Navigating Your Creative Cycles

Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Diverse Interests

Having a multitude of interests and talents is both a blessing and a challenge for multi-passionate creatives. We're drawn to various fields, hobbies, and pursuits, each beckoning us to explore its depths. If time and resources were infinite, we'd dive into everything simultaneously. However, this remains an unattainable fantasy.

Or does it? Perhaps the wisdom lies in the words of writer Betty Friedan:

"You can have it all, just not all at the same time."

This insight points us towards a more realistic and fulfilling approach. Enter the concept of 'Creative Cycles' – not daily or weekly fluctuations, but extended periods of focused interest in different areas throughout one's life. This approach offers a path to explore all our passions, just not concurrently.

What are Creative Cycles?

Creative Cycles are like seasons in our creative journey. They're moments of dedication to specific interests or projects, often defined by time limits (30 days, Project 365, 52 Weeks) or output goals (100 Things Projects). These cycles can last for weeks, months, or even years, during which we immerse ourselves in a particular area of interest before naturally shifting to another.

Sometimes, we engage with an interest for only one season. Other times, we may set it aside for a while, only to return later with a fresh approach or new perspective.

In my current creative cycle, for instance, I'm obsessing over instant photography. This passion ignited last year when I bought my first mirrorless camera for trips to the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. One interest triggered another, as often happens in creative cycles.

Within a year, my photography obsession led me to acquire four instant cameras, one mirrorless camera, one compact action camera, and a phone gimbal. I even revived an old Polaroid camera.

This photographic journey spurred increased social media activity, which in turn led me back to blogging and writing on Substack. Suddenly, I found myself reading and writing poetry and stories again – creative pursuits I hadn't actively engaged with in years.

Prior to this cycle, dance dominated my creative life. While I still dance, it's no longer centre stage as it was from October 2020 to December 2023. I miss its prominent role, but I remind myself that in this cycle, other creative pursuits are taking the spotlight. Dance isn't over; the priorities have simply shifted for now.

The Perks of Embracing Creative Cycles

Adjusting our approach to creative pursuits can yield numerous benefits. Here's how creative cycles can enrich your multi-passionate journey:

1. Deep Dive Mastery: By focusing on a handful of interests at a time, you can achieve a level of expertise that's often elusive when juggling multiple hobbies simultaneously. It's like giving each passion its own spotlight on your personal stage.

2. Zen-like Focus: Say goodbye to the overwhelm of being pulled in a dozen directions. Creative cycles grant you permission to immerse yourself in what truly excites you right now. It's not about neglecting other interests; it's about giving each its moment to shine.

3. Wallet-Friendly Creativity: How many impulse-bought art supplies are gathering dust in your cupboards? When you're fully engaged in specific interests during a cycle, you're less likely to succumb to the siren call of craft store sales. Your bank account (and storage space) will thank you!

4. Riding the Inspiration Wave: Creative cycles align beautifully with your natural ebbs and flows of interest and motivation. Surf those waves of enthusiasm guilt-free, knowing that other passions will have their turn when the tide shifts.

5. Creativity Cross-Pollination: As you move through different cycles, you'll often stumble upon unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated interests. These "aha!" moments can spark innovative ideas and approaches, enriching your overall creative landscape.

6. Achievement Unlocked: By dedicating focused time to each interest, you're more likely to complete projects and reach milestones. This sense of accomplishment turns the transition to new interests into an exciting adventure rather than a guilty retreat.

Crafting Your Creative Cycles

Ready to harness the power of creative cycles? Here's your roadmap to get started:

1. Passion Inventory: Grab a notebook and list every area you're interested in pursuing. Challenge yourself to reach 100! Then, play matchmaker and group related interests. This exercise often reveals that while your passions are abundant, they're not endless. It's like creating a map of your creative universe.

2. Excitement Ranking: Time to play favourites (temporarily, of course). Rate each interest on a scale of 1 to 5 based on your current excitement level. The high-scorers earn a spot in the limelight for your upcoming cycle.

3. Goal Setting: For each interest taking centre stage, establish clear objectives. Whether it's a time-bound challenge (30 days of daily sketching), an output goal (write 10 short stories), or a specific project (build a miniature garden), define what success looks like to you.

