How Creativity Thrives on Mindful Routines

Welcome to Day 7/30 of this newsletter challenge.

Over the next 30 days, I’ll send out a daily email featuring someone who I think has found ways to Set The Pace in their life (shameless plug) and share the unique ways they go about their work, life, and everything in between.

The email will be divided into:

• 3 insights into our guests’ life

• 2 quotes that leave you a little better than they found you

• 1 podcast recommendation

3 Insights

Tina Mifsud💫

You know when you’re around a creative person; it’s how they put outfits together and make it look effortless, how they seek out perspectives most would miss, or even how they walk into a room. For me, that’s the way I’ve always seen Tina, and these qualities make me want to learn more about how she moves so creatively in the world.

Tina is a visual artist and painter from Malta, creating work that dives into personal stories, political issues, and intimate reflections. What interests me about Tina is that she often finds herself on the road less traveled, and even if given the choice, she still goes down that road. It’s where she gets her inspiration and creativity — even if at times she has no idea in the actual moment. Tina challenges herself and even more so with her astonishing art, but what excites me most, is that her baseline to fueling that creativity is one that we can all achieve and replicate in our own way.

So, let’s get dive in:

1. How do you find ways to remain creative, even when you’re feeling anything but?

   Tina: ‘For me, documentation has always been a deep well of inspiration. If I’m ever stuck on what to document, I don’t force it, I just stay present in my everyday life. Something inspiring inevitably finds its way in. I sketch, explore, read, listen to music and podcasts, take photos, and connect with people. All these experiences fuel creativity in ways I don’t always expect.’

2. What’s a routine you can count on to get into the right flow?

   Tina: ‘It might sound a bit cliché, but coffee and a good chat with my mum are essential. There’s something about that simple ritual that centers me and sparks a sense of focus and flow.’

3. What’s one piece of advice you would give to an artist looking for some inspiration or motivation to keep going?

   Tina: ‘A conversation I used to have with my dad comes to mind. We’d talk about how doctors don’t practice part-time; they’re dedicated. To excel at what you love, you need to invest the time, and give it your full effort. Hard work pays off, even if it takes time. No matter how challenging it feels, you always gain from the work you put in.’

2 quotes

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” —Maya Angelou

“Everyone who’s ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it who makes a difference.” —Nolan Bushnell

1 podcast recommendation

See you back tomorrow!

Mar 🐙