You struggle with trying to be creative.

Phrases like ‘brainstorm’ and ‘think outside of the box’ have been drilled into you.

You’re convinced the only way to be creative is by doing something extraordinary. That you have to be original.

You think endlessly, work hard, and try to be innovative.

But your efforts backfire. You can’t get any traction.

It’s a paradox. When you try too hard, you fail.

You’ve put yourself on the line and have something to lose.

You’re anxious and scared. Ultimately you disappoint yourself.

You feel defeated.

You want to stop this vicious cycle but don’t know how.

There’s a simple solution. Be ordinary.

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It may sound counter intuitive but it works.

I learned about being boring years ago studying with Keith Johnstone, a renowned Improvisational Theatre teacher.

When ever 2 students were ready to begin a scene, Keith reminded them to start with a boring sentence like ‘I’m going to sit down on the sofa” or ‘I’m going to the store.’

Nothing flashy. Plain and simple.

I learned that NOT trying to be different allows the creative juices to flow.

Commit to what you’re doing, put one foot in front of the other, and do the work.

Don’t judge the quality of it.

Just continue to practice. Do what comes naturally to you. Without trying to be great.

It’ll help you make connections and observations that may be obvious to you.

But are original to others.

So the next time you have the urge to be extraordinary,  pause. Take a deep breath.

And dare to be dull.

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