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The most ubiquitous icon representing creativity is the light bulb. In business. In advertising. In the funny papers. Think of it. In a moment--as with the flip of a switch--darkness is instantly dispelled by light. And it's true of the light bulb, as well. The third phase of the creative process is Illumination.
The verbal equivalent of the light bulb is the exclamation, "Aha!" This expression of delight and discovery is common, and thus transcendent to, many Western languages and cultures. To have an "aha! moment" is to have a moment of sudden insight and comprehension; to have an "aha! moment" is to have an epiphany.
The elusive aha! moment typically feels like serendipity. But creative professionals understand that Illumination only follows the heavy lifting of Investigation and the patience of Incubation. Moments of epiphany are delightful, but far better when they come regularly and frequently. Here are a few tips to keep the light bulbs firing:
One, get curious. About everything. Read voraciously across all genres and disciplines. Seek answers for questions that come up. Creativity is the result of making unlikely, unexpected connections. Knowledge from outside your fields of interest deepens your ability to discover connections.
Two, the aha! moment most always follows an impasse. The impasse may be accompanied by doubt and despair. It's essential to remember, in the moment, that this darkness is to be expected of the creative process.
Three, be silly. Creativity and humor come from the same source; again, unlikely, unexpected connections. The next time you get stuck, get silly.
Four, verify the aha! The excitement generated by the epiphany must be tempered until the integrity of the discovery is confirmed.
Five, stay curious. About everything. Read voraciously...Lather, rinse, repeat.
Keep stoking the creative fires. Don't be content with the aha! moment. Live aha!
How might you benefit--indeed, thrive--by living "aha!"?
Where's the beginning place for you?
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