What are you longing to create?
By nurturing a mindset of exploration and creativity, you can develop patterns that translate into every aspect of your life.
Do you often find yourself daydreaming about creating the thing? Imagining endless time and energy to bring a looming idea to life—something others can see, understand, read, digest, or most importantly, feel?
I’ve always been a daydreamer. For years, I waited for the perfect time, the right confidence, the energy, and the mental space to simply start. I blamed work and social obligations for putting off ideas, using these excuses to mask deeper fears—self-doubt, insecurity, and the fear of failing. But more than anything, I craved creating just for the sake of it. Just for me.
I knew something had to shift. I had to carve out time to let my imagination roam freely, to actively build the life I longed for. Moving to San Francisco in 2016 unlocked a world of firsts, but more importantly, it reignited my photography practice. I poured my personal time into shooting, playing, editing, and experimenting with ideas. I created, not for an outcome, but for the process itself. And in doing so, I discovered that this act of creating for the sake of creating was one of the most powerful tools I had.
Creativity Unlocks Confidence
One of the biggest rewards of this practice has been how it shaped my work as a Product Designer. Through continuous experimentation, I learned to embrace trial and error. I became comfortable with failure, resilient in pushing past self-limiting beliefs, and confident that something—eventually—would stick.
Your Own Projects Prevent Work from Defining You
In a 9-5, you work within deadlines, constraints, and direction from others. The outcomes are often predictable. It’s structured by nature. But what happens when you remove those guardrails? Where would your mind go if there were no limitations on your creative freedom?
Boosts Problem-Solving and Innovation
Skills developed outside of work can shape how you approach challenges at work. When we create without fear of criticism or expectation, we think without constraints. This mindset fuels inspiration, breaks creative blocks, and allows us to approach problems with fresh perspectives.
Self-Expression and Fulfillment
While work comes with constraints, creative hobbies allow for true self-expression. They help us connect with our emotions, break free from old patterns, and build new mental pathways that support clarity, growth, and emotional regulation. When we tune into what energizes or depletes us, we can mindfully shape a life that aligns with our values.
Remember, you are not a fixed entity—you evolve, shift, and grow. By nurturing a mindset of exploration and creativity, you build a life that feels full and good. Your personal projects will amplify your professional work, and ultimately, bring fulfillment to both.