I don’t know about you, but I struggle to filter input. Especially when attempting to create.

At time, it’s easier to be distracted rather than focus. Yet, if I want to achieve a goal, I have to get into the zone where I can be creative.

One thing I enjoy is music. But it’s a specific type of music. For me, I find I can filter out distractions when I’m listening to electronic dance music (EDM).

I can sense your skepticism. EDM is probably not your thing. That’s OK with me as this post is not about EDM.

This post is about the formula.

(creation + input) x (output + outcome) = goal

Insert EDM themed photo here

For Focus, Filter Input

For me, there are so many things that can distract my creative flow. I don’t know about you, but it’s probably similar.

The needs of my family. The tasks at work. The challenges of my teams.

It can get overwhelming. Frustration can set in. And yet, there are ways to wrangle the distractions.

Our brains do it automatically. We’re unable to consciously manage the amount of information radiated around us.

Have you ever pondered what Bob Ross might do, say, or think? I have, more than once.

Bob was a creator and had a painting show on the U.S. Public Broadcasting System for decades. He was known for painting landscapes and spoke in a smooth baritone voice.

Which brings me to the formulas:

(intent + idea) x (belief + action) = creation

(creation + input) x (output + outcome) = goal

Note, that I carry over “creation” from one equation to the next. As Bob would say, “There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.”

Allow me to explain. I’m not a “maths” guy. I do see a correlation between creation as an individual act and creation as a variable in team performance.

Do, say, or think

Firstly, creators think a thing before they take action.

Secondly, some creators talk about the thing to gain insight on what shape the thing might take.

Finally, the act of doing to bring a thing into existence is step in a simple process.

I’ll admit, it’s probably an oversimplification. If you want to provide more detail, you can comment on the post.

By the way, my SEO analyzer and tendency to organize alphabetically placed an enabling constraint on the headings.

When teams create, they should, collectively “do, say, or think” their way through their processes. It helps develop shared understanding of what they plan to create.

Separately, it can help them sort teamwork from task work. The difference between work is a topic for a future post.

To conclude, creation and be an individual and team function in my equations.

Fear is a terrible thing. It paralyzes us from taking action on beliefs. But, without action, our beliefs are basically worthless.

“It’s easier to act your way into good thinking than to think your way into good action.”

This was a quote used to wrap up “Plan Vs. Act – Rise To The Challenge.” In the context of this post, it is part of the formula below.

(intent + idea) x (belief + action) = creation

Beliefs or mindsets frame how we navigate life. They influence how we connect with people. As well, they enable or inhibit our creative pursuits.

Bold action on beliefs

In a team context, action is what achieves outcomes.

Action is also what serves as the “engine for creation.” In “177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class”, Steve Siebold wrote,

“The goal of world-class performers is to solve problems fast and move on to solving
bigger, more complex problems. After all, the great ones know business and enterprise
are based on problem solving. It’s the cornerstone of commerce.”

Steve Siebold

This is true for teams as well. Problem-solving is action.

Bigger problems take bolder action to solve. All written, this is where the rubber meets the road in the creative process.

Belief is a keystone that enables creative results. Each person and every team hold a set of beliefs that influence how work is done. Discovering core beliefs can unlock creative awesomeness.

Significantly, beliefs are kind of “squishy” in that they can be influenced.

So, for a person, beliefs change over time based on experience and learning. As such, teams alter their beliefs as they discover what they are capable of creating.

In the title, I chose cynosure as it is sharing a similar meaning to “core”. When core beliefs align within a team about their work, they move toward creation.

(intent + idea) x (belief + action) = creation

So many books have been written about belief there is no way I can list them all. To list, here are some points to consider:

• Firstly, beliefs are not normally anchored on fact
• Secondly, beliefs can be tested and should
• Thirdly, beliefs should be altered as facts present
• Fourthly, it is OK to have strong beliefs and yet have them be loosely
• Fifthly, just because beliefs change, does not mean a person is “bad” or “wrong”

How to unlock creative awesomeness

My reading on beliefs led to Dr. Carol S. Dweck. Her book, Mindset, holds an insightful quote.

“You have a choice. Mindsets are just beliefs. They’re powerful beliefs, but they’re just something in your mind, and you can change your mind.” p. 16

So, at a team level, this takes on a new twist. In my opinion, teams can choose to focus on common, positive beliefs. However, some will disagree.

Disagreement is fine. Heck, I would invite disagreement.

Overall, the resulting outcomes from disagreement can improve both the team’s and members’ beliefs. Basically, I this call it “creative friction”.

In the end, belief is one variable in the “creation” equation. Leverage it for team sucess!