
Determine if there is any constructive feedback you can use to improve your skills
Read positive feedback
Get back to work
Pray and Seek God

What do you do when someone doesn’t like your work?

Tweetables:

How to Recover from Negative Feedback

Creative Thursday: Being Creative When I Don’t Feel Like It

Posted on June 5, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

There are days that no matter how much I look at the list of work to be done I just cannot get inspired. Still that list is calling my name, I’m on a deadline and it has to be done.

So how do you overcome the slump? These are some suggestions that I’ve discovered work.

Just start—often once I get started and push through those first few minutes of procrastination, I discover that I get into the groove and can move forward.
music changes your mood
Find a new location—sometimes I just need a change in venue or scenery to get the mental juices flowing.
Turn off all distractions—this includes the TV, internet {if you work on the computer}, phone and anything else that can attract your attention and hinder you from completing your job. For instance, I’m writing this at an internet free location, so that I will not be distracted by social media, email or anything else that might distract my train of thought.
Brainstorming—sometimes when those ideas won’t come, I sit down and just begin to write what comes to my mind. Half of it may be junk, but the longer I sit there the more I discover my brain begins to work and nuggets of ideas start to pop up.
Turn on music—music often motivates me and helps me to concentrate and block out surrounding noises. Michael Hyatt states that he keeps a mix of soundtracks to write by.
Meditation—often just getting quiet and meditating or praying allows my mind to begin to energize itself and ideas begin to flow. Also, seeking God’s guidance is always a good idea when beginning a new project, regardless if it’s a song, story, sculpture, graphic design, dance or any other creative outlet.
Exercise—exercise releases endorphins that trigger both your mood and memory. Studies have proven that exercise helps you to think clearer and makes you happier. After exercising, give yourself time to create and see what you come up with.

What other ways do you jumpstart your creative slump?

Tweetables

Being Creative When I Don’t Feel Like It

7 ways to be creative when I don’t feel like it

Jumpstarting creativity out of a slump

Enthusiasm Matters in Creative Pursuits

Posted on May 8, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

“I can’t wait to come to piano,” are words I love to hear from my student’s mouths. As a teacher, I love to have students that want to be here and want to learn.

I have had students of every age, capability and enthusiasm over the years. I have learned to easily read those that want to be there, compared with those that don’t. Sometimes I wonder why some of my students are still taking. Often, it is because their parents wanted them to take. The problem is that they do not enjoy the lesson, do not want to be there and have not looked at their books since the last time we were together. They don’t have to tell me this is the case, it is obvious and I’ve often come to expect it. Sadly, I am just as happy when these students quit as they are.

Maybe I should be a better teacher and try to build up some enthusiasm in them. Sometimes this technique does work, but more often than not, I’ve discovered it to be short lived.

Then I have students, that bounce in and plop down on the piano bench. Before I can ask about their assignment, they have their books opened and are playing their piece. I often discover that in their enthusiasm they have even worked ahead in their books. These are students that want to learn and look forward to it. I love these students and look forward to our time together.

I can see the progress these students have made and know that it’s because of their enthusiasm.

Do they practice daily? Usually not!

Do they practice? Yes!

Is there performance perfect? Usually not!

Is their performance showing an increase in skill? Absolutely!

Are they enjoying music lessons and learning? Yes!

How often do we give 100% in enthusiasm to our project?

When you are working at your creative best this week, how much enthusiasm are you giving?

O%, 20%, 50%, 75%, or 100%?

If you had/have a teacher or mentor suddenly show up, what would s/he say about your enthusiasm and effort?

Tweetables:

Finding enthusiasm in your craft

A creative dud or home run

Your enthusiasm shows in your creative outlet

10 Ways to Carve Out Time to Practice Your Craft

Posted on March 15, 2014March 15, 2014 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I find it very easy to procrastinate and allow everything else use up my time. I then become frustrated because I’d planned that time for my craft and never got around to it. I decided to come up with ten ways to help me carve out time for my craft and stop the procrastination.

Turn the TV off—sometimes we just have to shut out the distractions in our life. The TV is a big distraction and we have to recognize that we just need to shut it off and do the work.
Carve out a space for my craft—this has been a struggle for me at times to find a good place to work. Often I’ve had to make do with what was available, but wherever works for you and you are most comfortable set up your own space.
Recognize when I am at my best—we all have a time of day when we are at our best. That could be first thing in the morning, mid-day or late at night. If you’re not sure, pay attention to your body and mindset or experiment with various times to find out when you are most creative.
Exercise always helps—I’ve discovered that after exercising that not only do I feel better but I am also more focused and creative.
Make my craft my first priority of the day—often I find that I feel I have accomplished more for the day when I dedicate time first thing in the morning to my craft.
Recognize when I need a break—I discover that once started it’s easy to work through to the point of exhaustion. Sometimes I just need to take a break for 10-30 minutes. By stepping away and returning to my craft I am refreshed and have a new take on things.
Recognize what inspires me—I’ve discovered that there are some things that inspire me. When I can be around these items or people, I am much more creative.
Collaborate with others—often we just need someone with the same interest to bounce ideas with or offer critiques of our work. This should be a time of lifting one another up and offering constructive advice.
Get away—there are times when I just need to get away from everything and the day to day distractions. I then have the ability to dedicate to my craft and make a huge dent in the project or wrap it up.
Just do it—often it’s so easy to put things off and continuously procrastinate. There are times when I just have to say, “just sit down and do it.” Once I get started I discover that I’m in the rhythm of my craft.

What are some ways that you carve out time to practice your craft?