Combine work and fun! Become creative with your creation.

Combine-work-and-fun

Here is a great way to write songs, plays and films scripts, having a great time doing it.
(This example can also be applied to other arts)

You know, sometimes the way to get some writing done is just by doing it. But many writers feel alone; we are sitting there in our gloomy room, perhaps the sun is shining outside and we wish we could hang out with our friends. We don’t want to sit inside alone feeling like life is slipping by.

Two forces

What is happening to us in these kinds of moments, is that two opposing forces (wills) are acting inside us and it is driving us crazy.

One side wants to get the creative action done.
The other side wants to enjoy life.

It makes us feel stressed or anxious and we usually end up doing nothing.
“Which one should I choose?” It seems like if you pick one, the other one will give you shit anyway for not doing that task.

Don’t choose

Instead of choosing, why not do both? In the beginning of the post I said “how you can do something having a great time” and in there lies the answer:

You have to ask yourself “How can I do this task having a great time?”

Because in this example the two opposing forces are fun and work. Don’t choose. Combine them.

So, as promised I will show you one idea. I also encourage you to come up with something yourself. Perhaps you can show us your idea in the comments?

Have a dinner

Have a get together, picnic, party or whatever you call it. Invite people who you trust and who are playful and have them help you.

For example, maybe you want to write a scene with two people or more and you don’t really know what but you have somewhat of an idea.
Why not ask your friends what they think about your ideas and have them act out the possibilities?

You can of course also just read or have others read what you have come up with to get some feedback.

Feedback and support
Prepare yourself for the feedback. Perhaps let people know what you are looking for so that they can help you without “hurting you”.

My experience is that is not too hard to get people to come when you invite them and most people are very happy with coming up with new, crazy ideas. Maybe all their ideas stink but you probably ended up having a good time and you have more perspectives which probably opened your mind a bit.

Here are some benefits of this idea: (if you act on it)

You get more perspectives
You combine “work” with fun.
You share something with your friends.
You take action, rather than just worrying.
Your friends probably feel honoured that you want them to help you. – You build better relationships.
You are probably more playful, something that is always good with arts.

Take it to the next level

In fact, if you really want to go full on, why not go somewhere special doing this? It all depends on what you are creating of course; you want to support what you are trying to achieve.

Imagine a creepy hotel or a charming bed and breakfast. You could be in the forest, mountains, by the sea etc. You could travel somewhere new, maybe even a different country? Rent an old house or visit an old farm.

Just make sure your friends understand what it is you need. It is not just a party. It is a creative get-together. I made the example about writing but this of course works for any arts.

Perhaps you can even form a new group this way?

Have fun with this one and please share what you find.

Cheers! photo credit