The Most Important Part of the Creative Life

by Jeff Goins | 85 Comments | Twitter, Facebook, Google+

Everyone wants to reach creatives — that special class that, until recently, was made up of misfits.

But now, there are innumerable resources — books, seminars, coaching programs — all geared towards explaining and aiding the creative process.

If you’re an artist, your skills have never been in higher demand. There have never been more people willing to help you do your work. There’s just one problem:

You will still be misunderstood. Your work will still be misrepresented. You won’t be appreciated (in spite of being popular).

Photo credit: Gary Radler

At times like these — when the spotlight is on you — it’s important to remember the most important part of the creative life:

SPACE.

Without it, you flounder and get frustrated. You burn out and blow up.

But what does this mean: space? The very absence of something is hard to explain, but essential, nonetheless — especially when it comes to creative work.

If God created the universe from chaos — if he spoke earth into existence amidst nothingness — then we have good reason to believe that having a little space to create is a good thing.

There are three types of space every creative must pay attention to, if he is going to do meaningful work:

1. Physical space

There is a relationship between the place you work and the work you do.

If your space is cluttered, you will feel anxious. At times, a little nervous energy can be a good thing. But if all you ever do is work in a mess, don’t be surprised if you feel unprepared for the Muse. And don’t be surprised if she doesn’t come at all.

She’s waiting for you to get your crap together.

When I find my creativity flustered, I do the following:

Do the dishes (because this is actually relaxing for me).
De-clutter (throw away old magazines, pay bills, etc.)
Clean off my desk.
Put papers into neat piles.
Move junk out of sight.
Find a clean space to create (or make one).

Whatever I need to focus on the work, that’s what I do. And if you want to create something compelling, you must do the same.

2. Mental space

If your mind is consumed with worries and concerns — pending deadlines and to-do items — you won’t be thinking clearly. And this will affect what you write, paint, or design.

The best way to overcome this? Finish your chores.

Whatever is upsetting or distracting you, just do it. Get it over with. Walk through the discomfort and get back to work.

Here are a few things that hold me back, mentally:

A confrontation with a coworker that I’m procrastinating.
A lot of email piling up in my inbox.
A long list of household chores.
A bank statement I haven’t reconciled.
A bunch of windows open on my computer.
A cluttered desktop.

Whatever it is, my mind will not rest and won’t be able to focus, until I get it done. So I make some mental space to be able to create.

3. Spiritual/emotional space

I believe creativity is a spiritual act, a work of the heart. And if my internal life is messy, can you imagine what that means for what I’ll create? You guessed it — a mess.

The pain and plight of the artistic life is too romanticized. The truth is that art and suffering are closely connected, but not dependent on each other. Art exists in spite of pain. As an artist, you should always be rebelling against injustice, always pushing back darkness.

You can create begrudgingly or gratefully. The difference is how you face your pain:

Is there brokenness in your life? Acknowledge it.
Unresolved conflict? Deal with it.
Hurt from your childhood or issues with your parents? Voice them.

Whatever you fill yourself with will come out. If you want to share joy and beauty with the world, you must fill your life with those things — to the best of your ability.

Anne Lamott reminds us that sometimes when we feel “blocked” in our art, we are, in fact, empty. And here’s the rub: Emptiness and space are not the same.

Space is something you make in your life, amidst the busyness, so that you can fill it. Emptiness is a spiritual void that cannot be filled, no matter how much you create.

If you find yourself empty, it means your life is lacking space. Space to dream. To think and reflect. To believe. You will have to face some demons and slay a few dragons before you can create. But once you do, you’ll be all the more grateful for it.

What about you? What space do you need to create in your life? Something I left out? Share in the comments.

Join the discussion

If you write your own post on “creative space,” share it below.

This post was inspired by the Luminous Project, a conference for creatives and communicators involved in faith-based work. For more about it, check out the Luminous website. If you’re interested in attending the event, use the promo code “luminousLOVE” (case sensitive) to get 30% off. Sign up here.

*Photo credit: Gary Radler (Creative Commons)

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About the Author

Jeff Goins

I help people tell better stories and make a difference in the world. I live in Tennessee with my wife and dog. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

http://hubbyshome.com/blog/ David

Jeff, I’ve been a work at home dad to 4 young children for 4 years now and I can wholeheartedly endorse your message. Sadly it took me a long time to work it out for myself, but now that I have, it’s made an incredible change to my life.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Very cool, David. Thanks for sharing.

http://davidsantistevan.com/ David Santistevan

I resonated with this, Jeff. It’s amazing how a little space can light up the darkness in your creative life.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Indeed. Thanks, David.

