In this article it is demonstrated through neuroscience that we are able to embrace paradoxes related to cognitive and emotional, deliberate and spontaneous and other seemingly contradictory modes that actually can make us more productive and enhance fulfillment when we exercise our creative self. The article is entitled “Ten Habits of Highly Creative People” from the Greater Good at the University of California at Berkeley.
Creativity is something we see in children and often as adults we see our roles as not being creatively oriented. However, science demonstrates that we are wired to create.
“The key is recognizing that creativity is multifaceted—on the level of the brain, personality, and the creative process—and can be displayed in many different ways, from the deeply personal experience of uncovering a new idea or experience to expressing ourselves through words, photos, fashion, and other everyday creations, to the work of renowned artists that transcends the ages.”
When we generate new ideas this actually helps to motivate us as well. Flying back from a presentation I sat next to and spoke to a tax accountant from a big four accounting firm that is planning on starting 80 hour week this week for the next 10 weeks. I said to him with those kinds of hours how can you do it? He said he has been doing this now for six years and working for one of the best places to work in America. They do a number of things to relieve stress. I asked him like what?
He asked me if I knew what a minute to win it was? I had to think for a second and then I indicated, that yes, I did. These are fun competitive games where you compete with others for one minute regarding various tasks. He said, as a team they brainstorm things like this to break up the tension of long hours and crazy number crunching. The key is to have the team generate their own ideas.
He said his boss on his own dime brings in a masseuse and everyone gets 20 minutes of a nice massage at some point during the 10 weeks.
They also each have “one sacred activity” each week. For example it might be having supper with your family on Tuesday night for one party or going to the gym on Saturday morning for another person. Having “one sacred activity” is another way to break the time pressures.
Some compete with each other for 10,000 steps a day.
They also have healthful snacks daily like cut up fruit, blue berries, cherries, strawberries, celery, carrot sticks, smoked salmon, herring and some dark chocolate. These types of foods with natural omega threes and good antioxidants promote not only physical health but mental health and wellness according to neuroscience.
In my book “The Servant Manager: 203 tips from the best places to work in America” I offer a number of ideas for reducing stress. There is an entire chapter with 15 tips related to “Balancing Your Life” and working to ensure physical, mental and spiritual health. Make sure to look out for your own health first.
By promoting creativity and a healthy positive work environment it is possible to not only survive, but thrive during the stressful tax season for tax accountants.