This question really hit me last night.
By being productive, are we removing some of the stimulus for our creativity? I was reading Austin Kleon’s book ‘Keep Going‘ and he talks about how productivity and creativity are often at odds with one another. I’ve never really thought about it, but it kind of makes sense.
You’re often most creative when you’re the least productive.
Austin Kleon
Now, let me expand on this. There are a number of different steps when we look at our creations. There’s the planning element, finding inspiration and plotting what the message that we want to get across in our work. Then there is the actually production of this work.
Thinking back, it’s like the concept that work is a noun and a verb that Austin raised in ‘Show Your Work‘
We need inspiration during the planning (the verb), so sometimes being productive isn’t conducive to this, but we’ll touch on that shortly. However, when we’re actually creating the finished article (or the noun), we want to make sure our tools are ready, and being productive helps.
The planning
We’re all been there, we’re planning our work and what we want to put out there, but ideas start to run dry.
This is where being productive may be a hindrance. Austin puts across that he uses times like these to tidy his desk and look at some of the work he has around. This can often be the muse that he has been looking for.
But if he was productive, then all of this would have been put away already…
Now, I’m not saying this is exactly the same for me, but it is genuinely a really interesting thought. Some of my best work (in my mind at least) comes from when my back is up against the wall. When I really need it. When I’m in amongst the weeds, trying to fight my way out.
If I hadn’t got myself in the mess, would I have still created this work?
The finished article
Now, this is where I think you need to be productive.
Thinking back to Austin’s example, he’s now found his muse. He sits down ready to put pen to paper, but he realises he hasn’t got any paper. Or the ink has run out of his pen. Disaster strikes. We all know that our brains are for having ideas, not for storing them….
Damn it, the idea has gone.
No in my instance, I finally have a great idea for an article. So I sit down to start writing, but my laptop is dead, and I’ve left my charger at work. I can’t remember the login on my phone, so I end up having to write it in a note.
Obviously all of this creates a huge amount of friction, which is definitely not great for creativity.
So, we need to look after our tools to ensure we get the work done.
Now, I recognise that productivity and creativity can co exist. Actually, I think they’re at different ends of the same spectrum. For us to maximise productivity we need to rely on our systems and habits. This definitely doesn’t leave much rooms for creativity.
And the same can be said if we inverse the relationship. Creativity needs freedom, a chance so to that you can fully express your yourself. and unfortunately, productivity may not harbour the most creative environment for you.
So, the key for me (at least) is to find that sweet spot in the middle.
I need to be productive to allow for me creativity, but ultimately I cannot afford to stifle my creativity either with creating a sterile environment
