Why Continuing to Create is Essential for Staying Connected to Your Passion and Avoiding Burnout
As creative leaders, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves drifting away from the tools we once loved and instead focusing more on managing others or running a business. While it’s essential to be strategic and oversee the team’s direction, it’s equally important not to lose sight of the personal creative discipline that brought us here in the first place.
Maintaining a personal creative discipline keeps us connected to the craft we love, reminds us why we started in the first place, and can prevent burnout from overwork and the constant demands of leadership. Additionally, it sets an example for the team, showing them that even as leaders, we still prioritize our craft and take the time to hone our skills.
Practicing our craft also allows us to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry, explore new techniques and technologies, and innovate within our roles. It’s essential to keep pushing ourselves creatively to avoid feeling stagnant or resentful of our positions.
So, whether it’s setting aside time to work on personal projects, attending workshops, or even just experimenting with new techniques during downtime, maintaining a personal creative discipline is crucial for creative leaders to stay connected to their craft and continue to inspire their teams.
As an artist and a creative leader, I understand the importance of maintaining a personal creative discipline. That is why even after nearly 30 years of experience, I still paint, sculpt, photograph, and experiment with creativity and technology. It helps me keep the creative spark alive, prove to myself that I still have what it takes, and keep in touch with what I love. It also helps me reduce resentment and prevent burnout, as I continue to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of my creative abilities. It is this passion for creativity that has led me to venture into new areas such as starting up a coffee brand and a men’s clothing brand, as I believe that once an artist, always an artist.