Finding your creative mojo, finally explained

by Startacus Admin

Now for an article that has been several weeks in the making…not because of stringent research practices or particularly comprehensive literary diligence…but rather because we simply couldn’t seem to get it going…

Well, I say “we”, when really I mean “one of my colleagues” who in an ironic twist couldn’t find the inspiration to complete the article…his Mojo has well and truly left the building.

In light of recent events I am tempted to simply say “the only way to find your creative mojo is not to look for it” but at the risk of copping out perhaps we can do a little better than that.

The Formula

It seems to me that we (and everyone else) have been approaching this issue from the wrong angle - a creative person’s angle - when really what we need here is scientific workability. This calls for one thing…a formula which will once and for all outline the precise values and elements which, when combined in an incredibly complicated Carol Vorderman style way - produce a guaranteed increase in creativity (not a guarantee).

So here it is…revealed for the very first time:

a + b/e - b (d-e) # @ :) f -6 = Creative Mojo

Confused? Let us explain…

A) Dog walking - Dogs are preferable for this but we suppose that cats could produce the same results. The idea is that an activity like dog (or cat) walking is at once both freeing and focusing. Your mind is ‘freed’ by an impromptu outdoor excursion whilst it is simultaneously ‘focused’ by the need to ensure the safety and survival of your beloved pet. This unique combination of variables results in the perfect mental state from which creative genius may flow forth.

B) Travelling by train - Whilst a train might not seem like the most obvious place from which creativity may spring, given the right conditions we reckon it’s perfect. You are probably familiar with the now legendary story of JK Rowling’s train journey epiphany which led to the Harry Potter series and as if that weren't enough to send you dashing to the nearest ticket booth we reckon we have cracked how she did it. You see, on a train you have a number of variables which when combined become a breeding ground for great ideas - inspiration (from the view whizzing past the window), time (especially if you are subject to delay), motivation (anything to take your mind off the monotony) and the desire to avoid eye contact with your fellow passengers.

C) Watch cartoons - Professionally speaking I would suggest Scooby-Doo coupled with Spongebob and a sparing amount of Looney Tunes…but any comparable combination should produce the same results. Genuine scientific research that I read once suggests that even as adults, when we are exposed to the fun and purposeless frolics of a good cartoon, we revert back to a child-like state. This state leaves us more open to accepting the strange fancies which often enter our head but would normally have been dismissed as useless nonsense. Just make sure that you are poised with paper and pen ready to note down any strokes of genius that come your way.

D) Go to a coffee shop - (an independent one mind) - This is a notion which we have been touting for quite some time now - coffee shop sounds increase your productivity. It stands to reason doesn’t it? What other reason could all those people merrily tapping away on their laptops have for bringing their work to such a public and inappropriate place? Our research has shown however that only an independent coffee shop will do because the well orchestrated and organised auditory chaos of a large chain means your work will end up resembling everyone else’s. If you find yourself in a creative emergency and need inspiration fast - check out Coffitivity, an app which recreates the sounds of a coffee shop no matter where you are.

E) Begin it, then wing it - We direct you back to the beginning of the article and my colleague’s struggle to find his ‘creative mojo’- the problem, we have learned, is that he was trying too hard. Creativity is something that can't be forced…it needs to happen naturally. That doesn’t mean however that you should stare vacantly at a white page for hours on end. We find that if you simply put down something (anything) and just keep going, you will usually come up with something you can use.fu

F) Take a holiday - As I am perpetually informing Mr Startacus, there is nothing quite like a holiday to recharge your creative batteries. Without one, ideas will become increasingly far-fetched, stagnant and reliant upon cheap and ill conceived notions.

There you go - our equation for finding your creative mojo comprehensively explained beyond any possible ambiguity or doubt.

If you weren’t too offended by our somewhat questionable rationale then you may like to take a look at some of these recent posts.

What does your choice of coffee say about you as a startup founder?

Soundtrack to your startup journey

What literary characters would have made good startup founders?

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Published on: 12th May 2014