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I just spent three days under the needle, working on a large arm tattoo. And while I feel like I got hit by a truck full of violent hornets, I’m left with a truly unique piece of artwork forever calling my arm home.

The whole ordeal definitely had me reflecting on art and creativity, and how essential that all is to our very humanness. There’s something powerful about being immersed in a creative process, whether you’re the artist, or in my case, the canvas! It pulls you out of autopilot and into presence. Into meaning. Into yourself.

In a world built on productivity, efficiency, and predictable outcomes, art reminds us to slow down, to feel, and to express.

This week, we're diving into why creativity isn’t just a luxury, it's a lifeline.

What’s inside:

• Why your soul craves creative outlets

• How do we really value creativity

• A mindset shift to help you reclaim your creative identity

• Tools to awaken your inner artist

• A challenge to bring more beauty into your week

Main Idea

Creativity isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Modern work has stripped creativity out of the equation. Jobs prioritize productivity over play, analysis over artistry. And when you spend most of your life inside a system like that, you can forget what it feels like to be human.

Art is rebellion. It’s healing. It’s connection. It’s what makes life feel like life.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected or dull, it might not be burnout; it might be creative starvation.

Creativity doesn’t mean quitting your office job to be a starving artist. You don’t need to paint the next Mona Lisa or write the next Great Gatsby. But finding any creative outlet that aligns with you is key. Artistic expression in all its many forms can breathe new life into your current work routine.

Try:

• Picking up a paintbrush, even if you think you suck

• Writing something you never intend to publish

• Building a playlist that soundtracks your current mood

• Visiting a museum, sketchbook in hand

• Taking photos of things just because they’re beautiful

Even if you think you’re “not creative”, don’t let that deter you! Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Just start making. Start noticing. Start creating.

Ditch the Metrics

Burn the business scorecard – focus on what matters!

The Metric: 
A 2016 Adobe “State of Create” report revealed that 77% of U.S. respondents agree that creativity is valuable to society, yet only 44% feel they are living up to their creative potential.

Ditch it:
If we all believe creativity matters but most of us feel stifled, something’s broken. It’s not about being a “creative professional.” It’s about allowing yourself moments to feel, produce, imagine, and grow beyond efficiency.

Reframe This

 A quick thought-flip to help shift how you see your work, your worth, or your path.

Old Belief: I’m not creative! I can’t draw or play an instrument, and besides, I work in [insert serious job here].

New Perspective: Creativity isn’t a job title or a narrowly defined act. It’s a way of experiencing the world.

Rung Breaks

A curated mix of tools, links, books, and ideas to help you step off the ladder and into your own path.

📚 Book: The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield - punch resistance in the face and start making.

🎧 Podcast: Creative Pep Talk podcast – fuel for your creative soul.

🛠️ Tool: 106 Creative Prompts (DaisyYellowArt.com) - A free and diverse collection of prompts for drawing, collage, journaling, and mixed-media exploration to help bust through creative blocks.

🎨 Inspiration: Art is Life 

Your Move

A reflection and challenge to help you break out of autopilot and make real change.

Reflection Prompt:

Challenge:

Until Next Time…

Creativity isn’t a luxury. It’s a return to your truest self.

You don’t need permission to be an artist, just the willingness to start. Make something awesome this week!

See you off the ladder.

— Sean Sirianni
Founder, Off the Ladder

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