5 Things to Remember When Doing Something Creative

Routines are my friend. I work well when I know what is coming up, and work best when it is fairly “normal.” As a preacher, a “normal” schedule is hard to define, but I work very hard to make each day as regular as possible. I just work better that way.

I also do not like to step out of my routine very often. I was not blessed with a creativity gene, or at least mine doesn’t display itself very often! While I am involved in several different projects, they are usually things that I already liked before beginning. For example, I started blogging because I liked reading the blogs of other people. I started a podcast with Dale Jenkins because I loved listening to podcasts (and enjoy working with Dale!). I like to write because I like to read.

But there are times when I want to try something new, and I chicken out. I do not like to fail, but there are times I really believe something has merit, so I must step out. (And, yes, I am working on a project like that now, if you wonder where this is coming from. … And, no Lebanon Road folks, it does not involve moving!) Often, these things involve a certain level of creativity, which is not natural for me. But I do feel like there is a place for them, so I have to step out of my comfort zone and be somewhat creative.

Here are five things I have been trying to tell myself as I get near the end (at least I hope it’s the end) of this creative-for-me project.

1. Focus on the Bible. Whether this idea ever takes off or not, the goal is Biblical. Some people get the idea that anything that is a little different has to be unbiblical, but that is just not the case. Think of men like Jule Miller. His filmstrips (now on video and DVD) were very outside-the-box when he made them, but the content was clearly Biblical. Due to his work, thousands have put Christ on in baptism, and all because his focus was on the truth.

2. Benefit from the Process. If your work is to write, then remember the process is to learn and to become a better writer. If it is a creative endeavor like a video or audio production, remember to look at the details and learn what makes it work. Even if your project never gets off the ground, you have benefited from the process in a way that will help either you or someone else in the future.

3. Think of Others. In other words, do not try to do something different just to “be seen of men.” How will this benefit the eternal destiny of those you are trying to reach? Are you trying to teach? encourage? warn? inform? equip? Think about how this will do that for other people. (If you want a wonderful example of this, look no further than House-to-House, Heart-to-Heart. They know their purpose, and creatively fulfill it with every issue.)

4. Have an End Goal. What is a reasonable, but pressing, time to finish each part of the project? Personally, this is one I am having to work on. I like deadlines, but I don’t like putting them on myself! But when you write down, “Finish taping of video by June 14,” you have made yourself accountable. (By the way, if you struggle with goals, follow this link for an excellent article on writing goals.)

5. Don’t Let The “Novelty” Consume You. It is way too easy to get caught up in how “cool” or “slick” or “cutting edge” something is, and to lose out on the content. Nothing will make up for bad content, especially over time. Focus on the quality of your message, and then let your creativity tell the story.

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I am blessed to be around creative people, and I love those who have that talent. I’m not blessed with it very often, but I hope these suggestions will help us all stay focused on what is really important when we have a moment of creativity.

What other suggestions would you have for working through a creative process?