In the ninth episode of the “creative obstacles” series, we look at the idea of how easy it is to blame others for our lack of creative output—and why we don’t want to do that. One of the ways that we avoid getting our creative work done is to involve ourselves in the affairs of others, enter into dramatic and difficult relationships, and distract ourselves with people–and then blame them for our meager output. What can we do to change this dynamic? Tune in and find out.

Good listening!

In the eighth episode of the “creative obstacles” series, we examine the idea that the anxiety produced in us when our creative projects shift and change can cause us to flee the encounter. It is in the nature of creating that the project in front of may change countless times as we continue thinking about it, as we chnage our mind about its direction, and as it takes on a life of its own. What can we do to survive all of this morphing? Tune in and find out.

Good listening!

In the seventh episode of the “creative obstacles” series, we look at the idea that a creative person’s sense of individuality is a special sort of challenge. Born individual into a conventional world, a creative person begins to grow oppositional as he fights to retain his individuality. What can he do to retain his individuality and modulate his growing oppositional nature? Tune in and find out.

Good listening!

In the sixth episode of the “creative obstacles” series, we examine the idea that there is a difference between having emotions and being a slave to your emotions. It is necessary that a creative person have and express her emotions, but that is a very different thing from being led around by the nose by her fear, anger, envy, or sadness. What can we do to break free of the grip of our emotions? Tune in and listen.

Good listening!

In the fifth episode of the “creative obstacles” series, we look at how our psychological defenses can get in the way of authentic creating. Why do we deny–to ourselves and to others–that we are having difficulties with our current painting or our current novel, when if we admitted that truth we might open up to our good solutions? Listen and find out.

Good listening!

This week’s show is the fourth in a series called “Overcoming Obstacles to Creating,” a series about how our personality can get in the way of our creating. Today, in a show adapted from an essay in my book A Writer’s Paris, we look at the negative effects of looking too ardently to the past for models. The show is called “Chasing Ghosts.” Good listening!

Today’s episode is the third in our series about overcoming obstacles to creativity. In today’s show I focus on the problem of self-censorship and how too many people, wanting to be “nice,” fail to find the internal permission to say, in their life or in their art, what’s really on their mind.

This lack of internal permission is a great blocker and a great silencer–which is why we need to take a careful look at the problem. I hope you enjoy today’s show! Good listening.

In today’s episode on the Joy of Living Creatively, the second in a nine-part series on “creative obstacles,” I chat about how writers who take my nonfiction book proposal writing workshops start with such enthusiasm and quickly lose that enthusiasm as the largeness of the task in front of them becomes all too abundantly clear.

The episode, called “Fearing Difficulty,” focuses on our natural desire that the creative work in front of us might be just a little bit easier to accomplish than it is–and the courage we have to muster in the face of the ordinary difficulties that come with creative effort. I hope you enjoy this week’s episode!

One of the things I want to accomplish with this blog is to keep folks informed about creativity coaching news, including announcements about newly certified creativity coaches (who are certified by the Creativity Coaching Association). So welcome the newest certified creativity coach, David Storer.

DAVE STORER writes:

Greetings folks,

I’m very happy to announce that I’ve just been certified as a Creativity Coach by the Creativity Coaching Association. (www.creativitycoachingassociation.com) My training included studying with the pioneer of creativity coaching, Eric Maisel, PhD.

I learned an enormous amount about myself as a creator and the creative process in general. As a result, my previously jammed up passion and purpose and creative enthusiasm have exploded into meaningful creative work. It’s an incredible feeling that I’m dedicated to sharing.

Here are some of the major benefits of creativity coaching:
–I can help you build an effective, personal work habit that gets you over any resistances and into your work, day after day. The distance between you and your work is a lot shorter than you realize.

–I can help navigate the uncharted waters of your project and avoid getting stuck in the “tough middle”. Every time you sit down to work, you’re launching into the unknown. There be monsters. I can help.

–I can help you finish and share your work. Many, many wonderful creative projects are hiding right now in dark closets and dusty drawers. Bringing your work to its natural audience takes a different set of skills from the ones you used to create it. I can help you honor your work by taking that last step and launching it into the world.

Creativity Coaching is usually done over the phone. Sessions can last from half an hour to an hour. I offer a free half hour of coaching to anyone who’s interested in checking it out. I could open up your whole creative life in one half-hour session. It happens.

For more info on creativity coaching check out the FAQs on my web site: www.thecreativitycatalyst.com/faqs.htm

COMING EVENTS:

Tuesday, September 25, 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
–An evening workshop titled “Inspiring Creativity: Launch your dream project” where you’ll learn three essential skills for creative success and how to apply them to your specific project.

Monday, October 1 through Monday, November 19, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
–LAUNCH YOUR WRITING: A class to help you establish an effective and satisfying writing habit.

In each class session you’ll get support for your writing efforts, you’ll learn creativity skills to help you through the process, and you’ll do several writing exercises. These exercises are designed to help you develop your writing skills, learn about yourself as a writer, and provide fertile raw material for your writing projects. The class also provides a positive and supportive atmosphere to energize you and help you over any resistances you may encounter.

–FOR OUT-OF-TOWNERS: I’m available for one and two-day creativity workshops. If you think there may be enough interest in your area, give me a call to discuss the possibilities.

Call me, 734-663-5790, for more information, or check my web site: www.thecreativitycatalyst.com (don’t forget the “the”!).

If you know anyone who might be interested in creativity coaching, please pass this along.

Thanks so much,

Dave