Today, we’re going back to kindergarten.

If you were to choose to be one color in the box of crayons, which color would you be?

That seems like a silly question, doesn’t it? Truth is, it’s really not.

There’s an epidemic in our culture, one that worries me more each and every day. It’s a lack of play. A lack of passion. As a result, a lack of creativity.

Most people I know have chosen work they don’t feel passionate about. As a result, their output isn’t wonderful, either. What they fail to see is that there’s an enormous gap between what we produce when we feel what we do has meaning and what we produce when we have to.

Our results aren’t the same, but our culture accepts that as a given — like it’s alright.

Curiosity + choice!

To be truly creative, there is an element that most people quickly pass up. It’s a misconception that some people are born creative and some people are not. Huge lie the size of Pinocchio’s nose!

Be curious! The imagination can do very little without content to whirl around in its wonderous pot. Letting the mind wander and tell you what you want to explore is a powerful thing — something we routinely ignore. We are too busy with serious bizness to allow ourselves the time to explore new areas.

So, what can we do?

Choose to learn! To be creative, we must read, consume information, ponder beautiful art, and surround ourselves with people who are hugely inspiring. You might think the fountains of inspiration and learning are hard to find, but take a look around you. With Pinterest taking over the web and all kinds of connectivity apps popping up across the web, just start peering outside to seek out the opportunities roaming right under your windowsill.

Strategize for happiness

Lately, I spend my days with my laptop by my side — prototyping, drafting, drawing, writing. Essentially, ideating.

Let me tell you. It feels a lot like playing.

It feels a lot like badassery.

What do you love to do? