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.