Summary of Turn Struggle into Creativity – zen habits zen habits:
The author proposes that instead of avoiding struggle, we should embrace it as an opportunity for growth, learning, and creativity. Examples of struggling in writing and habits are given, and the author suggests that staying in the discomfort of the struggle and embracing curiosity and creativity can lead to unexpected solutions and growth. The practice of noticing the struggle, staying in it, breathing, bringing curiosity and creativity is suggested for dealing with struggles in different areas of life. A growth mindset is necessary to approach struggle in this way.
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Finding Creativity in Struggle: How to Embrace the Unknown for Growth
Struggle is often viewed as a negative experience, one to be avoided or overcome as quickly as possible. But what if we reframed our perception and viewed struggle as an opportunity for growth, creativity, and self-discovery? In this article, we’ll explore how to embrace the unknown and find creativity in struggle, using examples from writing and habit-building.
Seeing Struggle as an Opportunity
Most people immediately try to fix or change the circumstances that are causing their struggle, whether it’s a difficult relationship, a challenging work project, or a new habit that feels impossible to stick to. However, Leo Babauta suggests a different approach – to view struggle as an opportunity for growth instead of a problem to be solved. By embracing the unknown and leaning into discomfort, we can tap into our creativity and find new solutions to old problems.
Example One: Struggling with Writing
Writing can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a blank page or the pressure to be original or valuable. When this struggle arises, the typical response is to avoid it and focus on easier tasks like checking email or social media. However, what if we stayed with the struggle instead of turning away from it?
Babauta suggests committing to the discomfort, sitting with the unknown, and getting comfortable with the struggle. From this place, we can start to get creative and try new approaches, like writing about silly topics, making a list, or meditating to channel our inner voice. The key is to stay in the space of discovery, where we don’t know what will happen next.
Example Two: Struggling with Habits
Often we set out to establish new habits or routines, only to find ourselves struggling to stick to them. When this happens, it’s easy to give up or be harsh with ourselves for failing. However, what if we reframed the struggle as an opportunity to learn and grow?
Instead of pushing through the discomfort, we can pause and feel it fully. By being present and bringing compassion and acceptance to the situation, we create space for learning and creativity to emerge. This is where we can ask ourselves what we might try differently, what new approach we might take, or what unexpected solution might present itself. It’s about staying with the unknown and exploring its potential.
How to Practice Creativity in Struggle
Learning to find creativity in struggle requires a shift in mindset, from one of avoidance or frustration to one of openness and curiosity. Here’s how to embrace the unknown and practice creativity in challenging situations:
– Notice your struggle and avoid the urge to immediately fix or escape from it.
– Invite yourself to stay with the discomfort and explore it fully.
– Take deep breaths and create a sense of spaciousness within yourself.
– Bring curiosity to the situation and see what unfolds.
– Try new approaches and allow yourself to experiment and discover what works.
By leaning into struggle instead of avoiding it, we can discover new aspects of ourselves and cultivate the capacity for creativity and growth. There is a world of opportunity waiting in the unknown, and by embracing it we can tap into our fullest potential.
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