Unlock Your Secret Weapon: Creativity | #52

By Armaan Athwal

Today's Overview:

• Why creativity should be a non-negotiable

• Simple ways to spark creativity

• Quote of the day

Why Making Time for Creativity Matters

Last week, I talked about setting non-negotiables for yourself. Those things that are so important, so personal, that they simply can’t be compromised. It’s about setting boundaries with yourself, carving out time and energy for the things that really matter.

Non-negotiables are those must-haves in life that keep you grounded. They’re the things you refuse to leave out, no matter how busy life gets.

Today, I’m building on that idea, because there’s one non-negotiable that I think everyone should set for themselves: time to be creative.

I’m not just talking about painting or writing (though, if that’s your thing, awesome). I mean giving yourself space to think, dream, and imagine. To let your mind wander without restrictions.

Remember when we were kids? Our imaginations were off the charts. Everything seemed possible. But as we grow up, life starts to get in the way. We get bogged down by work, responsibilities, and the day-to-day grind. Creativity? It gets pushed away and out of the equation.

Making Space for Creative Breakthroughs

Here’s the thing: giving yourself time to be creative is like hitting a mental reset button. It keeps your mind young and fresh, and it helps you thrive.

For me, it’s my walks. I head outside, leave my phone behind, and just let my thoughts flow. Those walks have become one of my favorite ways to spark new ideas or simply make sense of what’s going on in my life.

You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. You just need to create a little space in your life where your brain can breathe, wander, and maybe surprise you with new thoughts or solutions.

For some, creativity comes from the simple act of reading. You dive into a book, and suddenly, your mind is buzzing with new ideas, connections, and insights that you didn’t expect.

Others might find it in journaling, where putting pen to paper helps untangle thoughts and sparks fresh perspectives.

And then there’s the power of movement, like going for a walk or a run, where stepping away from the noise of life allows your mind to roam free, often leading to that "aha" moment you’ve been searching for.

Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day or a few times a week, that time is a game-changer.

I’d argue that this isn’t a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable. It's time for you to think, dream, and get those creative juices flowing.

Because when you make space for creativity, everything else in life starts to flow a little smoother too. Maybe you come up with a great business idea that you’ve been looking for, find a solution to a problem that’s been bugging you for weeks, or even gain a fresh perspective on something in your personal life.

Quote of the Day

“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” - Pablo Picasso