How SWEET it is, our sweet 16th episode. Again, this one has been re-uploaded as the internet gremlins tried their best to keep it. Jeff and I were successful in wrestling it from their pesky hands.

summary

In this conversation, Tobin and Jeff discuss the book 'Psycho-Cybernetics' by Maxwell Maltz and its insights on creativity. They highlight the importance of being open to interesting conversations and how they can lead to unexpected places. They also emphasize the value of going back to the original sources of ideas and learning from the giants who came before us. The conversation delves into the concept of the creative mechanism and the five rules for optimizing creativity. They discuss the importance of doing your worrying before taking action, being present in the moment, recognizing and moving past past trauma, and more. In this conversation, Tobin and Jeff discuss the five rules for freeing your creative machinery, as outlined by Maxwell Maltz in his book Psycho-Cybernetics. The rules include gathering the facts, sketching a plan, and not worrying about the outcome; consciously responding to the present moment; doing one thing at a time; sleeping on it; and relaxing. They emphasize the importance of finding what works for you and experimenting with different relaxation techniques. They also discuss the idea that ideas and solutions can come to you as if you are remembering them, and the importance of seeking help if substances are needed to relax.

keywords

creativity, Psycho-Cybernetics, Maxwell Maltz, open-mindedness, original sources, creative mechanism, worrying, being present, past trauma, creativity, rules, freeing, creative machinery, Maxwell Maltz, Psycho-Cybernetics, gathering facts, sketching a plan, not worrying, responding to the present moment, doing one thing at a time, sleeping on it, relaxing, experimentation, relaxation techniques, seeking help, remembering ideas

takeaways

• Engaging in interesting conversations can lead to unexpected and valuable insights.
• Going back to the original sources of ideas can provide a solid foundation for growth and learning.
• The creative mechanism is a channel through which ideas flow, and it can be optimized through conscious attention and presence in the moment.
• Doing your worrying before taking action allows you to focus on the present and avoid analysis paralysis.
• Recognizing and moving past past trauma can free up mental space for creativity and growth. Gather the facts, sketch a plan, and don't worry about the outcome.
• Consciously respond to the present moment and focus on one thing at a time.
• Sleep on it and trust that the solution will come.
• Find what relaxes you and experiment with different techniques.
• Seek help if substances are needed to relax.

titles

• Being Present in the Moment
• Optimizing the Creative Mechanism Finding What Relaxes You
• Focus on One Thing at a Time

Sound Bites

• "I have a preconceived notion of what the interview might be. And it's always wrong."
• "The conversation just blows."
• "Just give it a whirl. Just do it."
• "What's the most distant bird that I can hear? What's the rustling of the leaves on that tree?"
• "Multitasking is simply doing multiple things bad, rather than one thing really well."
• "Just be hyper aware of your surroundings. Focus on the moment. Be here now."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Unexpected Conversations

13:06

Optimizing the Creative Mechanism

39:50

The Five Rules for Freeing Your Creative Machinery

54:59

Finding What Relaxes You

summary

In this episode of A Brush with Creativity, Tobin K Pilotte explores the concept of creativity and its various forms. He discusses the role of coffee in creativity and the narrow definition of creativity in society. Tobin also delves into the connection between imagination and creativity, highlighting the blurry line between the two. He introduces the idea of creativity as magic and discusses the muse and transmissions of creativity. Tobin emphasizes that creativity can find anyone and that there is an act of the will involved in embracing creativity. He concludes by discussing the importance of beauty in design and creativity. This conversation explores the impact of AI on creativity, the importance of the creative journey, the introspective nature of highly creative people, the loneliness of pushing creative boundaries, the complexity of creativity and problem solving, balancing multiple creative projects, prioritizing creativity in a messy life, the limitations of creativity, the importance of self-sacrifice, the role of execution in creativity, the muse and life's interruptions, and embracing your creativity.

