The Most Important Part of the Creative Life

by Jeff Goins | 144 Comments | Twitter, Facebook, Google+

Everyone wants to reach creatives: that special class that until recently was made up of mostly misfits. But now we’re all weird. There are innumerable resources — books, seminars, coaching programs — all geared towards aiding the creative process.

So what’s an artist to do?

Photo credit: Gary Radler

If you make art, 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 be misrepresented, and you won’t be appreciated — in spite of being popular. 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 consider:

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 actually relaxes 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 do 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 the mental space to be able to create. And maybe you’ll need to do the same.

3. Spiritual space

Creativity is a spiritual act, a work of the heart. 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. Creativity and suffering are closely connected, but not dependent on each other. Art exists in spite of pain, not because of it. And as an artist, you will always be rebelling against injustice, always pushing back darkness.

You can create begrudgingly or gratefully. The difference is how you face the 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, it will come out in the work you do. If you want to share joy and beauty with the world, you must fill your life with those things.

At times, this is hard, because as artists we’re often resisted. But as Anne Lamott reminds us, this feeling of being “blocked” is, in fact, emptiness. 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. Space to think. Space to believe.

Before you can create, you have to make sure your soul is filled. This may require you to face some demons and slay a few dragons. But once you do, you’ll be ready to make your contribution to the world — and all the more grateful for doing so.

What about you? What space do you need to create in your life? 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 that I’ll be speaking at. As a special discount to my readers, you can get 35% off when you sign up, using the code: BRINGitHERE.

← Keep Dreaming… Even When They Think You’re Nuts

6 Steps to Successfully Launching a Dream →

About the Author

Jeff Goins

Writer, idea guy, difference-maker. I help people tell better stories and make a difference in the world. My family and I reside just outside of Nashville, TN. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Google Plus.

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.
Pingback: All We Need is Love « STORY WROUGHT
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.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Hah! Well, Bryce, great question. The truth is most of the time I don’t feel balanced. “Managing chaos” is more representative of what I do. For me, it comes down to my values and how much I’m living into those — instead of measuring success by daily goals or something of the like. Hope that helps.
http://twitter.com/MelodyAWriter Melody Michelle

This is some sound advice Jeff. This is a topic that was really important to me when I started getting serious about writing. I think it’s probably the most important step to begin with. One thing I also noticed is what these spaces say about the creatives that inhabit them. If your space isn’t reflective of your personality, then it might be time to find a new one.
http://twitter.com/MelodyAWriter Melody Michelle

This is some sound advice Jeff. This is a topic that was really important to me when I started getting serious about writing. I think it’s probably the most important step to begin with. One thing I also noticed is what these spaces say about the creatives that inhabit them. If your space isn’t reflective of your personality, then it might be time to find a new one.
Jim Martin

Jeff, this is a very helpful post. Parts of your post were helpful reminders of what I’ve known but fail to practice at times. Other points you make (particularly the way you frame your third point and the suggestions there), I really have not considered. Thanks!
- http://www.clayproductions.com/aaron/ Aaron Johnson
  
  Jim, I’m with you on point #3. I’d love for Jeff to post more on this idea
Cheryllynnreed

Space also includes time, which is something we don’t always like to acknowledge. It’s very hard to sit down at the desk with a one- or two-hour window and expect that the muse will hit you then. I think that’s why writers and artists of all kind need a lot of space. They need to live in the art or fictional world they are creating and work out the problems. At least this is how I see it. I’ve worked 60 hour weeks at a day job and produced chapters for my novel in the cracks of time, but I don’t think they were the best work I did. It wasn’t until I had time to live in that world day to day that I really understood what was missing and what I needed. And when I discovered it, I was able to write it quickly. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t have a day job, but you should have some portion of your week or your year that is set aside for living in your art.
Lynne Hartke

Thank you Jeff. Needed this today as I process both parents with cancer and sometimes this consumes all my space.
annepeterson

I totally agree. Sometimes the clutter is the thing you don’t want to do. There’s a Chinese proverb that says “If you swallow a frog the first thing in the morning the rest of the day will go easier.”

So, I look for the frog. It’s the hard thing. Once that is swallowed, I sometimes have a desire for more frog. Otherwise, I can now work. Clutter removed.

