The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp

Summary

In 'The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life,' renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp shares practical insights on cultivating creativity as a daily discipline. Blending personal anecdotes with actionable exercises, she argues that creativity isn't just a gift, but a skill that can be honed through routine and perseverance. The book provides readers with tools to overcome blocks, develop rituals, and nurture their own creative process. Tharp's candid advice is accessible for artists and non-artists alike, making the book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to infuse their life with creative thinking.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Creativity is a habit, not an innate talent—consistency and discipline are crucial to unlocking it.

2. Rituals and routines are powerful tools to jumpstart and structure your creative process.

3. Embracing failure and learning from missteps are essential parts of any creative journey.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2003

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 93

Practical Examples

1. The 'White Room' Ritual

   Tharp describes her morning ritual of heading to the gym as a signal to start her creative day. This routine helps her transition into a mindset primed for creativity and discipline. She emphasizes that establishing a personal ritual creates momentum and fosters consistency, which is essential for productive creative work.

2. The Creative Box

   Tharp recommends keeping a physical box for every new project, where she collects notes, sketches, articles, and inspirations. This 'box' becomes a tangible repository of ideas and resources, helping organize thoughts and maintain focus. It's a practical way to materialize abstract concepts and track the evolution of a creative endeavor.

3. Scratching for Ideas

   Instead of waiting for inspiration, Tharp actively 'scratches' by reading, listening to music, or observing the world around her. She suggests that seeking out stimuli and exploring unrelated fields can spark new connections. This method encourages proactive engagement with the creative process rather than relying on passive inspiration.

4. Dealing with Failure

   Tharp shares stories of her own professional setbacks and teaches the importance of embracing failure as an opportunity for growth. She suggests analyzing what went wrong, reframing mistakes as lessons, and moving forward with renewed determination. Her practical advice encourages resilience and adaptability in creative pursuits.

5. Using Constraints to Fuel Creativity

   Tharp illustrates how setting limitations—such as time, materials, or themes—can actually foster greater creative breakthroughs. By working within boundaries, individuals are forced to innovate and find unique solutions. Instead of seeing constraints as obstacles, she advocates reframing them as tools for inspiration.

6. Writing a Second-After List

   When stuck, Tharp recommends writing down the very next thing that comes to mind, no matter how trivial. This simple exercise can clear creative block and get thoughts flowing. The practice works to bypass overthinking and engages the mind in spontaneous creation.

7. Chain-of-Command List

   Tharp suggests mapping out a 'chain-of-command' for each project—listing everyone involved and their roles. This organizational technique clarifies responsibilities and helps manage collaborative projects efficiently. It teaches the importance of structure in supporting creative freedom.

8. Creative Autobiography

   Tharp advocates writing a short autobiography focused specifically on creative moments in your life. This reflection helps individuals recognize personal patterns and sources of inspiration. The exercise nurtures self-awareness and provides a blueprint for future creative growth.