Martin Scorsese is a creative powerhouse.
What you probably don’t know?
His ex-wife was the true creative genius.
Here’s the method she used to unlock creativity for the world’s top artists:
Julia Cameron was a burnt out writer in search of another way.
Before her method, Hollywood believed it was the “tortured artist” who produced greatness.
But, as Julia would show, that’s not true at all.
Julia developed what’s known as The Artist’s Way.
Those who followed her method have won Oscars, Tony awards and sold millions of books.
“Without her, there would be no Eat, Pray, Love,” says Elizabeth Gilbert.
The Artist’s Way has two foundational practices.
These practices have repeatedly produced creativity breakthroughs.
Here’s how they work (and how anyone can use them):
PRACTICE 1: MORNING PAGES
Every morning (no exceptions), write three pages in a journal.
The rules:
1. Never judge the writing - just write
2. Keep the pen moving no matter what
Write “I don’t know what to write” repeatedly if you must.
It just needs to be done.
WHY THIS WORKS FOR CREATIVITY
Morning Pages does 3 things:
1. Creates momentum. You’ve created SOMETHING each day.
2. Gets anxious, judgmental or unproductive thoughts cleared away for creative ideas later.
3. Creates unexpected ideas or insights that can be used later.
Steady, low-expectation output is a common strategy for prolific writers.
PRACTICE 2: WEEKLY DATES WITH YOURSELF
Take yourself out on a “date” each week as if you were romancing yourself.
Julia’s reasoning for this:
“Many of us have squandered our own creative energies by investing disproportionately in the lives, hopes, dreams, and plans of OTHERS.”
The rules for these dates:
-No one else can come
-It must be at least 90 minutes
-It should fuel your interests, likes, and desires
These should fill you up with creative energy.
WHY THIS WORKS FOR CREATIVITY
1. You’re filling yourself up with experiences connected to your authentic interests.
2. You get out of your routine. Monotony gets broken.
3. You have unexpected connections and encounters combined with the space to reflect.
Date ideas:
-Stand-up comedy
-Long walks through the city
-Trying a new restaurant and sitting at the bar with a journal
As new ideas for projects, articles and entrepreneurial endeavours come up, jot them down and get back to enjoying the activity.
Solo dates can be uncomfortable at first, but you become more connected with your authentic interests.
Art needs playful inflow to sustain.
Solo dates prioritize and protect that play for you, the artist.
This is more important than ever.
The Artist’s Way exercises are designed to “discover, recover and protect” your inner artist.
You don't have to be a world-famous artist to practice these methods.
For anyone working on creative output, Julia’s practices are worth a try.
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