Welcome to a new era of creativity with our series of regular excerpts from Creativity Unleashed (Available at Amazon in eBook and soft cover). We’re entering a new era where creativity is no longer optional — it’s essential. For Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, creativity is the defining skill for building meaningful, resilient careers. For organizations, investing in creative talent isn’t just a competitive advantage; it’s the key to adaptability and growth in an uncertain future. Jack Myers’ new 350-page how-to book Creativity Unleashed: How AI Can Supercharge Your Ideas is your invitation to tap into your creative potential, whether you’re in business, science, art, or activism. By combining human ingenuity with AI, you can overcome limitations, inspire others, and contribute to a brighter future. Creativity isn’t just personal — it’s collective. It’s how we solve problems, connect communities, and inspire hope. Let’s begin.
Everyday Creativity – Innovating in Small Moments ©Jack Myers
Big Dreams, Small Steps – Creativity Lives in the Little Things
Excerpted from Chapter 4: Redefining Creativity – Beyond the Arts to Everyday Innovation
When we think of creativity, it’s easy to imagine grand projects, masterpieces, or big ideas that take the world by storm. But here’s the secret sauce: creativity isn’t just for the big stuff; it thrives in the small, everyday moments. It’s in the way you make your morning routine run smoothly, or how you rearrange your space to feel a little more “you.” These tiny acts of creativity add up, shaping a life that’s not only more efficient but also more fulfilling.
In this section, we’re going to zoom in on those “small stuff” moments where creativity sneaks into our lives. Whether it’s organizing a cluttered drawer or figuring out a new hack for getting out the door on time, these little innovations help us bring a sense of intention and fun to our days. So, grab your imagination and let’s dive into ways you can start sprinkling a little more creativity into your everyday!
Exercise #1: Embrace the 1% Rule: Pick one area of your life that feels a little messy or in need of a refresh — maybe it’s your desk, your closet, or your morning routine. Ask yourself, what’s one thing I can do to improve this by just 1%? It could be as simple as moving your keys to a hook by the door or organizing your to-do list.
Do this regularly, and you’ll be amazed at how much more intentional your space or routine will feel.
Exercise #2: The MacGyver Method, Everyday Edition: Choose one daily task that feels like a time-drain (maybe it’s finding things in the fridge or dealing with a mountain of emails). Now, see if you can come up with a small “MacGyver” solution that could save you time. Need ideas? Try using an egg carton in the fridge to hold condiments or setting a timer for focused 10-minute email sessions.
These small hacks will give you back minutes each day, and that extra time adds up!
Exercise #3: A 5-Minute Makeover: Set a timer for 5 minutes and choose a small area to refresh (your desk, your bedside table, or even your kitchen counter). Rearrange items, add something you love–a photo, a small plant, or a favorite book — and remove anything that feels like clutter.
You’d be surprised at how much a quick “5-Minute Makeover” can boost your mood and make you feel more creative in your own space.
Exercise #4: “Creativity in the Ordinary” Log: Start a “Creativity in the Ordinary” log, where you write down one small act of creativity each day. Maybe it’s finding a shortcut on your commute, trying a new recipe, or organizing your books by color.
By keeping track, you’ll start to see just how much creativity you’re bringing into your life — even in the little things.
Real-World Inspiration: Everyday Innovators Who Nailed the Small Stuff
Need a little inspiration? Here are a few people who have turned everyday problems into creative solutions:
Marie Kondo’s Spark of Joy: Marie Kondo’s tidying method isn’t just about getting rid of clutter; it’s about creating a space that makes you happy. Her approach transformed the way people look at organization, making it an artful, joyful process. What small area in your life could you “Kondo” to bring a little extra happiness?
Ben Franklin’s “Two Cents” Hack: Ben Franklin was known for keeping things simple. He had a habit of writing down little tweaks he could make to improve his day-to-day routines. His secret? Just a penny’s worth of improvement each day. Franklin’s small acts of creativity helped him develop habits that made his life easier and more fulfilling — proof that small innovations really do add up.
So, let’s go out there and make the small stuff count. With a dash of creativity, you can turn even the ordinary into something extraordinary!
