Bejan Douraghy: 5 Ways To Find Creative Balance

Blogpost by Bejan Douraghy.  He is the founder of Artisan Talent, an award-winning staffing agency matching digital, creative, and marketing talent with success since 1988. Artisan places talent nationwide and has offices in Chicago, New York City, Indianapolis, and Denver.

 

Finding the right creative balance is something that almost every professional struggles with at some point in their lives. If this is something you’re dealing with, you might find these four tips helpful — I’ve found these solutions to be effective for me through the years.

Be In The Moment

Sometimes a little distraction throughout the day can boost your levels of creativity. Don’t get so buried in your work that you miss out on the sparks of inspiration all around you. I like to carve out time to connect with team members, take in the view, or stroll around the block. These are simple activities that can work wonders for your state of mind.

If you’re short on time, just two minutes of meditation or three deep breaths can help you get back in the moment. Not only will you return to your work feeling rejuvenated, but you’ll also have a whole new outlook.

Challenge Yourself

Getting stuck in a rut is a real thing! Whenever I start to feel like I’m hitting a creative wall, I know it’s time to step out of my comfort zone. According to Thrive Global, companies like Google encourage their employees to spend 20% of their time exploring new experiences — I love this idea!

Since I’m the outdoorsy type, I usually go for something like scuba diving, skiing, or kiteboarding — but learning Spanish is on my to do list as well. No matter what new thing you decide to do, make sure it’s a nice change of pace from your normal day-to-day. Be spontaneous, let loose, and have fun.

Channel Your Energy 

Once you feel refreshed by your new experience, it’s important to channel that energy. Creative fields move fast, and if your schedule is demanding, it’s helpful to have a go-to activity that helps you collect your thoughts. Mine is Wing Chun, a concept-based form of martial arts that I’ve been practicing for almost 30 years. It keeps me grounded, increases my focus, and clears my mind so I can welcome new ideas.

Travel

Exploring new places opens up a world of possibilities! It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, so make the effort to schedule a few trips each year. This is very important. My creative outlet on my travels is to photograph the people (and animals!) I meet throughout my journey. Today, those images fill my office with tons of energy and inspiration. Want to see what I’ve seen? Check out my Instagram.

Seriously, Go Somewhere New

You don’t have to travel to Egypt to reap the benefits of a new city. According to Forbes, travel encourages you to expand your views and push yourself to grow in new ways. You can drive just a few miles and get lost in the world around you.

A Glassdoor study found only one in four American employees uses all of their paid time off. Don’t let that be you — here are just a few reasons you should use yours:

  • Increased positive attitude toward work
  • Improved happiness
  • Better mental and physical health
  • Improved relationships

When it comes to finding your creative balance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, these are a few starters that can help you find what works in your life.

Just remember that it’s all about connecting with what inspires you – and applying that to your career.

How do you find your balance? I’d love to know! Tweet me some suggestions: @ArtisanBejan