takeaways

• Creativity is not limited to the arts; it is a form of problem-solving that can be found in various fields.
• Imagination is a key component of creativity, and the execution of imaginative ideas is what distinguishes creativity from mere imagination.
• Creativity is a mysterious and magical process that involves tuning into transmissions of inspiration and bringing them to life.
• Creativity can find anyone, and it is not limited to a specific group of people or professions. AI can impact creativity, but there will always be a place for human artists and musicians.
• The journey of creativity is just as important as the final product.
• Highly creative people often have an introspective nature and may feel lonely in their pursuits.
• Pushing creative boundaries can be a lonely existence, but it is necessary for true innovation.
• Creativity involves complex problem solving and the ability to think outside the box.
• Balancing multiple creative projects can prevent a creativity letdown.
• Life can get in the way of creativity, but it's important to prioritize and make time for it.
• There are limitations to creativity, but it's important to believe in yourself and try.
• Self-sacrifice may be necessary for creative pursuits, but it's important to prioritize relationships and health.
• Execution and learning from mistakes are key aspects of creativity.
• The muse is always present, even during life's interruptions.
• Embrace your creativity and believe in your ability to create.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to A Brush with Creativity

01:02

The Role of Coffee in Creativity

08:42

Creativity as Magic

09:07

Defining Creativity

12:00

Creativity as Problem Solving

18:43

The Blurry Line Between Imagination and Creativity

21:23

The Magic of Creativity

23:20

The Muse and Transmissions of Creativity

26:10

Creativity Finding You

28:24

The Act of the Will in Creativity

31:15

The Different Bands of Creativity

35:00

The Beauty of Design in Creativity

36:29

The Impact of AI on Creativity

38:23

The Importance of the Creative Journey

39:20

The Introspective Nature of Highly Creative People

40:18

The Loneliness of Pushing Creative Boundaries

41:47

The Complexity of Creativity and Problem Solving

42:44

Balancing Multiple Creative Projects

45:07

Prioritizing Creativity in a Messy Life

46:11

The Limitations of Creativity

48:52

The Importance of Self-Sacrifice

53:39

The Role of Execution...

This is our 7th episode!!! Another lost episode clutched from the hands of those nasty internet gremlins. A good one to listen to again, we promise.

summary

In this episode, Tobin and Jeff discuss the concept of getting into a state of flow with creative work. They explore the importance of timing and accepting imperfections in the creative process. They also discuss the balance between forcing creativity and allowing it to flow naturally. The conversation emphasizes the need to create the right environment and explore different mediums to enhance creativity. They also highlight the value of consistency and the impact of showing up consistently in creative pursuits. Overall, the conversation provides insights and strategies for optimizing the state of flow in creative work. This conversation explores methods to unblock and find inspiration, the importance of discipline and avoiding distractions, the benefits of collaboration and routine, the power of journaling, the value of exploring and experiencing life, the role of variety and self-awareness, dealing with inner critics and taking small steps, using research and being mindful of distractions, seeking help and support from others, the benefits of journaling and self-reflection, the importance of the creative process, the dangers of instant gratification and AI, the value of the creative journey, the role of philosophy and humanities in creativity, breaking through creative ruts, and understanding the creative process.

takeaways

• Timing plays a crucial role in getting into a state of flow with creative work.
• Accepting imperfections and embracing the unexpected are important aspects of the creative process.
• Creating the right environment and exploring different mediums can enhance creativity.
• Consistency and showing up consistently are key to unlocking the state of flow in creative pursuits. Explore different methods to unblock and find inspiration, such as visualization and mindfulness practices.
• Maintain discipline and avoid distractions, especially when using technology and the internet for research.
• Collaborate with other artists and establish routines that work best for your creative process.
• Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and clearing the mind.
• Take time to explore and experience life outside of the creative process to gain new perspectives and inspiration.
• Embrace variety and self-awareness to overcome creative blocks and maintain a fresh perspective.
• Deal with inner critics and take small steps towards your creative goals.
• Use research effectively while being mindful of the distractions and pitfalls of the internet.
• Seek help and support from other artists and creatives when facing creative challenges.
• Journaling can be a valuable practice for personal growth and creative expression.
• Focus on the creative process and the journey rather than solely on the end result.
• Be cautious of the dangers of instant gratification and the overreliance on AI in the creative process.
• Recognize the value of philosophy and humanities in nurturing creativity and critical thinking.
• Break through creative ruts by exploring new ideas, seeking inspiration, and embracing discomfort.
• Understand and appreciate the creative process, including the challenges and rewards it brings.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction

00:34

The State of Flow

04:16

Forcing Creativity

05:12

Getting into a State of Flow

06:40

Accepting Imperfections

07:08

Being Spontaneous

08:06

Embracing the Unexpected

09:05

Creating the Right Environment

10:03

Using Music as a Tool

11:30

Dialogue with Creativity

12:00

Exploring Different