The Accidental Creative

In today's episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the fascinating world of games and their impact on our creativity, leadership, and everyday life. Neuroscientist and physicist Kelly Clancy, author of "Playing with Reality," shares profound insights into how games have shaped our world and our thinking.Kelly reveals how play is hardwired into our biology and explores its crucial role in learning, social development, and strategic thinking. She provides vivid examples from tech leaders and businesses, illustrating how game design principles can apply to leadership and incentivizing desired behaviors. Finally, we discuss misaligned incentives in organizations and how to create environments where creativity and strategic thinking can thrive.Key Learnings:Games and Fairness: The story of the Patriots fan underscores the complex nature of fairness in games and life and invites us to question the rules we follow.Biological Roots of Play: Play is an evolutionarily ancient behavior essential for learning, social sk

In this episode, we discuss why just having a good idea is not enough. Joined by Wes Kao, a brand strategist and co-founder of Maven, we explore why merely having good ideas won't lead to their adoption, and how to effectively communicate and implement those ideas to achieve success. Wes shares her personal story of learning the difference between insights and actionable suggestions early in her career, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility and advocating for one's ideas.We delve into the concept of having a "spiky point of view" and its significance in standing out and driving impactful conversations. Wes also explains how translating unique ideas into actionable steps can garner the trust and support of managers and clients alike.Finally, we highlight the inspiring story of a young musician who maintained his distinct style in the face of initial rejection, ultimately revolutionizing the music industry.Key Learnings:1. Creative professionals must articulate the value and process behind their w

In today's episode, we explore the concept of how the sense of time affects our mindset with guest Oliver Burkeman, author of the book "4000 Weeks".We delve into several traps that creative professionals often fall into due to this awareness of limited time, such as procrastination, the efficiency trap, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Burkeman offers strategies to counter these tendencies, including embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO) and focusing on fewer but more meaningful endeavors.Furthermore, we discuss the distinction between mapping (planning), making (doing the work), and meshing (personal development), stressing the need for balance among these three types of work to maximize our creative output.Key Learnings:Finite Time Awareness: Recognizing our limited lifespan helps us focus on what truly matters.Overcome Procrastination: Beginning a project can be intimidating, but it’s essential to move past the fear of losing control.Efficiency Trap: Simply making processes more efficient can lead to

Why do talented, capable people fail to ask the questions that they know they should ask?In this episode, our guest, Jeff Wetzler, author of the book Ask, shares why capable individuals often struggle to learn from others.Throughout the conversation, we explore Jeff's five-part ASK framework, designed to systemize effective questioning and enrich our understanding of those around us.We learn that choosing curiosity, making it safe, asking quality questions, listening to learn, and reflecting and reconnecting are key practices that lead to impactful learning and growth.Join us as we unravel why these practices are crucial and how to integrate them into our daily lives to become more aware, thoughtful, and effective in our personal and professional interactions.Key Learnings:1. Choose Curiosity: We should actively choose to be curious and strive to learn from others, rather than relying on our existing assumptions.2. Make It Safe: Creating a psychologically safe environment encourages others to share valuable i

In this episode, we investigate the necessity of working in harmony with our environment and our own resource constraints. We are joined by Laura Mae Martin, Google's productivity expert and author of Uptime, who shares invaluable insights on productivity, efficiency, and creative flow.Laura recounts her journey at Google, where she transitioned from a sales role to coaching executives and developing productivity strategies from scratch. In a world teeming with tools and technologies, she argues for the need to be selective about the tools we use and deliberate in our approach to productivity. She introduces her five-step funnel framework—Create, Capture, Consolidate, Close, and Calm—that facilitates creative work from ideation to execution while emphasizing the importance of downtime.We also discuss the strategy of zero-based calendaring, which encourages designing your week from a blank slate to prioritize tasks that truly matter. This approach, alongside thoughtful planning and creating buffers in your sch

