Embracing the Magic: Setting Intentions for a Creative 2025

As we enter 2025, it's time to reflect on our goals and set intentions for the year ahead. Instead of focusing solely on typical resolutions like weight loss or spending less, let's explore a more profound approach to personal growth and creativity.Elizabeth Gilbert's book "Big Magic" offers inspiring insights into living a creative life and embracing curiosity. One of the key ideas from the book is that creative ideas are floating around, waiting for someone to grab and run with them. This concept can be applied to how we approach our goals and intentions for the new year.A powerful quote from "Big Magic" that resonates with this theme is:"Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?"This question challenges us to tap into our inner potential and embrace the magic that surrounds us.Setting Intentions: Creating Your Antennae for Big MagicTo set meaningful intentions for 2025, try using the Wheel of Life Assessment. This tool helps you evaluate different areas of your life, including career, love, spirituality, family, money, fun, friends, and health. Here's how to use it:1. Rate each area of your life on a scale of 1 to 10.2. Visualize the results to identify areas that need attention.3. Reflect on your priorities from the past year and how they impacted each area.4. Choose one area to focus on for the year ahead.By setting an intention based on this assessment, you're effectively raising your antenna to receive the "big magic" that Gilbert describes in her book.How to Keep the Antennae Alive with Atomic HabitsMaintaining your connection to this magic throughout the year requires consistent effort. Here are some strategies to keep your antennae up:1. Daily creative practice: Engage in a small creative activity every day, like paper cutting or writing gratitude cards.2. Scheduled innovation time: Set aside dedicated time for brainstorming and experimentation, either alone or with a colleague.3. Combine work and play: Find ways to integrate your passions into your daily routine, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.These small, consistent actions align with the concept of Atomic Habits (an amazing and insightful book by James Clear), helping you stay connected to your intentions and open to creative inspiration.More Ways to Connect & LearnI’d love to know more about what sparks your curiosity. I’m going to do my best to show up here every week, and have a plan to do that! Comment or message me with ideas!To further support your journey in 2025, I'm excited to announce some upcoming events I am planning or co-hosting:- A free one-hour workshop titled "Your Meetings Don't Have to Suck" on Friday, January 31st.- An in-person product community event in Western Michigan on January 15th at Michigan Software Labs.Stay tuned for sign-up information in future episodes and newsletters.Up Next!In the next installment, we'll dive into a series about prioritization. We'll explore the concept of "glass balls and rubber balls" to help you focus on what truly matters. This approach has been instrumental in my own growth and in mentoring others.Remember, the magic is all around us – we just need to keep our antennae up to receive it. As we embark on this journey through 2025, let's embrace our creativity, set meaningful intentions, and be open to the big magic that awaits us.Whenever you're ready, I can help you with:* Workshop design and facilitation* Facilitation and workshop training* Intention setting, planning, and incremental progress for success Get full access to Confessions of a Creative Leader at creativeleaderconfessions.substack.com/subscribe