How The Creative Process Impacts Professional Change

The creative process is a wonderful model for change.

You take an idea, turn it into something, and the process in between is discovering what you notice — that’s called awareness. The more awareness you have, the greater your chances are to create meaningful progress. And when awareness is absent of judgment, even better! That’s wisdom.

Most of the time the creative process is equated with painting art, writing a book, cooking a meal, making pictures, the list goes on. Many of us have started and completed a project, but what if we were the project?

Have you ever applied the creative process to change your life?

The other day, I asked my friends online a simple question, “If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?”

I received a variety of responses from past regrets to lofty dreams. Some comments were hopeful, while others had a touch of defensiveness.

Asking people about change is powerful. It shows you what’s really going on in our hearts and minds. And right there in the middle of that vulnerability — that’s where we start.

THE PROCESS

First, ask yourself, “What do I know to be true?” Notice where you are to see the starting point.

Next, think about all the resources you have available to you right now. Using your imagination, discover the abundance of choices and outcomes that are possible.

Then, think about what you want in the end to further define your vision. Can you see it materializing in your life? How does it feel? If you had your vision completed today, would it be what you actually want?

Last, think about all the steps to get there, write them down, speak them out loud, and take action until it’s done.

A very important, but almost invisible part of the process is creating space for flexibility. If change is constant, then the steps to get there must be fluid as well.

Giving and receiving grace throughout the process is essential to reach the goal. That’s how we persevere.

THE RESULT

I know this process works, because I used it to create transformation in my own life. With this process I’ve broken negative thought patterns and changed my brain. I’ve created a new standard for my health mind, body, and spirit.

The key is make it simple and choose to change. Follow the process you create for yourself and see it through. Finish what you start with grace every step of the way and quitting will never be an option.