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Book cover of The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp — critical summary review on 12min

The Creative Habit

Twyla Tharp

4.0 (8 ratings)
8 mins

Whether you’re a world-renowned painter or merely a student writing his debut novel, we’re pretty sure that you can’t help being anxious whenever you’re starting a new project. Also, regardless of your background, it’s probably a safe guess that you’ve been on one or two barren runs, and that at least one or two of your most promising ideas were, more than one time, stalled by the proverbial creative block. Twyla Tharp, the author of The Creative Habit, is a New York-based dancer, and one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century. Winner of two Emmy awards and a Tony, she is also (ever since 1997), an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In other words, she knows more than just a little something about the beauty and the misery of the creative process, and she is not afraid to share everything she knows about it, warts and all. Drawing on her own experiences with creative hurdles and the methods of overcoming them, in The Creative Habit, Tharp offers a plethora of good pieces of advice which you will find to be both thought-provoking and applicable. Moreover, if you are an artist (for the book can be used by engineers, businesspeople, parents and many other types of people as well), you will find both the analogies and the great creative geniuses mentioned in this book rousing and encouraging. And we guarantee you that you’ll want to try at least one or two of Tharp’s organizational techniques! Stuck in a creative rut? Having trouble with discipline whenever you want to turn a big idea of yours into an even bigger project? The Creative Habit is just the book for you. And, needless to add, for the very same reason, this summary is a must-read.

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Brief Summary

Best suited for writers, painters, dancers, musicians, and artists of every kind eager to explore their true potential.

Topics

Self-Help & Motivation

Summary of 5 Key Ideas

Embracing Routine for Creativity

In 'The Creative Habit,' Twyla Tharp champions the power of routine as a catalyst for creativity. She dispels the myth that creativity is solely an act of spontaneous inspiration, emphasizing instead that discipline and habit form the backbone of creative success. By establishing a daily routine, artists and professionals alike can create a structured environment that encourages consistent output and reduces the anxiety of starting new projects. Tharp illustrates how even the most innovative ideas can stem from the predictability of daily habits, suggesting that routine is not a restriction, but rather a framework within which creativity can flourish.

Overcoming Creative Blocks

Twyla Tharp acknowledges the inevitability of creative blocks and offers practical advice for overcoming them in 'The Creative Habit.' She shares that these blocks are not signs of failure, but opportunities for growth and re-evaluation. Tharp suggests approaching creative obstacles with curiosity and openness, experimenting with different methods or perspectives to unlock new pathways. By normalizing the experience of feeling stuck, she encourages creators to view these moments as integral parts of the creative process rather than insurmountable barriers. This mindset shift can transform frustration into a productive force, fueling the pursuit of innovation.

Cross-Disciplinary Inspirations

Tharp's 'The Creative Habit' highlights the importance of drawing inspiration from a wide array of disciplines. Leveraging her experiences as a choreographer, Tharp demonstrates how insights from other fields—such as music, visual arts, and even business—can enrich one's creative practice. She argues that exposing oneself to diverse ideas and practices can spark novel connections and enhance one's own work. By encouraging readers to explore beyond their immediate sphere, Tharp advocates for a holistic approach to creativity, where cross-disciplinary influences serve as a wellspring of inspiration and innovation.

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Key ideas in

  • Establish a Routine: Twyla Tharp emphasizes the importance of developing a consistent routine to foster creativity. By incorporating regular habits and rituals into your daily life, you can create a foundation that supports and stimulates the creative process.
  • Embrace Failure: The book highlights that experiencing creative blocks and failures is a natural part of the creative journey. By accepting these challenges as opportunities for growth, you can develop resilience and find new ways to overcome obstacles.
  • Diverse Inspiration: Tharp encourages drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including different fields and disciplines. By exploring diverse perspectives and learning from creative geniuses across various industries, you can enrich your creative perspective and fuel your own projects.

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