Proving that creativity is everywhere

Leaving your door open and why it's time to look into that old desk drawer

Hello there! Did something change since I last published?

I hope that 2024 treated you well and that 2025 brings you even more joy, growth, and adventure.

Let's dive in:

Maximize creativity - leave the door open

Richard Hemming shared this in his essay “You and Your Research”:

I noticed the following facts about people who work with the door open or the door closed. I notice that if you have the door to your office closed, you get more work done today and tomorrow, and you are more productive than most. But 10 years later somehow you don't know quite know what problems are worth working on; all the hard work you do is sort of tangential in importance. He who works with the door open gets all kinds of interruptions, but he also occasionally gets clues as to what the world is and what might be important.

Now I cannot prove the cause and effect sequence because you might say, “The closed door is symbolic of a closed mind.” I don't know. But I can say there is a pretty good correlation between those who work with the doors open and those who ultimately do important things, although people who work with doors closed often work harder. Somehow they seem to work on slightly the wrong thing - not much, but enough that they miss fame.

What was my takeaway:

Creativity doesn’t live in isolation—it thrives in the exchange between our thoughts and the world around us. It’s personal and collective, shaped by dynamic environments and diverse interactions. While productivity might be a solo mission, creativity demands human collaboration.

To nurture it, step outside your bubble. Engage with fresh ideas, talk to people across industries, and let conversations just happen. Work with your “door” open—literally or metaphorically—and show up consistently.

Creativity isn’t a one-time act; it’s a habit, a built-in connection to the world.

Initially, it looks as if the coffee is split, but when we take a closer look at the picture, we can see a drawing.

See how we collaborated there?

Your entire life is a source of inspiration

Sherlock, BBC

Everything you watch, every movie you go to, all those grocery trips, everyone you talk with, and all the experiences you live — could be the source of your inspiration. I find this idea incredibly powerful.

You have your mind palace. Everything from your life will stay with you—high school, college, graduation, marriage, and kids.

But sometimes nostalgia bangs you on the head when you open an old drawer. The memories tucked away under layers of tape and dust are brimming with untapped creativity.

Let’s start looking.

Until next time,

Darshil