Last time we introduced creative tension. (You can read about it here). Creative tension is the unresolved difference between the reality we’d like to see and the reality that is present now.
Creative tension can be resolved either by burying our dreams or by working to change reality to match what we envision. We can use creative tension to move us forward by being committed to our dreams and goals and by being committed to the truth of current reality. This way we don’t release the tension by lying to ourselves and declaring current reality is what we envisioned. And we don’t release the tension by giving up on our dreams.
Rubber Bands
Imagine that creative tension is a rubber band stretched between current reality and the reality we want to see. The extended rubber band is a good visual of creative tension.
There’s another part to creative tension, though, that works against all of this. There’s another rubber band. And this rubber band is pulling us back. This rubber band is basically FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt).
When we work to create something new in our life, fears of many kinds suddenly emerge. We find ourselves afraid of failure, of looking foolish, and of disapproval. We stare at uncertainty and suddenly we don’t feel safe. We start to doubt ourselves. We wonder if we’re capable, and even deeper, we wonder if we’re worthy of the life we want.
Overcoming Pull Back
There are a couple ways to deal with this. The first is to pull tighter on the rubber band moving us forward. We find people to hold us accountable. We make promises. Or we set up consequences for failing to meet our goals such as putting money on the line, among other things.
A second way is to release the tension on the rubber band holding us back. We can release this tension by taking small steps. This effectively shrinks the change we’re making into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Taking smaller steps can also lower the risks from all the uncertainty. For example, if we always wanted to start a business, we can start one on the side rather than quitting our job and going “all in.”
We can build up positive reference experiences along the way gaining confidence. This might involve setting up safe places to practice and learn. For example, toastmasters might be a good place to learn public speaking before we need to “pitch” our new idea somewhere.
We can also change how we think about our activity and take some of the pressure off of having to be perfect. Some options for changing our thinking are presented in an earlier blog entry here.
To effectively use creative tension, we need to do something about that “rubber band” holding us back. We can push harder on our forward motion to overcome it’s backward force, or we can reduce the force of that “rubber band.” We might consider doing a bit of both.
What about you? What is the creative tension in you life?