As far as what you said about voicing hurts from childhood issues. This is even necessary if the parents have been gone. Those unresolved issues take up an exorbitant amount of energy. Energy none of us can afford to waste.
http://twitter.com/SusanLower SusanLower

I always come up with my best ideas while doing chores or making crafts. It never fails that my muse will flee as soon as I sit down at the computer but after a little distraction it pops right back.
Amy

That was exactly what I needed to hear (read) right now. Thanks!
http://www.clayproductions.com/aaron/ Aaron Johnson

God has been inviting me to create in really difficult places: at work in the middle of the day, at home with my kiddos running around, in ten and twenty minute spaces of time. I used to put things off until I had the perfect space; until the coffee or tea was hot, the room was totally quiet, and I had at least two hours to work. While I totally agree with you on creating space, (GTD clears my mind and I keep my desk clear) I’m really growing a lot in those spaces that I never thought I could work in.
- prophetsandpopstars
  
  I agree. Give yourself grace and permission to grow in those spaces…is what I’d tell myself.
http://KatieAxelson.com/ Katie Axelson

I love a large, empty desk for my work space. The kitchen table works well because I have to clean it up every day (except the chairs get uncomfortable after a few hours).
- prophetsandpopstars
  
  After a few hours, I find the need to get up and run away anyway. Discomfort might be a great timer.
http://twitter.com/girlinneworlean Girl in New Orleans

This was perfect to see in my inbox this morning. I’m now making myself work out before I write so that I don’t think about how I have to go to the gym all day.
drivenbuddha

I have a very small desk and I like it that way. I have enough room for my laptop, a small lamp and a legal pad of paper. It can never be cluttered because there is no where to put clutter. This is my space. My back is to the room. I am facing the windows, which in the wintertime are covered with plastic and curtains. This helps to create the physical and mental space I need. I am isolated even when I am not alone. No body bothers me when I am creating. Respect is honored with respect. My spiritual space comes when I meditate or when I practice yoga.
- http://passagehillstudio.com/ Alysa
  
  I love the idea of having a small desk! That would definitely cut down on my clutter!
  - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
    
    Or not desk at all.
- prophetsandpopstars
  
  I have a nook in the kitchen, you know that little bench thing that come standard in some. No space for setting things down. I find I’m real good with a pen and notebook there, but challenged to get the notebook into a Word doc.
http://championforgod.com/ Jason Hoover

Yes, I do need SPACE. It is very enjoyable to sit down to write with my little boy next to me playing his games while SPONGE BOB is blasting on the TV. Enjoy it as I do, the work hardly can get done. No matter where I run to hide, distractions follow
I seriously have thought about hiding in my truck to write sometimes. Still may.
Great post man!
Linda B

Gardening is one thing that has always given me ‘space’. Over the last years before my husband passed with Alzheimer’s disease there was no ‘space’. My gardens reflect the disarray of my thoughts and spirit. Once the gardens are again in order so will my mind and spirit be free. Writing is one way I can clear my mind – putting down in words all the emotions that fill me – it serves the same purpose as my gardens did some years ago.
Mchalkey

This made me go through all my emails and delete a bunch of stuff on my computer. Just making more space on the computer made me feel a lot better and ready to start creating something new.
http://passagehillstudio.com/ Alysa

Felt compelled to feed the birds, take a walk in the rain, and read a bit of a novel this morning before diving into my design work. Even though it was about 10:30 before I was finished with those seemingly ‘non-essential’ things, the productivity that took place afterwards was refreshing. Without creating that space in the morning – my mind would have been too cluttered to dream up all of the new blog topics that I just scribbled down. Thanks for the reminder that ‘non-essentials’ are actually quite important and create space for our passions to flourish.
deairby

Bed: As I fall asleep at night or as I begin to awake, my brain is usually simmering so I keep a pen and paper on the bedside table for notes. I roll over, click on the lamp,pick up the pen, jot a few trigger words and reverse the actions never having picked up the paper. Then when I position myself in the curve of the red sectional couch with laptop on thighs I’ve got an outline and the words flow through my fingers.
http://www.nebraskagraceful.blogspot.com Michelle DeRusha

