The good news is that the human mind has a surprising natural ability to assess the kind of creativity we need. Researchers call these intuitions “feelings of knowing,” and they occur when we suspect that we can find the answer, if only we keep on thinking. Numerous studies have demonstrated that, when it comes to problems that don’t require insights, the mind is remarkably adept at assessing the likelihood that a problem can be solved—knowing whether we’re getting “warmer” or not, without knowing the solution.
Curiously also, the solutions that are provided through creative guidance are more often than not benefit the well doing of others, whether we immediately see it or not. Creative guidance shoots higher targets with a higher purpose. It somehow thinks of “larger” harmony. It helps being aware of a larger world. It expands our vision of how we affect the world around us. And it reminds us that we are the product of what we build and create around us.
The creative guidance works when we are in the space of thinking about OUR world.
What is ‘rigid me’ guidance?
When we approach life being guided by the “I” guidance, we think what is good for ME. There are ‘shoulds’ and ‘musts’ and ‘this has to be done this way’ mode of thinking.
We tend to see clearly only that which concerns us and whatever obstructs the achievement of the purpose created by the “I” is considered to be the obstacle that has to be destroyed.
Simple example.
Dan: I want that toy! (Therefore I should have it.)
Dad: Ok, let Mary finish playing with it and you can have it. (Think bigger. If she is happy, she will gladly share with you.)
Dan: No! I want it NOW! (grabbing the toy from Mary) ( I am bigger and stronger and I can have it now if I want to.)
As children and grownups we have encountered this attitude in ourselves and in others. If we consistently performed actions that promoted our “I” only, we lost friends and missed out on much fun of being with others. If we got into a company with such people, soon enough we would find ourselves wanting to end the relationship. It is difficult to be constantly demanded of, receiving little to nothing in return.
The “rigid me” guidance appears when we are in the space of thinking about MY world.
When we live from the ‘rigid me’ space we are often inflexible and have a difficulty seeing the world outside our ‘me’ window. We rarely consider looking at a problem from another perspective to find a solution. We look for a precedent and simply try to solve the problem using a “chop and drop” method. The path of least resistance is preferable and initiative in finding a different solution is simply too hard to consider.
How to recognize if we operate guided by the creative me or the rigid me?
Starting fairly early in life we learn the joys of living for ME. There are so many things that there are to experience and as kids, we are impatient because life is just all too exciting and we want it ALL and NOW.
Time passes and we learn that patience is a virtue and that most greatest things in life are shared. Yet when the fear of not getting as much as we think we are worth gets in and starts transforming our “high” thinking into the “I” thinking. We get too attached to that “thing” and become obsessed with possessing it, no matter what. That blinds our awareness.
Self Application
As coaches we can be affected by these two guides as well.
If we are focused on our performance as a coach, if we desperately desire to make a sale, to get a client, to show ourselves from our best side to get a contract or to attract a customer, we may be very blinded to the needs of the person who came to us to get support.
This will prove counterproductive with time.
On the contrary, the higher self motivating us to act out of the desire for greater good of those we interact with shall always yield dividends. Coach that is there for her or his client shall be rewarded. People will see your genuineness and respond.
Reflection
What motivation guides me in my actions and interaction with others?
As a coach how can I be more aware of the influences that affect me and choose only the ones that benefit my ability to be the best support for my clients?
What structure can I create to support my creative side?
What can help me to be a sample of lightness that may motivate my clients to develop their creative self?