Daniel Fortune

Nothing stiffles creative flow more than getting tangled up in the weeds of magical notions about HOW we think creativity is supposed to happen.

When we do, we’re operating more like Key & Peele in their hilarious “Lightning in a bottle” skit than the consistent creatives we long to be.

For years, I’ve stuggled to find a creative process that didn’t feel too forced, but would be structured enough for me to create with consistency.

As someone who makes a living as a writer, public speaker, and marketing consultant, I don’t always get to choose my deadlines, so I’ve invested a lot of time, energy, and resources in trying to crack the “code” of how to be creative on demand.

Over the years, I’ve read over 20 books, invested hundreds of hours in research, and experimented with 30+ different creative processes to share what I’m going to share with you in this COD: Creativity On Demand Series.

As an Army combat veteran that has been diagnosed with PTSD and bipolar disorder, I can’t always predict what mental/emotional climate I’m going to face from day to day. I also frequently struggle with insomnia. All things that can affect my ability to show up and deliver the creative assets I need to.

I’ve found it both interesting and encouraging to explore the link between bipolar disorder and creativity.

The Power of When

Outside of getting physical exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, taking meds, and practicing good sleep hygiene, the most powerful resource in my COD formula has been, not “what” I do, not “how” I do it, but rather, “When” I do it.

“When” is the ultimate lifehack. It’s the foundation of success, the key that unlocks a faster, smarter, better, and stronger you. Knowing “when” enables you to perform “what” and “how” to your maximum potential.”

-Michael Breus, PhD

I’ve read every bestselling book on creativity there is and, by far, the one that revolutionized my creative process the most, has been, The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus.

A book that isn’t about creativity!

For a more in-depth look at why I like the Power of When book so much and a chance to win a FREE copy, read THIS.

Since I’ve established my personal chronotype (Wolf), I’ve been able to fine-tune my creative process and unleash my creative genius like never before.

I used to consume my coffee as soon as I woke up, and I would always crash around the time that I needed to be productive. I would also feel anxious, jittery, and distracted.

After discovering that based on my chronotype, I should hold off on consuming caffeine until 11am, I made this one simple adjustment to my morning routine and it has worked wonders for me and my creative workflow.

Rather than experiencing my inevitable morning crash as before, I now have energy and am productive until lunch time. Nor, do I feel anxious, jittery, or distracted. I’m now calm, cool, collected and most importantly, creative on demand!

Interested in learning what your chonotype is? Take the Power of When Quiz. It’s completely FREE and only takes a few minutes!

Head over to the power of when website and take the quiz to find our what your chronotype is.

Let me know in the comments below what chronotype you are (Where’s my woldpack at!?).

For those who subscribe/comment, I will randomly select one lucky person to send a copy of the Power of When book to.

They will also get early access to my COD: Creativity on Demand course/community (beta).

Subscibe and stay tuned for Part Two!

I look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions or would like to make content recommendations, or offer some constructive criticism, please feel free to reach out to me at info@danielfortune.blog.