G.A.R.D.E.N. Framework

I packaged all my actionable advice from my notes on reclaiming your inner creative space into a mental model I call The G.A.R.D.E.N. Framework.

Your creative mind is a sacred garden. If you don’t tend it intentionally, weeds (distraction, noise, other people’s thoughts) will take over.

G—“Gate your inputs”

• Goal: to make you self-aware of what you are letting into your garden.
• Set boundaries.
• Before you consume anything ask: “Will this feed my creativity or just feed the machine?”
• Gate your inputs, create two mental buckets: "Feeds My Art" & "Feeds The Machine."
• Sort everything you consume into one of these buckets.

A—“Allocate sacred time”

• Start with one hour of total presence.
• Non-negotiable creative time daily.
• This should be strict.
• Guard it like a sacred ritual.

R—“Retreat into solitude”

• Silence isn’t empty. It’s full of answers.
• Have at least one “Solitude Session” each week.
• Go on a walk, a journal session, or just sitting in nature.
• Make it phone-free.

D—“Dump mental clutter”

• Before you create, clear your mind.
• 5-minute brain dump.
• Write down distractions, worries, to-dos, etc.
• Leave problems for another time, and begin creating.

E—“Engage the slow part of your brain”

• Boredom = depth.
• System Two: your creative operating system.
• Reading a book, sketching, writing, playing an instrument, etc.

N—“Nurture your ‘no’ muscle”

• Every ‘yes’ you say to a distraction is a ‘no’ to your own ideas.
• “No” is the ultimate act of creative self-respect.
• Block all noise: Notifications, apps, websites, unnecesary obligaitons, etc.
• Use the time to create your art.

‍