Get full interviews, tools, and daily coaching at DailyCreative.app.Are teams inherently more, or less productive than individuals? And, is there a way to structure teamwork so that it's less cumbersome?In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Philo Farnsworth, the farm boy who revolutionized the world with the invention of electronic television. Despite his humble beginnings and the lack of formal education, Farnsworth's vision and determination enabled him to outpace corporate giants like RCA, proving the power of individual ingenuity. However, this story sparks an important question: do individuals achieve more than teams, or is there a way for teams to function as highly effective, innovative units?We explore this with our guest, David Allen, author of the international bestseller "Getting Things Done" and the new book "Team." David discusses the gap between individual and team productivity and outlines core practices from his book that can help teams function more effectively. These practic

Get full interviews and daily episodes in the Daily Creative app.In this episode of Daily Creative, we delve into the fascinating world of questioning and its impact on creativity and problem-solving. We start with a story from the 1980s about A&W Restaurants’ third-pound burger blunder, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions.We then welcome Warren Berger, the author of "A More Beautiful Question," who shares his journey from a newspaper journalist to a "questionologist." Berger emphasizes that asking the right questions is a vital skill that often goes untrained, even in fields that rely heavily on inquiry, like journalism.Our discussion reveals how innovators from Silicon Valley use questions not just to gather information but to spark creativity and solve problems. Berger introduces us to three fundamental types of questions—Why?, What If?, and How?—that can guide us through any challenge.We also explore how leaders can cultivate a questioning culture within their organizations by mo

Get full interviews and daily coaching in the Daily Creative app!In this episode we delve into the intricacies of managing the spotlight and thriving within it. Our conversations with Michael Port, Tim Schurrer, and Richard Hytner unfold valuable insights on navigating the pressures of high-stakes situations, finding contentment beyond recognition, and fostering healthy dynamics within creative teams.Michael Port shares his wisdom on overcoming self-absorption and neuroses by focusing on being helpful and the need for thorough rehearsal in high-stakes situations. He urges us to rehearse effectively for speeches and critical performances, ensuring we are well-prepared and confident.Tim Schurrer draws inspiration from Michael Collins, the unsung hero of the Apollo Eleven mission, to illustrate the satisfaction found in contributing to a larger cause rather than seeking the spotlight. He defines the "spotlight mindset" and offers strategies to counter its harmful effects, emphasizing the importance of humble con

In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the power of storytelling with guest Neal Foard, a seasoned storyteller with a background in advertising. Neal shares personal anecdotes that showcase the impact and importance of the stories we choose to tell. From moments of kindness and enthusiasm to lessons on being relatable and engaging through storytelling, we delve into the art of crafting narratives to create connections and leave a lasting impression.Get the full 60+ minute interview with Neal Foard, as well as daily episodes, guides, courses, access to the full archive of hundreds of episodes, and more in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app.Key learnings from the episode:The stories we tell reveal a lot about our character and can influence how others perceive us.Life becomes easier when people like you, and storytelling is a powerful tool to cultivate likability.Avoid making yourself the hero of your stories to foster genuine connections and camaraderie.Practice storytelling as a craft to per

In this episode, we delve into the pervasive issue of anxiety and its impact on creative work. Liz Bohannon shares her journey from corporate life to launching Sseko Designs in Uganda. She explains how the narrative of being "special" can foster fear and anxiety, leading to a reluctance to take risks. ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman recounts his experiences with panic attacks, including a career-defining on-air mistake, and the strategies he's used to manage anxiety, which he shares in his book No Time to Panic. Scott Mautz offers insights on building mental strength through fortitude, confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, and positive messaging, outlined in his new book The Mentally Strong Leader. Finally, Erwin McManus discusses the importance of creating for others and how love can displace anxiety. His new book is called Mind Shift.Five Key Learnings:The Myth of Being Special: Liz Bohannon highlights how believing you are inherently special can actually lead to fear and anxi