http://www.struggletovictory.com/ Kari Scare

Over the past two years, I have created a space that allows me to be creative. I often share this space with my family, but when the door is shut… they know the space is mine alone. Creating this physical space has allowed me to create the mental and spiritual space that I need to function at my best. What I have learned about space (physical, mental or spiritual) is that it looks different for everyone. My husband needs less private space than I do. My kids have differing amounts of personal space. Two of us need space and time alone while the other two like to have people around.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Interesting how we’re all unique! Thanks, Kari.

http://www.eileenknowles.com Eileen

Loved each of your points. I have a hard time creating if any of those three areas need addressing first. I did try to link up today too with my own thoughts that came to mind after I read your post…not sure it worked though.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Just added it to the list. Great post!

http://lifebeforethebucket.blogspot.com/ Adrian Waller

Space is very, very important for me. Lately, I’ve been finding space through the Sabbath, which I wrote about yesterday. Basically, it’s important for me to set aside a day for my own physical, mental, and spiritual health so I can have a moment to breathe.

Mike Zserdin

Rest and spiritual rest is so good. Good thought.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Great post, Adrian. You should link up to it using the widget in the post.

http://ryzeonline.com/ JasonFonceca

Excellent post – I 100% agree Jeff. A good look at the lanscape of creatives, and an often-unrealized step: create space.

Of course, there’s always a flipside: “interact with others, be close, intimate.”

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Good call. By space, I didn’t mean avoidance. I meant room to be and do — whatever it is you’re supposed to be and do.

http://ryzeonline.com/ JasonFonceca

I figured, you clearly know and live your stuff – thought the clarification couldn’t hurt tho

http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

Cleaning is one of my pet peeves honestly. But I like that it forces you to organize. I keep hoping for a Rosie or maybe even a Geoffrey to come along and help keep me organized. Sadly, it has not (and most likely will not) happen. Time to be responsible. Man, it’s SO MUCH more fun being a kid than an adult.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

I’m terrible at it, Jim, but it does bring me peace.

Mike Zserdin

How about throwing money in the mix? “Buy” time by spending less. A part of embracing the creative lifestyle is having the time to slow down, think and work. In my experience, I can either chase money to get stuff or reserve time to create stuff. Sometimes it’s both. Meaning, I work for money to reinvest in creative efforts.

That aside, I couldn’t agree more. Timely as I’m working to cut clutter to facilitate better output.

Well said Jeff.

Mike

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

I like.

http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham

“ She’s waiting for you to get your crap together.” Love that. Thanks for the reminder as I stare at the stack of papers on my desk.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

http://recreationalwordslinger.wordpress.com/ RecreationalWordSlinger

My physical space lately has been in a Starbucks. I put my headphones in and get to writing. The atmosphere and aroma of the coffee get my creative juices flowing.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Nice.

http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

I think I need to declutter and start by getting rid of my thieving hound dog (better known as Penny the golden retriever). Actually, the clearing physical space is something I need to do on a regular basis. B. D. (before dog), I went to local coffee places so my working space always started out uncluttered. Now it’s the kitchen/dining room table and I toss everything on it.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

I can relate — with my own thieving hound dog to deal with.

http://www.storywrought.wordpress.com/ Elizabeth Hudson

So many days I use chores to procrastinate from writing, but then there are those days when I write to distract myself from the chores building up in my life. And it never works. Since I’ve been on the road lately, my new physical space has become the coffee shop. When I’m away from my desk and around people, I write with a greater urgency, almost as if I’m suddenly aware that the world is still moving whether I finish writing an article or not. That gets me motivated.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Ah yes… the vicious cycle.

http://twitter.com/mmathia Mark Mathia

Fantastic, I can
relate to all three. I like what you said about physical space because I
am forced to write whenever an opportunity pops up. This reminds me to be
more intentional about shifting a few things around in every space I create in.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

very cool, Mark.

Anonymous

Thank you for sharing your tips. I am living the most creative age of my life, although:

- My place would be considered a bit cluttered. Cleaning up for me helps because it frees my mind, but for me driving or sleeping work better.

- I don’t cut my feelings, I use them, but I don’t let them control me. Lot of my ideas came fron stressful situations.

- Most of the greatest masterpieces of all times emerged in the darkest ages of their authors. But I wouldn’t sacrify my peace for creativity

For creativity, I use the 1 +1: http://www.unorule.com/creativity-1plus1/

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

love this. thanks for sharing your own experience.

http://www.unorule.com/ Luis Javier López Arredondo

Thank you for sharing your tips. I am living the most creative age of my life, although:

- My place would be considered a bit cluttered. Cleaning up for me helps because it frees my mind, but for me driving or sleeping work better.

- I don’t cut my feelings, I use them, but I don’t let them control me. Lot of my ideas came fron stressful situations.

