The Context
Cook’s groundbreaking book on the curves of life explained that spiral is always growing; yet never covering the same ground. It’s not merely an explanation of the past, but it’s also a prophecy of the future. And while it defines and illuminates what has already happened, it is also leading constantly to new discoveries. That’s the beauty of the spiral. It’s an open ended curve. It gives the sensation of continuous motion. And it’s fun- damental to the structure of growth in everything in nature, from plants to shells to the human body to atomic elements to genetic molecules.
The Tool
Spiraling
SPIRALING — Growing your creative life in an open ended, upward curve of new possibilities
Spiraling is a natural part of the creative process. That’s the most fascinating application. Because creativity is a regenerative spiral. Each new creation leads to new possibilities of new places to go. And the more places you go, the more places there are to go. Which, in turn, leads to more creations. That’s the spiral. Your past creations were necessary in order to bring the new one into being. Anything new that you do is movement.
The Rest
The beauty of prolificacy is, you can’t help but grow through your production. Without the first step, the second is impossible. Every experience contributes to the expansion of the spiral, making you a little different from what you were before. Are you governing your creative growth by insisting that you never diversify?
The Benefits
Constantly move your artistic journey forward with new projects
Reframe failures into learning opportunities that set you up for the next thing
Diversify your work into exciting new areas that give you energy
Maintain passion and momentum over the long haul of a lifelong creative career