In this episode we dive deep into what it means to truly commit to your creative project, featuring stories from our guests, Daniel Troia (award-winning filmmaker of We're All In This Together), Brent Underwood (author of Ghost Town Living), and A.J. Jacobs (NY Times author of The Year Of Living Constitutionally). Daniel shares his unique journey of creating an award-winning film with minimal resources while relying on the kindness of strangers across America. Brent recounts his tale of revitalizing an abandoned mining town, investing all his resources despite numerous setbacks, including a devastating fire and the pandemic. And, A.J. Jacobs brings his usual blend of humor and wisdom to our discussion, elaborating on how he brings the lessons of his long-arc creative experiments to the world.Here are five key lessons from the episode:1. Pursuit of Passion Projects: Each guest highlights the personal fulfillment derived from pursuing their unique passion projects. Daniel Troia's filmmaking journey, Brent Under

We're back with another slate of Daily Creative episodes! In this episode, we delve into the concept of slow productivity—a groundbreaking approach challenging traditional work norms that push us toward constant busyness. Authors Cal Newport, Ryan Holiday, and Marc Zao Sanders join us to dissect why the old factory model doesn't align with human cognitive patterns and propose solutions to counteract pseudo productivity.Newport describes the damaging effects of high-intensity work without variation and shares insights on how modern work culture overburdens us through excessive pseudo productivity. Holiday talks about the personal and financial benefits of scaling back and creating more space for meaningful work, while Sanders introduces the concept of "time boxing" as a method to manage and complete tasks effectively.Five Key Learnings:Mismatch of Work Pace and Human Nature: Traditional continuous high-intensity work does not suit human cognitive behavior, which requires varied intensity and rest.Consequences

Are there really universal laws of creativity? Doesn't that sound too good to be true?In final episode of season one, hosts Todd Henry and Joshua Gott discuss Dave Zaboski's five 'Universal Laws Of Creativity', unpacking powerful insights from the first twelve episodes. They explore the dynamics of feedback and empathy in collaborative environments, the invigorating challenge of early project traction, the strategy behind juggling multiple initiatives, the transformative power of belief in the creative process, and the courage it takes to invite others into your work.Here are some key insights:1. Feedback is a dish best served with care.Navigating the fine line between directness and consideration is crucial when giving feedback. Todd Henry's candid confession about his sometimes over-aggressive approach to challenging ideas hints at the nuanced dance of pushing for improvement without bruising spirits. How can you ensure that your feedback builds up rather than tears down?2. Empathy without action leads to c

Have you ever noticed those water towers, scattered across the horizon, and thought "Hmm... I wonder how those work?" Well, there's actually lot to learn from them about how to manage your life as a creative pro.In this episode, we explore the idea of managing energy instead of time in our creative process. Our guests, Lisa Congdon, Brian Johnson (author of Areté), Tony Schwartz (author of Be Excellent At Anything), and Jeff Karp (author of LIT), share their insights on the importance of understanding the creative process as a journey with highs and lows. We explore the link between physical and creative energy, emphasizing the significance of managing energy effectively to achieve peak performance in our work.The episode covers essential strategies for managing energy, including the concept of activation energy, the impact of deep work and intermittent renewal, and the importance of prioritizing tasks based on their energy requirements. It also delves into the power of micro-progress, the negative effects of

Are you "flying blind"? It's rare that everything is so clear that you can see exactly what to do. In those situations it's dangerous to just go with your gut. In creative work, you need a few external tools to help you gauge which decision is best.In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore how creators can navigate life's challenges by establishing a personal "instrument panel". We learn key insights from business leaders and high-performance coaches about living a remarkable life. Our guests include Guy Kawasaki (author of Think Remarkable), Christiana Smith Shi and Grace Puma (authors of Career Forward), and Jason Jaggard and Joseph Barkley (authors of Beyond High Performance).Key Learnings:1. Maintain perspective: Understand that situations are never as good or as bad as they seem, and use the attitude indicator to stay balanced.2. Plant many seeds: Continuously sow opportunities and remain open to countless possibilities, regardless of the outcomes.3. Embrace being underestimated: Actively pursue role

