Picking a lock: Unlocking the door of Creativity
Unlocking Creativity: Finding the Right Tools to Open the Door
When I think about creativity and ponder what it looks like to experience a breakthrough, I picture it as standing before an ornate, mysterious door glowing faintly with possibility. It’s a door that seems to hum with potential, yet remains locked—its secrets hidden just beyond reach. This image resonates deeply with me because, so often, sitting down to create feels like a quest to find the right key to that very door. It’s an abstraction, yes, but one that resonates deeply. Many of us see creativity as something mysterious—a space we long to access, only to find ourselves staring at a locked door when we finally sit down to create. That frustration can feel overwhelming—like standing in front of a locked door with no key in sight, the weight of possibility pressing down on you. For many, this feeling of inadequacy or defeat becomes so strong that they abandon their creativity altogether, convinced the door is simply not meant to open for them.
But what if unlocking that door isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike? What if it’s about finding the right tools and methods to pick the lock?
The Real-World Locked Door
This metaphor hit home for me one chaotic morning. Our 5-year-old son had locked his bedroom door and shut it behind him. By the time I returned from my morning walk, my wife, Miranda, was stressed trying to get the boys ready to leave so I could have some quiet time to work on a songwriting curriculum I’m developing for a summer camp.
The house was in chaos: two little guys tearing through the living room with their new Christmas toys, Miranda valiantly battling the mess, and—most importantly—a locked door with no key to be found. Until that door was opened, the morning’s plans were at a standstill.
Frustrated but determined, I felt the tension building—my morning slipping away, my focus hanging by a thread. I knew I had to act quickly if I wanted to reclaim any time for creativity, so I turned to YouTube in a desperate search for answers. First, I tried a credit card. Nothing. Then, a cut-up plastic water bottle. Still no luck. A screwdriver? Nope. Finally, after watching six or seven videos, I stumbled upon the classic bobby pin and paperclip method. With a little shaking, pressing, and a whole lot of persistence, I got the door unlocked.
As Miranda hurried to get the boys dressed and out the door, I sat down to write—but the experience lingered in my mind. That locked door was more than an inconvenience; it was a perfect analogy for the creative process.
For some reason as it was happening I knew there was a mindset shift in the making when I came up against this locked door. I decided I had to commemorate it with a photo!
The Lesson in the Lock
Picking that lock took time, effort, and a willingness to experiment. I didn’t have a master key, but I had tools—and the frustration I felt actually fueled my determination. Isn’t that what creative breakthroughs often require?
Many of us approach creativity hoping the door will swing open on its own. But when we encounter resistance—a blank page, a half-finished song, a stalled idea—we give up too easily. What we need are tools and methods to help us through the resistance.
Introducing a New Creative Tool: The “Idea Avalanche” Exercise
So how do we pick the lock on our creative potential? Let me share a tool I’ve been using: the Idea Avalanche exercise. It’s a way to flood your mind with possibilities and uncover the key that unlocks your next breakthrough.
Here’s how it works:
Set a Timer: Give yourself five minutes. That’s it. Use your phone, a kitchen timer, or an app—just set it.
Pick a Prompt: Start with something simple but focused. For example, “Write 10 possible song titles about resilience” or “Come up with 15 metaphors for creativity.”
Write Without Judgment: Your goal is quantity, not quality. Write every idea that comes to mind, no matter how silly or outlandish.
Review and Refine: When the timer goes off, look at your list. Circle or highlight the ideas that spark something in you.
This exercise creates momentum. I’ve found that once I start generating ideas—even ones that seem ridiculous or unworkable—it’s like priming a creative pump. During one particularly challenging songwriting session, I used this technique to come up with 20 different lyrical phrases in under five minutes. Most of them weren’t great, but one phrase stood out, sparking an entire verse. That verse eventually became the foundation of a song I’m deeply proud of. Even if most of the ideas don’t work, one or two might stand out—and those could be the seeds of something extraordinary. More importantly, it gets you moving, bypassing the paralysis of staring at a locked door.
Generalizing the Analogy
The process of unlocking creativity isn’t about having a single key; it’s about being resourceful, experimental, and willing to push through frustration. Like the bobby pin and paperclip, the right creative tools may not seem obvious at first—but with persistence, they can get the job done.
So, next time you find yourself stuck, ask: What tools do I have at my disposal? What methods haven’t I tried? And most importantly, what small, deliberate action can I take right now to start picking that lock?
Creativity isn’t a mystery to be solved; it’s a door waiting to be unlocked, a passage to a world only you can bring to life. The key isn’t hidden—it’s in your hands, waiting for the moment you dare to turn it and step boldly into your potential. You already have what it takes to get through it. Sometimes, you just need the right tools—or the determination to make your own.
Photo evidence of Josh trying to unlock a creative idea during a photoshoot.