I like your thoughts on de-cluttering. I have a really small desk, so that forces me to keep clutter to a minimum. Sometimes, though, it spreads to the floor around my chair, and that makes me uneasy! I also often have to pick up my house before I get down to serious writing. Knowing there are dishes in the sink or books and magazines strewn all over the coffee table hampers my creativity.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  One way I de-clutter is by LEAVING and going to a coffee shop. The point is the work wins over the demands of the mess.
Carolyn Studer

You are a gem. What a great post. Thank you.
http://deuceology.wordpress.com Larry Carter

Jeff, one my goals is to create more personal space and refuge spots around my home where I can just think.
http://www.facebook.com/victoria.mininger Victoria Gomez Mininger

Excellent post Jeff – Just what I needed to hear today. Time to go finish a few things that are tedious and get them out of the way. Thanks for the reminder.
prophetsandpopstars

Fantastic post, Jeff. Another kind of space I am working on is permission space. The permission to not be able create the ideal. Sometimes, I need to give myself permission to say, “This ain’t gonna happen right now.” Because you know it will the second I’m in the shower or lying down to go to bed…that’s Trust It Will Come Space.

Have an awesome day!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Ooh. I LIKE that.
Margaret Feinberg

Jeff, boundaries and space are so important and crucial. Thank you for reminding me of this today.
http://www.thehopefilledroad.com/ Raye Wortel

I love how you differentiated between emptiness and space. We can cover our creativity with a busyness that’s really a band-aid for fear or uncertainty. Giving ourselves up to space allows us to detach from distractions, and let’s the art flow. Great post, Jeff!
Bill Bonikowsky

In my younger days I thought the ideal space for me to write would be in a cabin by a gurgling stream flowing from a lake that mirrored snow capped mountains. I have learned that “wherever you go, there you are”. In other words, my cluttered mind would accompany me to that cabin. Thanks for the tips on creating the space to write, no matter our location.
http://www.blackhillspicturebooks.com/ Christa Upton

Ah–I’ve been feeling guilty for needing space (particularly mental space) before writing. Thanks for alleviating that guilt!
Sue Wang

Jeff, This really resonates. Thank you. I am in the midst of clearing closets, putting away books, getting more sleep…getting ready for a rewrite. (Moon will be in Virgo -good for work/cleaning out). I’d say going with the astrological flow is helpful too.
http://pjrvs.com/ Paul Jarvis

As someone that creates for a living (writer, musician, designer) I need my space free from clutter. My mind can’t be busy with 50 other thoughts, my desk can’t have things on it (other than my computer and a big mason jar of water), and my office can’t be cluttered or messy. I’ve found taking the time to keep all those things in order and free from clutter allows me to create what I need to more easily and more efficiently.
http://www.joeyo.org/ Joey O’Connor

Jeff,
thank you for what you’ve written here on creative space. Solid ideas.

One of the most
important places that opens up creative space for me is getting out in God’s
creation. Seeing His beauty and creativity unfold all around me is life-giving.

I wrote about this crucial creative space in this post: Are You in Awe of the
Aching Beauty of God’s Creation? http://www.joeyo.org/2012/12/are-you-in-awe-of-the-aching-beauty-of-gods-creation/

Much of my work here in Southern California involves helping other artists cultivate creative space in their personal and professional lives through artist gatherings and getaways. Our ministry is The Grove Center for the Arts &
Media.

Hope you can visit next time you’re in Southern California.
David

Thanks. I love your description of the difference between space and emptiness. It’s so hard to tell the difference sometimes and I’ve never found a clearer, more concise description.
Tahlia Meredith

I really like your take on this Jeff. A lot would call it procrastination, but I share your thoughts on it – sometimes you need to create that space by dealing with the muddle, to allow you to relax and really focus. Thank you for putting it much better than I could!
http://sparkvoice.wordpress.com/ DS

I prefer quiet space, a table, or bed, or car, or bench…I really do prefer quiet. In my life reality is I write when I can, wherever I can. I keep myself surrounded by notebooks.
http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson

Ah, yes. Space. It’s interesting that my own creativity has increased as I’ve become more of a minimalist. Minimalism is not just about owning less, but it’s also about finding space in everything we have and do. Less is often more.
http://www.liveyourwhy.net/ Terry Hadaway

