Certificate of Creativity

Creative behavior currently occupies a small place in the daily record.

The record reflects that when a drawer sticks, you take the nearest screwdriver, tighten the runner, and close it, in 4 of 4 recorded instances. The bearer's remark, 'It shuts. Fine.', was noted, and no second method was attempted.

Additionally noted: plans advance in a straight line, and time goes to the task itself. It is further noted that, with few alternatives prepared in advance, a change of plan has to be made on short notice.

It is recommended that the bearer try one unfamiliar method on one routine task this week and compare the outcome with the usual one.

Ideas are on file in volume, and most remain at the private stage.

It was found that while a pot of pasta comes to a boil, you work out two alternative layouts for the kitchen shelves, on 9 evenings out of 10. The bearer's note on file reads: 'Maybe someday.' No measurements were taken.

Attention is directed to the fact that an idea kept private receives no outside reaction, so each one is judged solely by the person who had it. The supply of alternatives itself is maintained at no cost.

It is recommended that the bearer select one idea from the current stock and carry it to a finished state, however small.

Personal projects are begun and carried to completion on a regular basis.

In the period noted, a birdhouse, two scarves, and a short story were completed within 11 days of starting, each in a finished state. All four were shown at the kitchen table to the same household. The bearer's comment, 'Done. Take a look.', was entered for each item.

A repeatable habit of turning ideas into objects is on record. Its consequence is that finished items accumulate on shelves and in drawers, and their audience stays the same few people, so reactions from further away do not reach you on their own.

Recommended: Show one finished item to someone outside the usual circle at the next opportunity.

Finished work is shared as a matter of course and sometimes travels further.

It was documented that after finishing a mosaic tray, you sent a photo to 12 friends and relatives within the hour. One acquaintance's neighbor asked to borrow the design by that evening. 'Take it,' the bearer replied, and the reply was entered as given.

Note: Putting work in front of others carries an exposure that keeping it private does not, and each new showing renews it. Reactions vary in tone and arrive on their own schedule.

Recommended: Keep a short list of replies received, so that useful reactions can be found again.

Creative output is taken up repeatedly by people well outside the bearer's circle.

The record shows that a short film screened to 40 strangers drew requests for the next one from 3 unrelated organizers within 2 weeks. When you were asked about it, the reply entered was: 'The next one is already in progress.' No date was given.

Note: Sustaining this pattern requires the cycle of finishing and showing to be run again, and each completed piece is followed at once by the next request. The hours left over after outside expectations are met are fewer.

It is recommended that the bearer reserve a fixed block of time for projects that nobody is waiting for.