28 Creativity is iterative
Person writing on white paper by UX Indonesia, Unsplash, is licensed under the Unsplash License.
The creative process doesn’t end after one cycle through the six steps below. It is an iterative process that repeats as many times as required.
When you get to the step where you assess the success of the implementation of your innovation, unless you have executed it perfectly, you will need to start the process again to explore the new situation and new challenges, then generating new ideas for addressing the new challenges or solving the problems.
When a setback or unexpected obstacle arises, this is the best time to start the process from the exploring step to apply the process to overcome the setback or obstacle.
Watch this video presentation created by Alex Hayvren, James Fischer and Mitchell Oucharek about the iterative process of creativity in overcoming setbacks.
Watch this video presentation about the value of sharing ideas and innovations so we can build upon them.
I have learned to work through the steps of the creative process in repeating cycles in an efficient way. It has become so automatic to me that I hardly notice that I am repeating the process.
How often do you repeat this cycle in your creative work?
Writing is a great example of how the creative process is repeated several times. Whether you are writing prose, poetry, stories or music, you can’t expect yourself to write something perfectly the first time. Even professional writers go through many iterations of their work before they feel it is publishable. The trick is to improve the writing on each rewrite.
How many times do you rewrite an important document?
Not everyone seems to agree with this principle. I have observed people that work through one cycle of the creative process and consider their project finished. They may judge their work as either a success or a failure but they never go back to the project. What are the hazards of this method?
What prevents you from repeating the creative process when it could continue to help you be successful?
Challenge:
When you come up against a setback or obstacle in your work, keep working through the creative process and repeat it as often as required to be successful. Share your experiences with a friend and ask them how they do this.
How do you know when it is not worthwhile to continue going through the creative process?
Devote yourself to an idea. Go make it happen. Struggle on it. Overcome your fears. Smile. Don’t you forget: this is your dream. — Unknown.
Further Readings/Viewings
