One of my favorite books on creativity is The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. And one of the reasons why it’s a favorite is because it’s both idiosyncratic and general. Tharp is a choreographer, and her discussions of creativity are grounded in dance. I don’t dance. And the physicality of dance as a mode of creative expression is unique. Still, Tharp talks to us about creativity in a way that is accessible and compelling. It’s also a favorite because we learn about dance and that choreography is much more than just arranging people on a stage. So, through her book, as we’re learning to be creative, we’re learning about something else, too, and that’s delightful to me — because learning is essential to creativity, imagination, curiosity, and play.
As you might guess by the title of the book, for Tharp, habits are fundamental to creativity. I completely agree with this. To sustain creativity, we need to establish routines. This may sound counter to notions of creativity as being spontaneous. But routines provide the time and space for that spontaneity to occur, for that spark to happen. Routines also create the discipline to maintain a creative practice over time and the capabilities and skills essential to creative expression. For Tharp, one such routine is going to the gym every morning. As a dancer, she expresses through her body. As a choreographer, she orchestrates the expression of other dancers through their bodies. The habit of going to the gym every morning keeps her attuned to her body. Even though she’s not the one dancing, attending to her body and understanding bodies is vital to her creative work. What I like about this example is how simple it is: going to the gym daily. Sure, it requires commitment, but it’s not some esoteric ritual or some feat only an expert can do.
It’s worth thinking about what a habit would be for our creativity and then taking it up (it’s not enough to think about it). One of my habits is writing for at least 30 minutes daily, at least six days a week. I may write something different every day, but I’m still setting aside dedicated time for writing every day. Another habit is that at least once a week, I spend two hours indulging in creative expression that has nothing to do with my work. Recently, a lot of that time I’ve put towards music. The daily writing habit keeps me practiced in writing. Even when I’m not writing towards a goal, such as an essay or book, it’s worthwhile exercise and rehearsal. The weekly random creative expression habit is an opportunity for play, to make something for the sake of the enjoyment that comes from making something. That sort of play, and the curiosity it prompts, is vital. Like Tharp’s habit of going to the gym, these habits are simple, but their repetition and the practices they develop are meaningful.