11.29.08
Comedy & Creativity
This just in from the newsletter by Ben Dean. Ph.D., whose ‘Coaching Toward Happiness’ programs teach about positive thinking. Incidentally, he has a free teleconference workshop Dec. 1st, visit http://www.mentorcoach.com/coaching-Q&A/index.htm for more info!
Dean speaks about creativity, saying that it must be ‘complete’ in order to be truly creative. “Like all strengths, creativity exists on a continuum…[but] In order for an idea or product to be considered creative, it typically has to be complete.”
For me as a comic, this continuum exists as an energy level: Some days I am or feel much more creative than I do on other days. When we’re talking about comedy and humor, there is no real urgent need for completeness. By this I mean that any humorous insights you have can be instantaneous, impulsive, and–even incomplete. But you can still reap the benefits of humor and laughter. This completeness that Dean speaks of smacks of the perfectionism that I try very hard to overcome and even–I hope–successfully prevent.
Nevertheless, I heartily agree with Dean when he says that, “People are much less creative when they are under time pressure, when they are being scrutinized and judged by others, and when external circumstances limit the range of options available. In contrast, creativity is encouraged by environments that are supportive, reinforcing, open, and casual.”
Yes! Yes! Yes!
When we are too focused on perfection. When we have too many responsibilities and too little time. When we are judged for our performance. Then we cannot, or can barely, be as creative as we can or need to be. This is very true in comedic circles, and true in any area of life.
When we learn how to, “Get Your SHINE Together!” we can create a safe environment where creativity, lightness–and fun–can all coexist peacefully and we can be much more productive.