- Most of the greatest masterpieces of all times emerged in the darkest ages of their authors. But I wouldn’t sacrify my peace for creativity

For creativity, I use the 1 +1: http://www.unorule.com/creativity-1plus1/

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

love this, Luis. Thanks for sharing.

http://SacredRoutine.com/blog Jodi

Your distinction between space and emptiness was profound. It’s a quote worth keeping!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Thanks, Jodi.

http://twitter.com/ConnorMeaks Connor Meakin

Awesome perspective! You make some compelling points. I find when i am flustered with what you term ‘mental space’, sometimes simply writing your concerns on paper in a mind dump allows me to clear my mind. Quickly writing these things down seems to have an alleviating effect because you can always come back to them.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

I do the same. Lists can be comforting.

http://www.distractedbyprayer.blogspot.com/ Shannon @ Distracted by Prayer

What you shared is very similar to much of Julia Cameron’s writing for artists. Although I don’t agree with her theology, I’ve embraced the concept of a creative life.

For me, creating space also means accepting my limitations- especially on my time. I don’t have to be a part of every marketing “must do” or read every new book on secrets to publishing. Just the great ones, like yours!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Accepting limitations — I am terrible at this.

http://leefullbright.com/ Lfullbright

Right on the money! Excellent post

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Thanks!

http://FollowingJesusSucks.org Shon Ridenour

I need mountains. Unfortunately, I live in Indiana. So I turned a spare bedroom into an office/library/meditative space. Out the window I see the side of our neighbor’s house. The view hasn’t helped, but the dedicated space for creativity has. If I have the right lighting, the right books, and some quiet, I can manage. I’d prefer a large deck, cup of coffee, and snow-capped peaks!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Ah yes, love mountains. The burden of the creative is to work in less than ideal circumstances to create something beautiful. Sometimes, you have to CREATE your environment in which you create.

http://twitter.com/baileybristol Author

I had a similar situation, did a similar rearrangement of a room so I could face the window. Then hung a stained glass piece in the window because the view was less than inspiring. It worked.
Thanks for a great post, Jeff.

kjdubya5

Glad to know i’m not the only one that lists chores (doing the dishes, or folding laundry) as a way to relax and clear your mind! Great article.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks.

JoAnn Jordan

I find this post on target. What we create needs space to come into “being”. I have a friend who says “Clean like God is coming.” Many of us may clean the physical space for God, but I imagine the mental and spiritual/emotional space often lack the same openess to His grace.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

hmmm… cleaning can, indeed, be a distraction.

Whizzcat

Ah, from out of the chaos comes the order. Actually that’s a cosmic law–yes, God’s law. I wonder if the Sabbath truly means we should make a special time for ourselves to quieten down, go within and de-clutter, even if on a spiritual level. I have purchased apps for my MacBook Pro and iPad that allow me to silence myself and concentrate–fireplace, candle, and moving scene apps. These are wonderful ways for me to de-clutter my mind and focus.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

cool. thanks for sharing.

ashleigh

I just realized this week that this is the reason I have been so unproductive lately! So this week I cleaned up my desk (ish), redid a short-term budget, wrote down what I WILL accomplish this week on sticky notes and hung them by my desk (for motivation and to get it out of my head), and apologized to someone whom I should’ve apologized to 2 years ago. The desk still needs a little organization, but it can wait!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

beautiful, ashleigh. love it.

http://www.publicationcoach.com/ Daphne Gray-Grant

This is a really important and useful post! I think we all need space. Late last year I hired a professional organizer to help me fix up my office. It was the best $500 I have ever spent! My office now feels clean and roomy. I don’t have to go for a walk to get breathing room.

Incidentally, I ended up disposing of four BIG garbage bags full of shredded paper. (The shredding was the most challenging part of the whole exercise.) Writers can so easily DROWN in paper. It’s well worth taking the time and money to prevent this from happening.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

wow. interesting, Daphne.

Kevin Kaiser

For me, so much of this comes down to tackling fear head-on. I have times when I’m a procrastination virtuoso, times when I choose chaos over the hard work of bringing order into my world, and times when I choose emptiness over space. Every single one of those is fueled by fear, either of the truth or a lie I’ve replaced it with.

Nothing sorts out the difference like space. It’s essential for our health (and sanity), but it’s hard worn every single time.

Thanks for sharing your heart, Jeff.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

yep. i agree. this is a battle we’re fighting.

http://www.TehLemonsmith.com Tyler Smith

I do most of my work at the desk in my bedroom. If the room is a mess I cannot work. It’s odd that a cluttered physical space could hinder creativity, but it definitely does.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

i totally relate.

http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

Good stuff Jeff!

