Cultivating a creative space
“I don’t want to stress myself out while writing a book about self-care.”
That’s what I told my friends and family about this time last year as my book deadline loomed closer.
So, I decided to romanticize the book writing process. At the time, Hyatt had a program called Work from Hyatt where you could rent a hotel room from 7 am - 7 pm. I did that a couple of times.
Those hotel days felt like ~*main character energy*~ in its purest form. I’d waltz into the room with a giant cup of tea and my favorite, somewhat pricey, CBD beverage. Then I’d spend the day writing from various places in the room: the desk, the bed, and, of course, the bathtub. At some point I’d order room service for lunch.
It’s easy for me to feel creative in that environment. The novelty of going somewhere, even if that somewhere is only hotel a few miles away from home, always unlocks something within.
Unfortunately, my budget isn’t set up for hotel excursions several times a month. (Yet!) So I’ve learned how to cultivate a creative space whether I’m at a hotel, in my dining room, or at the office.
When I say creative space, I mean an intentionally crafted container which allows you to do your best work. Here’s my approach:
Define the space
What are you creating? Where will you do this work? And for how long?
Once you can answer those three questions, you’ve successfully defined your creative space.
When I was writing my book, for example, I’d block a half day or full day on my calendar. That was the time boundary of my creative space.
I still worked primarily from home at that time, so I’d tell my husband where in our home I planned to work and for how long. He was always willing to lay low on writing days to allow me to get into deep work mode.
Finally, I’d outline a writing goal for the day using chapters as my unit of measurement.
Taking a few minutes to outline the boundaries of your creative space will free up brain space for your creative process.
Make it feel special
Creative work is sacred work. Treat it that way. I paired many of my book writing days with a Recess drink. The drink’s adorable branding and the supposed benefits to my brain function made my writing days feel that much more special.
Sometimes I assign a specific pen to a creative task. Other times, it’s a playlist reserved for creativity. How might you add a little sparkle to your creative space?
Consider an opening ritual
You’ve defined your creative space and found at least one way to make it feel special. Now it’s time to enter in. I like to create a signal to let my brain know that we’re entering creation mode.
Here are some signals I’ve used:
Ringing a meditation bell, focusing on my intention for the time ahead until the sound of the bell has full faded away
Writing down my intention
Lighting a candle
Using a Pomodoro timer which allows me to track my tasks for the time ahead
Creative Space Case Study: My office
I got a tiny office this summer. I wanted a physical space where I could do my best work. It’s walking distance from my home, allowing for a short commute where I can gather my thoughts.
I gave it a mini makeover. Painted it Inner Workout blue. Laid down new flooring in a herringbone pattern, writing down intentions for this space under the first two floorboards. I have a stand/sit desk and a floor chair because I need to be able to move around. My special treat for the office was a yellow neon sign that reads take care.
Because I did so much “creative space building” groundwork in the office design, getting into a creative headspace is a much lighter lift. I open the door and am immediately filled with a sense of possibility.
You don’t need to have a hotel room or an office to cultivate creative space. As with most things in life, a little intention will carry you a long way.
Questions to consider:
When do you do your best work?
Where do you do your best work?
What makes you feel creative?