Introduction

“The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life” by Twyla Tharp is an insightful guide that aims to debunk the myth that creativity is an elusive, almost mystical quality that a selected few possess. Instead, Tharp, a renowned choreographer, argues that creativity is more like a habit or a skill that can be cultivated and refined. She provides readers with a structured approach to nurturing their creativity, drawn from her extensive experience in the world of dance and beyond. The book is filled with practical exercises, personal anecdotes, and concrete examples to help readers enhance their creative capabilities.

1. Establishing a Creative Routine

Major Point

Creating a structured routine is crucial for fostering creativity. Tharp emphasizes that having a predictable and consistent routine helps in freeing the mind to focus on creative tasks rather than logistical details.

Concrete Example

Tharp herself starts her day with a rigorous routine: she wakes up at 5:30 AM, puts on her workout clothes, and heads to the gym. This ritual sets the tone for her day and underscores her commitment to her craft.

Action Step

Identify a daily routine that you can stick to, starting first thing in the morning. This could include simple activities like a 30-minute jog, meditation, or journaling. The key is consistency, which helps in conditioning the mind for creative work.

2. Building a Creative Environment

Major Point

The environment in which you work can significantly influence your creative output. An organized, inspiring workspace can enhance creativity, while a cluttered, chaotic space can hinder it.

Concrete Example

Tharp describes her preference for working in a clean, minimalist studio. She positions her workspace to avoid distractions and keep her mind focused on the task at hand.

Action Step

Dedicate a specific area in your home or office as your creative sanctuary. Keep it organized and filled with elements that inspire you – be it art, good lighting, or meaningful objects. Regularly declutter this space to maintain its conducive nature for creativity.

3. Harnessing Muscle Memory

Major Point

Muscle memory, or the process of embedding a skill so deeply in your muscle memory that you can perform it seamlessly, can also apply to mental and creative exercises.

Concrete Example

Tharp’s extensive training as a dancer means that many of her movements are second nature, allowing her to concentrate on the creative aspects of her choreography rather than the technical execution.

Action Step

Practice your craft regularly until certain elements become second nature. This could mean daily writing exercises, sketching, or practicing an instrument. The key is repetition and consistency.

4. Overcoming Creative Blocks

Major Point

Creative blocks are a natural part of the creative process. Tharp suggests that the key to overcoming them is not to avoid them but to face them head-on and work through them.

Concrete Example

Tharp shares a story of struggling with a piece of choreography. Instead of giving up, she returned to the basics of movement and experimented with different approaches until she found a breakthrough.

Action Step

When you encounter a creative block, switch to working on a different task or break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts. Experiment with different angles or techniques to find a new perspective.

5. The Importance of Skill Development

Major Point

While creativity is important, it is equally crucial to hone the technical skills related to your craft. Mastery of fundamental skills provides a necessary foundation upon which creativity can flourish.

Concrete Example

Tharp underwent rigorous classical ballet training to master the technical foundation of her craft, which later allowed her to innovate and create new dance forms.

Action Step

Identify the core skills required for your creative discipline and commit to regular practice and improvement. This could include taking courses, seeking mentorship, or dedicating time each day to skill development.

6. Embracing Failure

Major Point

Failure is an inevitable part of the creative journey and can often lead to the most significant breakthroughs. Tharp suggests viewing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.

Concrete Example

Tharp recounts several projects that initially failed but eventually led to better ideas and successful outcomes by reassessing what went wrong and what could be improved.

Action Step

Whenever you encounter failure, take time to analyze what went wrong and what can be learned from the experience. Document these lessons to avoid repeating the same mistakes in future projects.

7. The Role of Memory

Major Point

Memory plays a pivotal role in creativity. There are different types of memory – muscle, spatial, and abstract – all of which can be harnessed to boost creative endeavors.

Concrete Example

Tharp uses the example of memorizing choreography. Each repetition embeds the sequence into her muscle memory, freeing her mind to focus on the performance’s emotional and artistic aspects.

Action Step

Develop memory-enhancing techniques such as visualization, repetition, and association. Apply these techniques to your creative practice to retain and build upon previous learnings and ideas.

8. Combining Routine and Spontaneity

Major Point

Balancing routine with periods of spontaneity can lead to enhanced creative output. While routines provide structure, spontaneity introduces new, unexpected elements that can spark creativity.

Concrete Example

Tharp’s daily schedule is highly regimented, but she allows for periods of improvisation and creative play within that structure, which often leads to new ideas and breakthroughs.

Action Step

Create a daily schedule that includes time for structured work and unstructured creativity. Use techniques like brainstorming or free writing during these unstructured times to generate new ideas.

9. The Creative DNA

Major Point

Each person has their unique “creative DNA,” an inherent style or way of approaching creative tasks that can be understood and developed.

Concrete Example

Tharp categorizes different creative types, such as strategists, mentors, and fixers, and explains how understanding your type can help in leveraging your strengths and addressing weaknesses.

Action Step

Reflect on your creative habits and identify your unique style. Use this understanding to tailor your approach to creative tasks, playing to your strengths while actively working on areas of improvement.

10. The Box Technique

Major Point

Tharp introduces “The Box” technique, where she starts a project by collecting all materials – notes, books, clippings – into one physical box. This helps in organizing thoughts and resources.

Concrete Example

For each choreographic piece, Tharp assembles a box containing everything related to that project. This method helps her to stay organized and have all necessary materials in one place.

Action Step

Create a physical or digital “box” for your projects. Gather all relevant materials and ideas into this box at the beginning of a project. This can help in staying organized and making connections between different resources.

Conclusion

“The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp is a comprehensive guide that demystifies creativity by breaking it down into actionable steps and routines. By establishing a structured environment, embracing failure, honing technical skills, and understanding one’s creative DNA, anyone can develop the habit of creativity. The book’s blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and concrete examples makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their creative abilities in any field. By following Tharp’s guidance and engaging in the exercises she proposes, readers can cultivate their creative practice and apply it successfully in their professional and personal lives.