Creative tension is essentially a structure that helps to facilitate creativity and change.

I advocate using creative tension to motivate yourself to build the life and the business you desire.

Let me explain: you create a measure of discomfort when you clearly articulate your vision and compare your vison to your current reality. When you do this, the gap between your vision and your current reality becomes apparent. This gap creates an emotional and energetic tension that seeks to be resolved. We call this discomfort creative tension. And, though it can be uncomfortable, it is worth seeking out.

In my book, I go into detail about the value of creating tension between what you want and what you have. When you are clear and detailed about the gap between these two, you will be motivated to remove the tension. Your motivation to reduce your discomfort will result in the energy to find a creative solution to the disconnect.

Recognizing the gap between what you have, your current reality, and what you want, your vision, can be very uncomfortable.  The key to using this discomfort creatively is to resist the temptation to lower your vision. When you reduce the tension by lowering your vision, you reduce your motivation to get creative.

If you want to successfully create and use creative tension, focus on the following three things:

Develop your vision in as much detail as you can.

This may be a vision for your business or a vison for your life, or both.  Don’t begin another year wandering aimlessly through your life.  Think about what you want even if it seems impossible.

Know precisely and honestly the details of your current reality.

You vision may seem impossible but is it really?  How do you know?  Without a clear picture of your current reality: your actual financial reality, an honest inventory of your skills and abilities and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities your life demands, you can not fully comprehend the gap between what you have and what you want.

Develop a strategy to close the gap.

Once you have clarified both what you want and what you have, you will have created tension.  Use your understanding of the facts, however disappointing, to create a plan to change.  Don’t avoid the discomfort you feel when you recognize the gap. Change!

Right now, as this year of 2018 comes to a close, is an excellent time to renew your vision. Detail your current realty and begin to explore a new strategy for making 2019 your best year yet.

As always, I can help. Tools to help you develop and analyze your vision, current reality and your goals, as well help developing a strategy for success are all available in my book.

Photo by Aditya Wardhana on Unsplash