Sam Bennett is a creativity and productivity expert, author, and a woman who proudly won’t be under fluorescent office lights for too long. Today, we talk about her background in acting and her time at The Second City in Chicago, and how those experiences helped guide her to a profession that helps others identify and call forth their own creative genius. We also talk about the difference between creativity and artistic ability, some tips to overcome procrastination, and how we can begin to have more meaning and impact right where we are.

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:04] Samantha explains that she decides to go by Sam on her books because men still sell more books than women.

[9:08] Sam is a true theater kid at heart, and while at Second City from 1986 to 1994 she worked almost every job possible in the building in addition to being an actor and performer.

[14:03] While attending college and university certainly has benefits and opportunities, it is not the only path to success. What matters, even more, is a drive to work hard and keep going, making the right connections and telling yourself a story of success rather than limitation.

[20:17] Sam knew she wasn’t cut out for full-time office life and was a trendsetter in the gig economy. When she got a job at the Sam Christensen Studios in identity definition and personal branding, she felt a calling and loved she had the ability to help others express the truth of who they really are. This set her on a path to create a workshop called “Get It Done,” and the rest is history.

[23:37] Her book, Get it Done, explains that while there is no one way for multi-talented creatives to make the best decisions with a surefire success rate, we can break things down into chunks and tackle them one small step at a time.

[25:03] There is a difference between creative and artistic. We all have creative genius inside of us. Often times we take it for granted because it’s no big deal to us, and feels just as natural as the air we breathe.

[30:01] One of Sam’s great tips: turn your feelings into art. Dance, sing, write, or draw a picture and capture how you feel through colors, textures, and shape.

[33:50] Procrastination has many different reasons underneath it. First, you just actually may not want to do it, and it’s a “should” you could even remove from your responsibilities. Second, it seems too big and daunting. This is where Sam advises trying taking the smallest possible baby step for 15 minutes a day and seeing after some time if it is worth proceeding in the present moment.

[38:09] We need time and space to create.

[42:53] Sam’s next work will really dive into creative dichotomies when two things are equally true and they appear to be opposite. She has experienced that we don’t have to choose one route, but try to bring these two things closer together and surf the tension between them.

[44:50] Goals and deadlines can help us create accountability and a realistic timeline.

[50:28] We have many more opportunities for creativity and creation in our life than we think we do. One way to get started right away is to ask yourself: “How can I show up 10% more today?”

[53:01] Start Right Where You Are reminds us to use the resources, people, and opportunities around us right now to move forward on the path towards our dreams.

[54:59] Spend 15 minutes a day before you check your email on the projects that matter most to you.

 

Resources:

Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins on Twitter

Mike Robbins on Instagram

TED Radio Hour

The Importance of Every Role and Person on the Team

Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day, by Sam Bennett

Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists, by Sam Bennett

Beautiful Writers Podcast

Second City

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Real Sam Bennett