Building in Stillness to Maximise Your Creativity and Productivity

I write to you this weekend from a lakeside cabin in Guatape. A remote, peaceful lake in Colombia. I like to build in regular breaks from the craziness of day-to-day life to recharge.

Learning to appreciate a coffee outside and listening to mother nature is a great pleasure. Anytime I find myself ignoring these things is usually because I’m overworked and it’s time for a break.

Taking yourself off to a remote lake cabin in South America isn’t always possible. Quite frankly it’s not essential. But building in some level of stillness and downtime into your daily routine is essential. Without this, it’s easy to lead to burnout and stress.

Some of the world’s greatest minds such as Winston Churchill and Steve Jobs were known for taking long periods of rest to walk and play chess.

Whatever you’re trying to build, its success is down to your decisions and clear thinking, not how many hours you spend at your desk. Learn to think in downtime and execute those thoughts when you return to your desk.

Here’s a rundown and reminder on how to build stillness into your life so you can stay grounded, make better decisions and avoid burnout.

The Essence of Stillness

Understanding Stillness

Stillness— a term so simple, yet with profound implications. What do we mean by stillness? Stillness is more than merely the absence of movement or sound. It's about finding a space of peace and tranquillity within ourselves, a mental state where we can truly reflect, listen, and tune into our inner wisdom.

The Power of Stillness

The power of stillness is often underestimated. It's not about doing nothing; instead, it’s about harnessing our energy, channelling it in a direction that serves us best. A state of calmness and clarity, stillness provides us with a canvas, where our thoughts can flow freely and ideas can materialise.

Stillness and Creativity

The Influence of Stillness on Creativity

Have you ever wondered why ideas often come to us when we're in the shower, just waking up, or in the middle of a leisurely walk? That’s the power of stillness at work. It opens up space for our subconscious to explore, innovate, and create.

Strategies for Building Stillness for Creativity

So how can you nurture stillness to boost your creativity? Simple mindfulness practices like meditation, slow breathing, and nature walks can create the stillness that can turn the key to unlock your creativity. Remember, stillness isn't about suppressing thoughts, it's about letting them flow.

Stillness and Productivity

The Role of Stillness in Enhancing Productivity

Stillness doesn't mean inaction; it means intentional action. When our mind is still and focused, we can channel our efforts towards what truly matters, enhancing our productivity. By avoiding distractions, we increase the quality and quantity of our output.

Techniques for Cultivating Stillness for Productivity

Cultivating stillness for productivity involves practices like structured work periods, digital detox, and maintaining a clean workspace. Remember the adage, "A cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind." Keep it simple and maintain focus.

Real-Life Applications of Stillness

Case Studies of Successful Use of Stillness

Many successful people attribute their achievements to the practice of stillness. They utilise mindfulness practices, meditation, and other means of cultivating stillness to spark creativity and maintain high productivity levels.

Steps to Incorporate Stillness in Your Daily Routine

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with a simple meditation routine.

2. Dedicate specific time slots for deep, focused work.

3. Include physical activities that promote stillness, like yoga or walking.

4. Regularly disconnect from digital devices.

Tips for Maintaining Consistency

Consistency is key. It's not enough to practice stillness once; it needs to become a lifestyle. Stick to your routine, keep it flexible and remember to be patient.

Conclusion

Building in stillness is an invaluable practice to maximise both your creativity and productivity. By fostering a space for tranquillity and focus, you can channel your energy effectively and reach your highest potential.

Bonus pro tip

If you’re like me and struggle to switch off, then simply doing nothing is a challenge. While it’s good to practice doing nothing, it can be a challenge. My recommendation is to try activities which create forced stillness and presence.

My favourites include:

• Jiu Jitsu

• Chess

• Rock climbing

• Kiteboarding

• Surfing

• Crossfit

You don’t have to drop everything and become a Monk. Find healthy escapes by trying contrasting activities to give you mind a chance to think about something else.

FAQs

1. What is stillness? Stillness is a state of inner peace and tranquillity, where one can reflect, listen, and tap into their inner wisdom

2. How does stillness boost creativity and productivity? Stillness allows for a free flow of thoughts, enhancing creativity. It also fosters focus and intentionality, thereby improving productivity.

3. How can I incorporate stillness into my daily routine? You can incorporate stillness through practices like meditation, deep work, and digital detox, among others.

4. Can stillness lead to inaction? No, stillness doesn't mean inaction. It rather leads to intentional and focused action, improving overall productivity.

5. What are some real-life examples of the successful use of stillness? Many successful individuals practice stillness through mindfulness practices and meditation, attributing these habits to their high levels of creativity and productivity.

If you’re feeling overhwlemed lately then this is your reminder to take some time off.

My favouite reads for expanding on this:

Stillness Is The Key by Ryan Holiday.

The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg.

Happy relaxing, any questions just shoot me a reply.

Tom Scourfield