Have you ever thought about how accessible we are? Smartphones have created an environment where we never “sign off.” We’re never logging off and giving ourselves space to be with our own thoughts.

The more I think about it, the more I realize this environment of accessibility is directly influencing the creative environment of the world. I found myself in a conversation the other day with a close friend about the environments that make us most creative.

What I know about creativity is that I can’t create when I’m “connected.” I need space to get alone with my own thoughts, to sort through everything I’ve experienced and form a viewpoint unique to my life.

What I know about creating space is that it’s hard. I have to be intentional about creating this space because it’s so challenging to separate my thoughts and viewpoints from everyone else’s.

What I know about being intentional. Being intentional about your time is a never-ending battle. It’s a choice you have to make every day to value your self over the distractions that threaten to pull you away.

The conclusion my friend and I came to is that if Ed Sheeran doesn’t have a phone, I can put mine down.

This month, I’m focusing on intentionally creating space to be disconnected. In my own life, this means I’m shutting my phone off for an hour a day to ensure I’m getting out of everyone else’s heads and getting into my own.

My challenge for you?
Think about what you need to be most creative? Is it space? Or maybe it’s structure? Whatever positively impacts your creative environment – find a way to feed it.