4. Flexibility is Key: Remember, creative cycles are guides, not rigid rules. Leave room for unexpected inspirations or necessary detours. If your planned pottery cycle suddenly sparks a passion for nature photography, it's okay to adjust course. Be kind to yourself if your achievements don't perfectly match your initial goals.

5. Reflect and Pivot: As you near the end of a cycle – whether through waning interest or met goals – take time to reflect. Celebrate your accomplishments, big and small. Then, with the wisdom gained from this cycle, consider which passion is calling for attention next.

Navigating the Bumps: Overcoming Creative Cycle Challenges

As you embark on your creative cycle journey, you might encounter a few roadblocks. Here's your troubleshooting guide to common challenges:

1. Taming the FOMO Beast: That nagging fear of missing out on other interests? It's just your multi-passionate nature whispering sweet nothings. Remember, you're not bidding farewell to your other passions; you're simply saying, "See you later!" Your creative buffet is always open; you're just savouring one dish at a time.

2. Weathering the "Jack of All Trades" Storm: When others raise eyebrows at your shifting focus, don't let it rain on your parade. Communicate your creative cycle process with enthusiasm. Show off your outcomes like the proud multi-passionate you are. You're not flighty; you're a creative chameleon, adapting and evolving with each new passion.

3. Keeping Your Skills Sharp: Worried about getting rusty in areas you're not currently focusing on? Think of your skills like a garden. While some plants are in full bloom (your current cycle), give the others a light water now and then. A quick sketching session or a short dance practice can keep those skills fresh for their time in the spotlight.

4. The Balancing Act: It's easy to get lost in the whirlwind of a new passion, but remember, life still happens. Integrate your current creative focus with your ongoing responsibilities. Writing your novel during lunch breaks or photographing your way through daily errands can help you stay grounded while still nurturing your creative spirit.

Squeezing Every Drop of Joy from Your Creative Cycles

Ready to supercharge your creative cycles? Here are some zesty ideas to amplify your journey:

1. Become the Chronicler of Your Creativity: Document each cycle like you're writing the epic saga of your creative life. Journals, blogs, vlogs, or social media posts – pick your poison and let the world (or just your future self) witness your evolution. It's not just recording; it's creating a roadmap for your multi-passionate adventures. Here’s a guide to creative journalling.

2. Ritualise Your Transitions: Create a personal ceremony for closing one cycle and opening another. It could be as simple as a reflective walk in nature or as elaborate as a full-blown creative retreat. My current go-to? Crafting recap videos or blog posts, like my "100 Snapshots" project with my Instax SQ6. These rituals aren't just fun; they're the bridge between your creative chapters.

3. Play Creative Matchmaker: Actively seek connections between your seemingly unrelated passions. It's like hosting a party where all your interests mingle. My current photography obsession is flirting with my writing, potentially leading to a words + images love story. Who knows what beautiful creative offspring your passion pairings might produce?

4. Throw Yourself a Parade (Even a Small One): At the end of each cycle, celebrate like you've won an Oscar or a Grammy – because in the world of your creativity, you have! Whether it's treating yourself to a fancy coffee (or bubble tea, in my case) or framing a piece of your work, acknowledge your journey. Remember, in the land of creativity, there are no small achievements.

Understanding our creative cycles is like having a secret map to explore the vast terrain of our multi-passionate minds. By embracing these cycles, we give ourselves the freedom to fully immerse in each passion, guilt-free.

Remember: Life isn't about doing everything at once; it's about creating a rich tapestry of experiences that honours every colourful thread of your multi-passionate nature. Through creative cycles, we transform the "burden" of numerous interests into an exhilarating adventure of lifelong learning, growth, and self-discovery.

Your Turn: Mapping Your Creative Journey

Take a moment to reflect on your current creative landscape:

1. Centre Stage: What creative pursuits are in the spotlight right now?

2. Waiting in the Wings: Which interests are on the back-burner?

3. Balancing Act: How are you managing your time and energy in this cycle?

4. Looking Ahead: What do you hope to achieve or explore next?

Jot down your thoughts and, if you're comfortable, share them in the comments. Remember, there's no right or wrong approach to your creative cycle. The key is to be mindful of where you're focusing your energy and to embrace the ebb and flow of your multi-passionate nature.

As you navigate your creative seasons, celebrate the diversity of your interests. Each cycle is a new chapter in your unique story of growth and discovery. Happy creating!