Mindset by Carol Dweck, Ph.D., is one of my favorite books. Its clear description of a growth mindset and how to develop one is brilliant. Lately, I have been playing with this idea of a creative mindset, a companion to the growth mindset. A way to lean into possibility, the creative mindset asks us to bring our growth mindset and then let go of our expectations and assumptions.

Michael Heizer’s installation at Dia Beacon

The very first Circle of Connection workshop invited participants to develop their creativity and by extension their creative mindsets. The word creativity proved to be a bit of a challenge as many of us immediately begin to equate creativity with artistic pursuits. It is a common misconception. However, the creativity I am talking about is problem solving, brainstorming, and considering something beyond business as usual.

Let’s “Think outside the box.”. The familiar set of instructions from leaders hoping to inspire innovation or the battle cry from organizations facing tough times. Thinking outside of the box is fun. Releasing ourselves from the constraints of reality. Being given permission to dream. I am sure many amazing inventions and ideas have been the fruit of this mantra of invention.

What about thinking inside the box? What does that even mean? Why would we waste our time inside the box? The box in this case represents the very real constraints of time, money, and other resources-our real lives. This is where our creativity can truly shine. 

Thanks to Podmatch, I am a guest on several podcasts a month. One of my favorite topics to discuss that podcasters like is the practice of journaling. Specifically, sharing the difference journaling, in particular journaling with Spaghetti on the Wall, has made in my life. 

This is what my journaling practice looks like:

Slowing down to take time for reflection.

Putting pen to paper.

Matching words to my experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

Allowing emotions to reveal themselves without judgement or the need to fix.

Using the Yes! section in SOTW to pay attention to moments of joy, beauty, and engagement.

Naming places of friction and discomfort in the Not so much section.

Then daydreaming, imagining, and getting creative in the Outside the Box section just for fun.

Spaghetti on the Wall was originally conceived of for my coaching clients, primarily business owners and founders who were setting goals and then acting in direct contradiction to those goals. Part of the issue was the repetition of behaviors. Repeating patterns of behavior that no longer serve us is something I could relate to which is why SOTW was a tool I really needed, too. 

Feeling stuck is something most of us can relate to, as well. Getting unstuck is an excellent application of ‘inside the box’ creativity. Once I acknowledge my stuckness then I make a quick list of the constraints-real and imagined. I check in on my goal, a better word could be my desired outcome. Then I find the smallest action I can take, a baby step, if you will, towards my desired outcome. It could be to ask someone a question. Maybe the smallest step is to calendar some time each day to work toward my goal. 

Our beliefs, our patterns did not happen all at once. Stuckness rarely happens in an instant. Small actions within the box can be a way out.