Eat, drink and be creative

If you want a creative kick-start, go out for a bite. Or a drink. Just don't do it alone.

I was reminded of this twice over the weekend after I went out to eat with some smart, creative peeps.

Once the catch-up checklist is crossed off (e.g. how's so-and-so) and the meal is ordered, the real conversation begins. Ideas are cross pollinated and pop-up from the ether, and I, at least, walked away refreshed (and well fed) both times, with an idea for a new project and new plot angle on a story I had shelved.

Not only do you hear what other people are up to, but telling people what you're doing almost forces you to finish (or start) a project. When you keep an idea to yourself, it's easy to let it drift away. But when you tell your friends — especially friends who have a similar drive — you create an implicit contract of sorts. You know they're gonna ask you how the project's going the next time you meet and you're gonna need an answer.

Sometimes you just need to be in the enthusiastic presence of others to get your own juices flowing. Of course, if you're not careful, it's easy to spend all your time hanging out and not working on your book, painting, portfolio, business plan, etc — but if you're honest with yourself, a night off with some good friends is the perfect cure for creative block...and excuse to order dessert.