#044 — "Mad Men" and the art of creativity
Explore how Mad Men reveals the secret to creativity and discover modern tips for sparking innovative ideas in your life and work.
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In this issue, we’re diving into the world of creativity. How can you unlock your creative potential? Inspired by the iconic series Mad Men, we’ll explore insights and tips on sparking innovation. Whether you’re familiar with Don Draper or new to his world, get ready for an exciting journey.
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GET INSPIRED
Be creative like Don Draper!
Mad Men is one of those TV series that lingers in your mind long after the final episode. Set in the 1960s and 70s, this historical drama immerses viewers in the glamorous world of New York advertising agencies, showcasing not only the creation of iconic ad campaigns but also the behind-the-scenes realities of that era – filled with alcohol, cigarettes, and scandalous office affairs. Mad Men inspired us to explore what makes certain ideas timeless and how we can nurture our own creativity, no matter what era we live in.
Through the series, we discovered the harsh truth about life in the advertising world of the time – a world where alcohol flowed freely, and women had to fight for their place in a male-dominated industry. The fictional Sterling Cooper agency, run by Don Draper, was based on real-life firms. Jane Maas, one of the most influential women in the advertising world during that era, recalls that while the show was filled with dramatic excesses, the reality of those times was even more decadent. “More sex, more drinking, more smoking,” Maas reminisced, explaining how professional life blurred with the personal in ways that are hard to imagine today.
This wild reality did not stifle creativity – if anything, it fueled it. The ad campaigns created during that time, such as those for Lucky Strike or Kodak Carousel, were not just designed to capture attention but to evoke emotions, creating narratives that bound consumers to products for life.
“Success comes from standing out, not fitting in.”
– Don Draper
But how can we unlock our own creativity to achieve big goals like the characters in the aforementioned series? Naturally, we’ll have to set aside some of the methods portrayed in Mad Men – those might not quite fit the modern era. Instead, we’ve gathered a few tried-and-true strategies for igniting creative thinking and bringing more “wow!” moments into both our professional and personal lives.
Connect with Nature
Nothing sparks creativity like taking a break from the daily grind and immersing ourselves in nature. Spending time outdoors, even if it’s just a short walk in the park, can significantly enhance our ability to generate new ideas. Research shows that connecting with nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and allows the brain to form new neural connections. Nature provides the perfect environment for mental restoration and creative thinking.
Meditation and Mindfulness
As cliché as it may sound, meditation has an extraordinary ability to influence our capacity for creative thinking. Meditation calms the mind, reduces mental clutter, and helps focus on what truly matters. By practicing meditation regularly, we can enter a deeper state of concentration that fosters innovative thinking. Many creatives, including those in the advertising world, practice meditation to better manage stress and unlock their creativity.
Physical Activity
One of the most underrated ways to boost creativity is through physical activity. Regular movement, even short walks, triggers the release of endorphins, which make us feel better and help our minds operate at higher levels. Steve Jobs was a big advocate of walking meetings for a reason. Physical activity has been linked to better performance on creativity tests. Even a brief workout can significantly improve our ability to generate new ideas.
Break the Routine
Routine is the enemy of creativity. When we fall into repetitive patterns, our brain stops working at full capacity because it becomes accustomed to performing the same tasks. To prevent this, it's essential to regularly introduce changes into our daily schedules. New experiences, even small ones, can trigger creative impulses and help us think more innovatively. If you drive the same route to work every day, try taking a different path occasionally. Open yourself up to new stimuli – this is the source of innovative ideas.
Surround Yourself with Diversity
Creativity thrives when we’re exposed to different perspectives and diverse experiences. Embracing new cultures, meeting people with different life experiences, traveling, or even conversing with individuals outside of our industry can lead to remarkable discoveries and new ideas. In today’s globalized world, we have unlimited access to various sources of inspiration – from social media to international conferences. Diversity is key to fostering creative thinking.
Train Your Brain Like a Muscle
Creativity, much like physical fitness, requires regular training. The more we train our brains, the easier it becomes to generate new ideas. It’s important to engage in diverse intellectual activities, such as reading books, solving puzzles, journaling, or experimenting with different art forms. Regular mental stimulation will keep our minds in shape and make it easier to come up with new ideas.
Embrace Failure
In the creative process, not everything will go smoothly. It’s crucial to remember that many great ideas were born after numerous failed attempts. Creativity is a process that requires time, patience, and a willingness to fail. The key is to accept that not every idea will be perfect at first – it’s important to keep trying, improving, and learning from our mistakes.
What are your favorite methods to boost creativity? Be sure to let us know! By the way, share with us your favorite creative methods.
See you next week!
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