How do you get the most out of your mind in the moments you need your mind the most?In this episode of Daily Creative, we delve into the power of the mind and how to maximize its potential in moments of creative need. Todd Henry is joined by guests Andy J. Pizza, Juliet Funt, Charan Ranganath, Dan Doyon, and Tiago Forte to explore the various strategies to leverage the subconscious for creative inspiration. The discussion touches on the concept of incubation, the interplay between the conscious and subconscious mind, the importance of a healthy mental diet, the impact of repetition on memory and idea recall, and the development of a "second brain" to store and organize ideas for easy access.Key learnings from this episode:1. Giving our minds space and time for incubation is crucial for inspiring creative insights.2. The subconscious mind requires a healthy mental diet of high-quality stimuli to fuel the creative process effectively.3. Repetition and organization of ideas through tools like the second brain me

A pervasive myth of creativity goes something like this: if it's good, it should feel easy. But that's never been the case... for anyone. The truth is, doing creative work is hard. Sometimes it's like carving marble.In this episode, we explore the challenges of creativity and uncover strategies to overcome mental blocks when facing the daunting task of generating new ideas. From the unconventional approach of famous musicians and physicists to the power of terrible ideas, we invite listeners to push boundaries, think outside the box, and embrace the discomfort of creativity.Key Learnings:1. Embrace Irresponsibility: Sometimes, the pressure to be brilliant can hinder creativity. By allowing ourselves to play around with ideas without the expectation of publication, we can unlock new pathways and generate unconventional solutions.2. The Power of Terrible Ideas: Imaginating, or intentionally focusing on terrible ideas, can paradoxically lead to breakthrough concepts. By freeing ourselves from self-editing, we c

What was the secret weapon that made Star Wars successful? (No, it wasn't the Death Star.) And, which Oscar-winning film's script was almost not even written, if not for some harsh words from a friend?In this episode, we delve into the importance of healthy relationships, radical candor, and effective communication in the creative process. We hear stories of challenging relationships and transformative conversations that led to breakthroughs in creativity and collaboration. We learn about the pivotal role others play in our creative work and the significance of becoming the type of person others need in their creative journeys. Guests include Kim Scott (author of Radical Candor), Charles Duhigg (author of the new book Supercommunicators), and Ausin Kleon (author of Steal Like An Artist).Key Learnings:1. Healthy relationships can play a crucial role in the creative process, and the input of others can be transformative for our work.2. Radical candor, the balance between caring personally and challenging direct

Chances are, you're probably not taking enough shots.In this episode, we explore the importance of starting more and letting go of the pressure to finish everything. We discuss how embracing parallel creation and being unafraid to repeat ourselves can lead to brilliant work. We also hear from Becky Blades, Austin Kleon, Andy J. Pizza, and Ozan Varol about the significance of taking action on our ideas without being paralyzed by the fear of public perception. Key Insights:1. Overthinking can hinder creativity, so it's important to move from imagination to action swiftly.2. Embracing the process of starting multiple ideas can help identify the ones worth persevering for.3. Pay attention to the ideas that won't leave you alone, as they may be the keepers.4. Life is more of a jungle gym than a ladder; sometimes the road ahead only becomes clear as you take each step.5. Taking action on the ideas that resonate with you is crucial, as the world often lights the path ahead only a few steps at a time.Get full intervi

If a butterfly flaps its wings in India, will your pizza arrive on time?In this episode, we explore the idea of interconnectedness and the role it plays in our lives and creative work. We delve into how the chaos and randomness of the world influence ideas and decision-making, and some strategies for dealing with the uncertainty. Our guests include Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen (co-CEO's of Gensler and authors of Design For A Radically Changing World), and Brian Klaas (author of Fluke) as we discuss the strategies and philosophies they employ to navigate the complexity of interconnections, leverage them for greater impact, and cultivate creativity in the face of uncertainty.Key Ideas:1. Overcoming fixation on the first idea: The danger of latching onto the first idea and missing out on alternative, more profound connections.2. Leveraging randomness to our advantage: The idea of fighting randomness with randomness and increasing experimentation to anticipate unintended consequences and broaden the scope of opti