As a writer, I need an uncluttered space. More importantly, I need space in my mind to massage the ideas to life and to express my art through words. I believe most people have a message to share, they just don’t have the space they need to bring their message to life—through word or other creative media. Without the mental space, the physical space won’t do us much good. As I coach writers, I most often discover that clutter is the enemy. Cluttered schedules, cluttered minds, and cluttered spaces interfere with creativity and keep your personal art locked away in the recesses of your mind.
http://www.tessahardiman.com/ Tessa

As much as I hate doing the dishes (maybe you could come do mine since you like it so much!), I always feel more relaxed and at ease after doing them. I think it’s because it clears up the clutter that I see when I walk through the kitchen. Seeing a sink full of dishes just grinds my nerves.
Bryan

Loved this, and found it true in my life!
Some years ago I gave away my study to the kids—we homeschool.
Then, I was blocked!

Then, last weekend I built a “nook” in the basement workshop.
Now, I’m in there with the boiler and tools on the wall.
But, yes, it’s SPACE.

I’m back, because I have a place to order my tiny world.
And, we all benefit(:
Angela

So true! I especially relate to the spiritual aspect. I have made it a habit to start my day with prayer and reading the Bible and just sitting in the quiet. I don’t seem to have anything to give otherwise! Great post
http://ddclaywriter.wordpress.com/ Dougdrake73155

Wow! That’s a good idea to get some space. Thanks Jeff. I have a space all picked out but its too cold right now. I’m doing most of my writing at the kitchen table with all the hub-bub that goes with a table in the center of the family. Not good!
I have a quiet place in the workshop; a separate garage at our place, but its not insulated and its freezing in there. I’m doing fine, but I do need to get to a quieter place.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thank YOU, Doug!
http://www.facebook.com/josh.irby Josh Irby

Great post Jeff. Here is my experience of clearing “creative space” between my ears . . . http://joshirby.com/2013/01/31/early-morning-with-the-enemy/
http://www.facebook.com/josh.irby Josh Irby

.
Mickholt

It is no surprise that Roddenberry called it the “Final Frontier.” Good post Jeff. I have to say though, sometimes writing with pain helps the outcome. I know many songwritters that would say that – how many of the best love songs come from a place of pain or dispair? Also, some of the best things I have ever put on paper came in moments of pain or rage – I guess I could have been clear headed in my anger?
D Bisset

Love this. Defining and creating space is intensely private. My overwhelming feeling is that creative space must, first and foremost, by YOUR space. Whether physical, mental or spiritual, no other person has a role to play in defining space without your invitation to share the process as and when creativity is collaborative.
http://rodneyhunt.wordpress.com/ Rodney Hunt

Great practical advice. I shared this with my 8th grade daughter who is a writer and artist too.
http://twitter.com/asmithblog Adam Smith

Mental space, man. It’s one of those times in life I have extra, over-committed to things and need to reevaluate . Thanks for this post.
http://BrandonCordoba.com Brandon Cordoba

“The pain and plight of the artistic life is too romanticized. Creativity
and suffering are closely connected, but not dependent on each
other. Art exists in spite of pain, not because of it. And as an artist, you will always be rebelling against injustice, always pushing back darkness. Before you can create, you have to make sure your soul is filled. This
may require you to face some demons and slay a few dragons. But once you
do, you’ll be ready to make your contribution to the world — and all
the more grateful for doing so.”

This is incredible in it’s wording/artistry & wisdom/sagely advice. Thank you for enduring suffering, choosing to continually fill your soul & push back the darkness; so you can make such a profound contribution to our hearts! Feel blessed to of stumbled upon you bro.
http://www.unchartedstreams.com/ Josh Taylor

What if the chaos contributes to the creativity? Perhaps if you have a hit grunge song, you can jot it down and then do the dishes?
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Fair enough.
http://twitter.com/ContentByDawn Dawn-Renee Rice

I’m like you, Jeff, in that I have to get the dishes done in order to be mentally ready to create! But it goes beyond that. Doing dishes to me is also cleaning off the countertops and removing clutter in the kitchen. For some reason, it’s all combined, and once that’s done I head to my home office and start writing!
http://twitter.com/Sammliving Samm

I love the article Jeff.
How you’ve described physical, mental, spiritual space separately, cleanly, so well.

“The difference is how you face the pain..” Love this point.