Hi John,

Today I was tasked with giving a speech to about 100 people at my kids' school.

I put thought into it, considered the goals, made a plan, and it went well! Yay!

Plans can be useful because they provide a roadmap of where we're heading and offer comfort that, when we arrive, things will most likely go well.

However, when it comes to making art, adhering too tightly to plans can stifle creativity and prevent us from discovering our best ideas.

If you find this happening, remind yourself to:

• Stay open to the unexpected
• Pivot and move in new directions
• Leave space for spontaneity
• Allow new ideas to emerge
• don't overthink your choices
• Believe that your potential is unlimited

This approach can lead to more authentic and creative results.

Did you catch the quote up there from Bruce Lee?

Although Lee may be best known as a martial artist, he was also a polymath, philosopher, and avid journaler. He was known for carrying a notebook where he would jot down wisdom and musings. (Take note, carry a journal!) There's so much goodness in his writing, and I'll leave you again with this nugget:

To say it another way:

Instead of adhering to a firm plan, if we want to feel more creative...

...it's important to trust the process and embrace surrender over control.

Next time you make art, notice if you're holding too tight to a plan, and see where you can let go.

Show me the process,

P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are 4 creative ways TinkerLab can inspire and support your creativity journey:

1. Engage your creative child with art in TinkerLab Schoolhouse ($10/mo)
2. Bring creativity to your classroom with Art Around the Year ($99)
3. Explore your creative potential by downloading the May Sketchbook Challenge (free)
4. Break through artist blocks with Art Prompt Cards that spark creativity and inspiration (free)