Reframe creativity not as an artistic skill aimed at producing a quality output, but as a daily wellness habit like exercise or meditation. The goal isn't achievement but the mental and emotional benefits derived from the process itself, such as increased mental flexibility and reduced stress.
An effective creative process embraces dualities rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive choices. A creator must learn to be both destructive and constructive, reverent and casual, messy and organized. Your unique style is defined by how you strike a balance between these conflicting forces.
Lacking a conventional skill (like instrumental dexterity) can be an advantage, as it forces you to explore unorthodox paths (like electronic music production). This leads to developing unique, valuable abilities that differentiate you from peers who rely on more traditional talents.
Meaningful cognitive shifts don't require large blocks of time. The brain responds more to the consistency and novelty of brief, daily creative engagements than to the duration of a single session. This makes developing a creative habit more accessible and effective for improving mental flexibility.
For any creative work shared publicly, you will receive diametrically opposed feedback. One person will love a feature that another hates. Realizing that all feedback is subjective and contradictory frees you from the futile search for external validation and allows you to focus on your own vision.
Perfectionism, which narrows focus and increases self-monitoring, can be short-circuited by introducing simple rules or constraints. Tactics like using your non-dominant hand or working within a grid lower the stakes, shifting the brain’s focus from a high-pressure outcome to a low-pressure process of experimentation.