Creativity and productivity are not mutually exclusive.

A favorite book of mine from last year was written by one of the founders of Pixar, Ed Catmull. “Creativity Inc.” describes the rise of Pixar from a startup company founded on the outrageous idea that computers could be used to make animated films, into the creative force that produced blockbuster hits like “Toy Story”, “Cars”, “Monsters Inc.” and “Up”.

One of the major themes throughout the book is that creativity fuels innovation more effectively than focusing on production alone. When we give our brains the space to think creatively, it can help us develop solutions in totally separate areas.

Because I’d hate for all the lessons in that great book to go to waste (and because I had a hankering to write some haikus) here are seven haikus to celebrate the arrival of spring. 

Grow

Grass is green again

No more white stuff on the ground

My lawnmower waits

Feast

Rain turns dirt to mud

Worms slide across my driveway

It’s a bird buffet

Jacket

Temperatures climb

It’s not freezing anymore

Goodbye winter coat

Weber

Start ignition light

Flames rise beneath metal grates

Burgers. Ribs. Steak. Yum!

Aloe

 Gorgeous day outside

Wear the least clothes possible

First sunburn this year

Retreat

 Flowers start to bloom

Stretching from their winter sleep

Oh no! It’s snow. Retreat.

Tissues

Fresh Air. Breathe it in.

Pollen floats. Sniffle. Sneeze. Sneeze.

Time to take Zyrtec

All right. I’m no T.S. Elliot but it’s fun to try for a day. It also feels strangely energizing.

The next time you need to be really productive, try writing a couple of haikus, painting on a canvas, or even making up your own song (depending on your musical talent, you might want to keep the performance to the shower). Giving yourself permission to be creative in one area might have added benefits in others.