Bring Your Creative DNA to Life

using your values in life and creativity

Now we know that our Creative DNA is a blend of our values and themes. We see how we have lived our Creative DNA when we look over our Adventure Resume. 

Go back to your Adventure Resume with your list of values. Make note of the values you were honoring with each adventure. What patterns are emerging? 

We can also use our Creative DNA as a guide for our creative work. Here's how. 

Sometimes we don't know which project to focus on. So many ideas! Which is the 'right' one? 

I never use 'right' or 'best' to decide, because that's impossible to discern according to those superlatives. Instead, I see which project brings more values to life for me. 

I also want to do projects that honor my overall focus for the year. My focus and projects always reflect my Creative DNA and what I want to achieve in the world. 

Use your Creative DNA to make decisions

When faced with decisions about which projects to commit to, ask these questions. 

• Which values are you honoring when you choose this project? 

• What values will you be expressing daily when you spend time with your project?

• How does your project give you an outlet to express more than one of your values? 

Use your Creative DNA to get out of a rut

Sometimes we get stuck or forget why we are committed to something. If you get stuck or sidelined because of fear, revisit your Creative DNA. Ask these questions. 

• Which values connect you with why you must do this project? 

• What value helps you stay with the work when you want to give up? 

• What does it feel like to live your values through your creative project? 

For example, throughout the twelve years it took to write my novel, many times I wanted to ditch it. 

Instead, I used my value of curiosity to pull me through. 

I was more curious about what would happen both in the novel and when the novel came out than I was daunted by the writing. 

Dig deep and call on your essence to help you with your creative projects. Sometimes, our values are not being as honored as we’d like. This is when we feel ‘off’, dissatisfied, or a lack of purpose.

Look at a value that feels like it’s not getting its due. Assign a number reflecting your satisfaction. On a scale of 1 - 10, 10 being most satisfied, how do you feel about that value in your life now? Say your value of play is at a 5. What would have to happen for it to bump to a 6? Identify one small thing that would make a difference and commit to that happening this week. 

Our values can be our secret ally to help us stay with - and enjoy our projects. 

Take a moment to consider how you will use your Creative DNA to honor your creative commitments.

Affirmation: Knowing my values infuses my life and creativity with meaning. 

How do you see your values at play in your life now? Which value is not being honored as fully as you’d like? What would have to change to honor it at one or two levels higher?