I’ve found I need personal space when I’m writing. If my wife or someone else is standing nearby, I cannot write. It makes me feel like I need to be interacting rather than writing.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

interesting. i get it, though.

http://deuceology.wordpress.com Larry Carter

Jeff, I think the main thing for me is creating the mental space. Just carving out the time. I work 45-50 hours per week, have 2 teenagers, a wife, a dog and have all sorts of interests. It forces me to be much more efficient and find dedicated time to create. That means that I spend a lot of time mentally preparing for the physical act of creating.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

interesting. for me, most of my preparation is just stalling. i prepare by doing.

http://talesofwork.com kimanzi constable

For me the best time and space is when the kids are in school and my wife is at work. I have one to two hours everyday of peace and quiet. I also have unlimited space on the breakfast nook. I like how you added the share your link widget, nice.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

love the nook.

http://www.tinyandmighty.com/ Russ Henneberry

Hey Jeff, couldn’t agree more. I need my creative space. Sometimes that means getting away from where I usually work. I did write a post about this a while back.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

agreed.

http://bohemiantraveler.com/ Stephen

I like this idea of creating Physical, Mental, and Emotional space. I agree, creativity is halted when you and your surroundings are cluttered–this goes back to your clutter is killing your creativity post.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

yep

http://thepaperskies.com David Helms

I finally bought myself a desk. I feel like a grown up and everything. Having a designated creative work space has been very helpful.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Anonymous

Jeff,
I have posted my link and my e-mail 2X in the last two days and I have not heard back nor do I see my link under Creative Space?? Please advise–thanks, Barbara Mulski bmulski@telus.net

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Hi Barbara, sorry to hear that. Did you add up in the widget above? It should show up automatically. What’s the link?

Monica Carter Tagore

Great post. Really got me thinking about the space I’m in. I love it when the space fits and creativity flows and productivity is the result.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

me, too. thanks for the comment, Monica.

http://www.inpulsearts.com/Word Eddy Damas

I agree with Larry Carter…time is important. While I am in the process of learning how to adjust my internal clock to wake early, and work late, things get in the way. Your thoughts on cleaning my desktop from clutter is a good start. Right now I am confined to a room that my computer shares with my art easel and musical instruments, but it’s a practice in setting aside time for everything, especially when I get into something that takes away the time that I wish I could dedicate to other things….
http://30goingon60.com/ Steve Tracy

Hi Jeff,

You suggestion to ‘finish your chores’ is interesting…and no doubt helpful. Of late, I have created a parking lot to put tasks…things…and so on, that I cannot immediately address. Chores I realize late night that require normal business hours, etc…

Reason I share, I have found lately I can get back to focusing by consolidating all these things into a central area, knowing I can’t address them today. This small move gets them out of my mind and into a holding tank until it’s possible to tackle them.

Perhaps others may find this simple…yet so-far effective addition to your strong point #2.

Thanks again for sharing.

My best, Steve
Cat York

Hey Jeff. I wrote one. Thanks for this. Always helpful to recognize what helps us grow creatively. http://catyork.blogspot.com/2012/02/creative-space.html
http://www.facebook.com/bob.holmes Bob Holmes

Wow Jeff!
How do you do all this? I’m out of breath just following in your dust~

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Hmmm… well, thanks, Bob. Not exactly sure how to answer this question, but I sure do appreciate the kind words.

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Anonymous

yes yes yes. I completely agree with all of this. And now I know why I have to straighten all of the family room spaces before I can get to the task of creativity on a Monday morning. I’m not crazy or procrastinating. I’m eliminating distractions!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

that’s right. you’re also maximizing your creativity… maybe. my thought is this: you know when you’re stalling. you can sense it. there’s an internal barometer telling you, “danger, danger!” just be honest with yourself. if you’re prepping, let yourself prepare. if stalling, call your bluff and start. you know the difference.

http://twitter.com/Linnette Linnette R Mullin

Great post, Jeff! I do think we have to have a balance, though. As a mom of four boys, if I were to get all my chores done before I sat down to write, I’d never sit or write. But you are right in that there are days when I can’t think straight until I get some of those chores done. Thanks for the great reminder! I shared this post on FB and Twitter.
Scrollwork

I’m fortunate to be in the empty nest phase and have the whole house to myself while the hubs is at work. The cat enhances the space—when he’s not a distraction. This time last year I happened to post about writers’ rooms:

http://scrollwork.blogspot.com/2011/02/writers-rooms-does-your-fantasy-match.html
http://www.voyagersquill.com/about Patrick Hearn

It’s interesting to watch people in coffee shops work – those places always seem so noisy to me, but then I started doing a bit of research on it. As a travel writer, it’s unlikely that I’ll ever find the perfect ‘creative space’ since I will constantly be on the road, so I have to adapt.

http://www.voyagersquill.com/finding-creative-space
Bryce

Late reader… This post was sitting in my Instapaper waiting for all the other clutter to move out of the way. My mind is a mess of clutter much of the time. When it gets so full of clutter, I reach a shut-down mode.

With all of the extra-curricular stuff you have had going on and building more and more everyday, how have you balanced? This question is for everyone. I love your writing, Jeff, but I REALLY don’t like washing dishes.