11 Books to Inspire and Manage Your Creativity
Improve your problem-solving and decision-making with creativity
Happy New Year! With AI growing more present in our daily lives, along with increased competition, creativity is a talent and skill that will set you apart and propel you to your New Year’s Resolutions and goals.
Continuing to develop and use your creative abilities keeps you competitive and relevant. There are many ways to be creative, and not all of them end up with paint on a canvas or words on a page. Using creative approaches to solve problems, in addition to the usual analysis people do, offers more and better solutions.
I used to think creativity was limited to artists and writers. But I know creativity played a part when I reflect on how I helped a business grow as an employee, how I’ve helped clients succeed, and what I’ve made happen in my own business.
Any time you use your creative resources from innate talents and tap into teams and networks, you can extend your problem-solving abilities and generate more potential solutions. Whether this is to grow your own business or to outpace your competition, developing your creativity is a key to growth.
In 2024, I want to use more of my innate creativity and develop it further. My big resolution is to finish a historical manuscript so I can search for an agent and seek to publish it.
Books are my first choice when I feel stuck or inspired to learn about a topic. With creativity in mind, I researched the most popular books on this topic. I’ve read some of these; some are still on my reading list, and some I’ve ordered.
Have you resolved to quit your day job? Here’s a book that may help jumpstart your business. This book explores how to turn your creative talents into a successful business, offering practical advice and strategies for creative entrepreneurs. "The Creative's Guide to Starting a Business: How to turn your talent into a career" by Harriet Kelsall.
Elizabeth Gilbert’s book "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" inspires anyone on a creative path. Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of "Eat, Pray, Love," encourages readers to embrace their creativity, overcome fear, and lead a more creative life. A New York Times bestseller, the Amazon description suggests that ‘Big Magic’ cracks open a world of wonder and joy.
On nearly every list of creative books, you will find “The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity" by Julia Cameron. This classic book provides a 12-week program to help unlock your creative potential through writing and other innovative practices.
Because it’s the beginning of the year and a great time to start a journal practice, I’m offering three monthly classes for paid subscribers beginning in February over Zoom using “The Artist’s Way.” There are twelve weeks of inspiring lessons and practices to develop your creativity. More details next week.
After that, I’ll continue to offer monthly Zoom sessions for paid subscribers. Only $7/month for a monthly group call with me over Zoom to boost your creativity. I’ll also share the latest things I’m learning about manifesting the life you want.“Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative" by Austin Kleon. The author offers advice and inspiration on how to be more creative by borrowing from others, embracing influences, and finding “your unique voice.”
"Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" by Tom Kelley and David Kelley. The authors from the award-winning design firm IDEO explore how to cultivate creativity and build confidence in your creative abilities.
“The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield. This book discusses creative individuals' internal struggles and obstacles and offers strategies for overcoming resistance and finding inspiration. It’s finding its way into the classic collection.
"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck. While not specifically a creativity book, Carol Dweck's work on mindset can help shift your thinking to embrace challenges and see failure as a stepping stone to creativity.
“Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace. Ed Catmull, one of the co-founders of Pixar, shares insights into the creative process at Pixar and how to foster creativity within an organization. I’m listening to the audio version, and he discusses working with Steve Jobs and how Pixar was formed.
“The Laws of Simplicity” by John Maeda. Finding the right balance between simplicity and complexity is a skill that can take years to understand. The author shares ten laws of simple design to enhance creativity, simplify design, and improve businesses to find that balance.
“The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life” by Twyla Tharp. You’ll find 32 exercises in the book to keep the ideas flowing. Her key to success is to make creativity a habit.
Doodling is in! “The Doodle Revolution: Unlock the Power to Think Differently” by Sunni Brown. I just ordered this one. Who doesn’t love to doodle? Some of the world’s brightest minds were doodlers. When you take up a doodling habit, you’ll be in good company with Einstein, Marie Curie, JFK, and Henry Ford.
These books cover a range of perspectives on creativity, from practical tips to the psychology behind creative thinking and managing creativity, and can be valuable resources for anyone looking to boost their talents.
What are your favorite books on creativity? Post in the comment box below.
This is such a good list. I just bought Big Magic and will begin reading it soon!