by Laura West
Courageous Creativity: I’m fascinated by how it shows up in life and in business. I created the Courageous Creativity in Business Interview Series to find out!
Today I’m interviewing one the Guest Business Muses of my Business Fusion Studio, Jill Badonsky of Kaizen Muse Creativity and author of The Muse is In: An Owner’s Manual to your Creativity.
Tell us a little more about your business.
I founded and direct Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching Certification program. This is a coaching model based on the non-linear process of creativity and takes into account the resistances, sensitivity, and unique approach people take when engaged in the creative process. Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaches work with anyone wanting to be more creative, make progress on a creative passion, or simply create steps to meet their vision with gentleness, intuition, and imagination. We specialize in breaking through procrastination, overwhelm, fear, self-sabotage, and difficulty getting started.
The three books I’ve written/illustrated on the creative process reinforce the training:
- The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard): 10 Guides to Creative Inspiration
- The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder
- The Muse is IN: An Owner’s Manual to Your Creativity
What do you do to prime your creative pump?
To prime the creative pump I meditate, take walks, read inspiring material, and listen to music. Talking to others about the process almost always leads to an “aha” moment as well.
What do you do when you feel stuck or blocked on a project?
I do a number of things. Since the creative process is a bit fickle what works one day, doesn’t work the next so having a variety works:
- I ask a small question about it: What would make this easier? How can I make this fun?
- I break it down smaller – sometimes I have a block because my expectations are too big.
- I team up with someone and work at the same time. Holding the space for each other creates a wonderful grounding energy that’s also inspiring.
- I revisit things I’ve done in the past to remind myself what worked.
- I meditate or take a walk.
What role does passion play in your business?
Passion is vital to the success of my business. Since what I do requires perseverance, I need to love what I do. My business reflects my the core beliefs I feel passionate about: having fun, sharing my knowledge, talking about creativity, meeting kindred souls, and helping others it is easy to show up for what I do.
What would you consider your bigger Passion Project? What do you feel you are here to create?
I feel like I’m doing exactly what I was called to do which is an incredible feeling: Design education around inspiring people to liberate their creativity in a way that is both profound and playful, and to share my own creative expressions and humor.
Where do you see the next edge of your Courageous Creativity?
I’m moving into making pod-casts that are fun, entertaining and educational. I’m also ready to write and illustrate another book, this one a little more pure humor and less self-help… but it seems like simply following a creative call results in intuitive detours that are better than anything I can plan, so I’m staying open.
What encouraging words can you offer to our community about claiming their Courageous Creativity in Business?
Most everyone comes face to face with their demons when executing an endeavor such as a business. Don’t feel alone if you are reluctant, procrastinating, overwhelmed or thinking you made a mistake in choosing to do this. Focus in on why you are passionate about what you are doing, break it down to tiny steps, take breaks, reach out for help and for goodness sake, where you can — make it fun!
Where can our creative community find out more about you and your business?
Sign-up for my newsletter at www.themuseisin.com (with a title beside your name like Mary Smith, Writer or Jennie Jones, Business Goddness) and I’ll send you a free Tah-Dah List PDF.
Personal Note from Laura: Jill is getting ready to teach another one of her Creative Coaching Programs! She is a pioneer in the creative coaching industry. If you sign up – tell her Laura sent you! 🙂
