The secret to limitless creativity? Get addicted

Clayton J. Hester
2 min readFeb 2, 2023
Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

Creativity is often associated with inspiration, innovation, and self-expression. But for many people, the act of creating is also deeply addictive. The feeling of getting lost in the flow of a project, the sense of accomplishment when it’s completed, and the rush of dopamine that comes with it can be incredibly satisfying.

The concept of flow, also known as being in the zone, is a state of intense focus and immersion in a task. In this state, the mind is completely absorbed in the present moment, and all distractions and worries fade away. Flow is often associated with activities such as writing, painting, or playing music, but it can happen in any activity that requires focus and engagement.

When we’re in a state of flow, our brains release dopamine, a chemical that plays a significant role in motivation and reward. Dopamine is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that comes with achieving a goal or completing a task. This is why so many people find the act of creating to be incredibly addictive — the rush of dopamine that comes with flow is highly motivating and satisfying.

The benefits of getting hooked on flow and creativity are many. For one, it can help you find your purpose. When you’re fully engaged in a creative task, you’re not only expressing yourself, but you’re also tapping…

--

--

Clayton J. Hester

Country boy. Explorer of the creative process & life, the arts, storytelling, innovation and history of ideas. Omnia in gloriam Dei facite — claytonjhester.com