When I left corporate life to start my coaching practice, I made a promise: more time for art.
For me, art isn’t just about the finished piece. It’s about the process. I create three-dimensional landscapes from mosses, lichens, and flowers I forage and preserve. Each piece is an exploration of the natural world—a way to connect its intricate systems with the mysteries of the human mind.
At first, I honored that promise. I spent afternoons foraging and hours meticulously preserving my treasures. Over time, I created an entire solo exhibition, which I had the honor of displaying twice.
The process was grounding. I’d open bins of preserved moss, inhale the earthy scent, and let my hands explore the soft textures. As I worked, my mind wandered—ideas flowed, connections clicked, and clarity emerged.
But then, life got busy. My coaching work expanded, my calendar filled, and somehow, the creative space I once protected started slipping away.
Sound familiar, Reader?
Without realizing it, I stopped making time for art. And I felt it. My thinking got tighter, more rigid. My ideas felt stale. I was less inspired, less energized, and more drained.
So, on Saturday, I changed that.
I blocked off the afternoon, opened those same bins of moss and flowers, and started creating. It wasn’t my best work, but it didn’t matter. The process shifted something in me. My thoughts loosened, my energy shifted, and new ideas began bubbling up—not just for the art, but for my work and my clients.
That afternoon reminded me of a simple truth: the best ideas don’t come from working harder—they come from giving your brain the space to wander.
And science backs this up.
The Neuroscience of Creativity: Why Your Brain Needs Space
We often think creativity is about forcing a breakthrough—but in reality, the brain generates its best ideas when it’s allowed to wander.
That’s because of the Default Mode Network (DMN)—a network of brain regions responsible for integrating information, making unexpected connections, and generating insights.
The DMN is activated when you’re not focused on an immediate task. It’s why great ideas tend to show up when you’re in the shower, out for a walk, or engaged in something repetitive like folding laundry.
How the DMN Fuels Breakthrough Thinking
- It Connects the Dots – The DMN pulls together past experiences, current challenges, and future goals, allowing you to see patterns and solutions you’d otherwise miss.
- It Broadens Perspective – When you step away from a problem, your brain zooms out, making it easier to reframe challenges and find innovative solutions.
- It Calms & Clarifies – The DMN helps process emotions and clear mental clutter, which is why stepping away from work often leads to greater clarity.
But here’s the problem: Your brain can’t do its DMN job if you’re constantly busy. If you’re always jumping from meeting to meeting or task to task, you’re leaving some of your best ideas on the table.
This is why leaders who prioritize mental space and creative play don’t just feel better—they perform better.
How to Tap into Creativity
So how do you cultivate the kind of creativity that fuels insight and innovation—especially when life is busy? It starts with intention.
Most importantly, remember: creativity isn’t a one-time event—it’s a practice.
- Block Unstructured Time – Schedule 20–30 minutes for reflection, a walk, or simply letting your mind wander. Think of this as your “idea incubation” time.
- Engage in Creative Play – Pick a low-pressure activity, like sketching, building something with LEGO, or mind-mapping ideas for fun. The goal isn’t to produce results—it’s to let your thoughts flow freely.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions – Challenge yourself with prompts like: What’s a completely different way to approach this? or If time and resources weren’t constraints, what would I try? Push your thinking further by asking, What assumptions am I making, and what happens if I flip them? Sometimes, reframing the question is all it takes to spark new ideas.
🔹 Creativity isn’t just personal—it’s cultural. The best leaders don’t just make space for their own creativity; they encourage it in others.
- Model Creativity for Your Team – When leaders prioritize creative thinking, they give others permission to do the same. Encourage your team to carve out time for brainstorming, exploration, and innovation."
✨ Pro Tip:
Whatever you're creating—whether it’s a sketch, a prototype, a draft, or even an idea—tell yourself you’re just going to throw it away when you’re done. The point isn’t the outcome; it’s freeing yourself from the pressure to make it "good." Innovation thrives when you give yourself permission to experiment without judgment.
Experiment: Create Space for Creativity
This week, challenge yourself to intentionally create space for your DMN to work.
1️⃣ Pick a Challenge—Identify a problem, decision, or project where you’re feeling stuck. Write it down.
2️⃣ Step Away & Engage in Creativity—Do something low-pressure: sketch, rearrange objects, take a walk, doodle. Let your mind wander.
3️⃣ Observe What Emerges—Notice where your thoughts drift. Any new connections or insights? Jot them down.
4️⃣ Reflect & Apply—Revisit your notes: Did stepping away shift your perspective? What insights surfaced?
5️⃣ Make it a Habit—Decide how you’ll integrate this practice into your routine—weekly, monthly, or as needed.
When was the last time you gave your mind the freedom to wander?
Start today—because the space you create for creativity just might be the spark that changes everything.
The Bottom Line
Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s a leadership tool.
When you create space for your mind to wander, you’re not wasting time—you’re unlocking the part of your brain that drives insight and innovation. Whether it’s through art, reflection, or even a walk in nature, making time for creativity will loosen your thinking, spark new ideas, and energize your leadership.
👉 Know someone who’s feeling stuck? Forward this email and help them discover how making space for creativity can unlock new possibilities.
Hi. I'm Angela.
Having a seat at the table isn't just a milestone—it’s a mindset.
As a behavioral scientist turned biotech exec turned executive coach, my mission is to ignite this mindset in leaders like you, so you can boldly create success on your own terms.
Is there a leadership challenge you'd like me to address? Just click below to have it featured in an upcoming issue.👇🏻
