Life, much like art, is a continuous process of layering colours, shaping forms, and embracing both the intentional strokes and the unexpected splashes. Often, our thoughts dissolve into one another like hues on a canvas; sometimes forming something beautiful, other times leaving us feeling lost in chaos.
This is especially true during transitions. Whether stepping into new ideas, spaces, or ways of living and working, the movement from one phase to another can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Boundaries blur, perspectives shift, and clarity becomes crucial.
The Science of Creativity and Overwhelm
Research suggests that during periods of transition, our brainsundergo heightened neuroplasticity; the ability to rewire and adapt to new experiences. While this can be a powerful asset, it also makes us more prone to cognitive overload. Studies in neuroscience highlight that an excess of ideas without structure can lead to decision fatigue and mental exhaustion, making it harder to maintain focus and take purposeful action.
This is why zooming out is essential. A bird's eye perspective allows us to see the bigger picture, reorganize our priorities, and redefine our direction. But gaining this clarity alone has its limits. Seeking external guidance; whether from mentors, coaches, or trusted peers; can help us navigate the in-between spaces with greater ease and purpose.
The Creative Process: More Than Just the End Result
We often believe that the "end product" is the only thing that matters. But as I was reminded during my recent visit to the Roy Lichtenstein exhibition at the Albertina Museum, every outcome is built upon a deep and often unseen process of experimentation, preparation, and creation.
Lichtenstein’s bold pop art masterpieces did not appear overnight. Behind every iconic piece was a phase of trial and error, of questioning, refining, and evolving. The same applies to our personal and professional growth. Every meaningful change follows a cycle:
✓ Experiment – Embrace trial and error. Innovation comes from stepping into the unknown.
✓ Prepare – Build the foundations necessary for success. Small steps lead to big transformations.
✓ Create – Take action. Only through doing do we bring ideas to life.
Embracing the Blank Canvas
Just like in art, in life and career transitions, sometimes all we need is a blank canvas, a space to start fresh, realign, and move forward with intention. Clarity does not come from waiting for the perfect moment but from engaging in the process.
So, where do you find your inspiration? How do you navigate moments of transition?
Whether you are exploring new opportunities, redefining your path, or simply looking to bring more creativity into your life, remember: the process is just as important as the outcome.
Warmly,
Dilek
Official Collaboration Partners:
★ Lead Coach at the global coaching platform BetterUp based in USA.
★ Executive Coach and Trainer at SparkUs based in Turkey and Netherlands.
★ Impact Partner for coaching, training & facilitation projects at leadership experts Think Beyond Group based in Austria.
★ Leadership Coach at Percoms AG, based in Switzerland.
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