Please Use Generously

Isn’t it amazing how creativity is born? Noted journalist and editor of the Saturday Evening Post Brenda Ueland once said, “Inspiration comes into us slowly and quietly and all the time, though we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing, prime it with a little solitude and idleness.”

It should be no surprise that creativity emerges from people in different ways. For some, it is just a series of natural abilities, whereas others struggle to gin up ideas. Others pick up dance steps or learn a musical instrument in no time, whereas others struggle.

In the same way, we all use our creativity generously. Maneuver, juggle, and plow ahead when forced to do so. We find the answers. We solve our problems. We address the challenges head on.

Throughout our day, we find creative ways to manage our day. We find solutions and balance between our personal and professional lives. How can we generously apply our creativity to our everyday work?

1. Get a system – Get a file cabinet or other filing system. Develop a system for managing online and paper files.
2. Learn the basics – Get clear about organization culture and protocol. If you don’t know, ask somebody. Find ways to incorporate your unique style, as appropriate.
3. Work around challenges – Use both basic and advanced tools to make your projects real! These might include highlighter pens, post-it notes, 3×5 index cards, wall calendars, social marketing, and personal digital assistants.

So, the next time someone tells you that you don’t have a creative bone in your body, pause and think about how you already use your talents quite generously.