Embrace Chaos to Fuel Creativity

Intentionally capitalize on the energy in every storm

The only geniuses produced by the chaos of society are those who do something about it. Chaos breeds geniuses. It offers a man something to be a genius about.” ― B.F. Skinner

Picture Perfect or a Perfect Storm?

It would be wonderfully relaxing if every day could be a beautiful mix of sunshine and cool breeze. Sitting on the beach with a frozen cocktail in hand would add even more to the perfect ambiance. Yes, this peaceful and serene setting could allow your mind to be calm and allow creative ideas to emerge.

On the other hand, the brainwork we do when we are holding on through the inevitable storms in life can offer flashes of energy to fuel creativity. When we are weathering a storm, we most commonly switch into one of two gears: High-speed problem solving or figurative shelter-in-place.

Both of these gears can help us power through the chaos with the goal of getting to the other side of the storm. In the calm following each storm, we can intentionally take a moment to reflect and recognize the energy that was present during the storm. We can harness it as fuel for creativity. This energy comes in brilliant flashes, it can be hard to capture. It’s like a flash of lightning or the rainbow in the rain. This energy is often our genius.

Capturing the Brainpower Generated by Chaos

Problem-solving is most often my go-to strategy in chaotic times. My mind speeds through scenarios of what could make things go in an even worse direction, what could be done to mitigate damages, finding the root causes of the chaos, and of course, looking for solutions.

This high-speed problem-solving helps me deal with the chaos. Looking for problems, causes, and solutions in chaotic times helps me focus my mind productively through these storms. Of course, it could be looked at as exhausting, but that perspective doesn’t have any positive residual impact. My perspective is that having this practice is a good mental exercise.

Using the same problem-solving skills is powerful when put toward creative endeavors. It is most beneficial when we get a chance to practice finding and implementing solutions that utilize outside-the-box thinking. This trial and error cycle is the best practice for creativity.

Utilizing “Shelter-In-Place” Practice to Guard Creativity

If chaos is beyond what one can handle, this causes a shutdown where the chaos of the outside world is blocked out, like a “shelter-in-place” safety drill in our minds. This is a defensive mode that saves mental energy and mental health amidst the chaos.

Practicing this skill of shutting the world out when needed is a skill that can be transferred to protecting the creative flow state. It is sometimes hard not to be interrupted while our creative minds are on fire. If we have practiced focusing internally during chaotic squalls, we will be more effective in doing the same during gales of creativity.

Final Thoughts

Chaos can be uncomfortable. It is sometimes unavoidable. Pay attention to how you react to the chaos. Whatever strategies you use to deal with it, harness the power of those strategies and transfer them to your creativity with intention. Look through the chaos and see the brilliant flashes of energy and the rainbows.

Find something to apply this creativity to, something to be a genius about.

Thanks for reading! I hope everyone finds strategies to get through the inevitable chaos in life and harnesses the power and energy to fuel creativity!

Thanks to Diana C. for the Monday prompt: Chaos is fertile soil for creativity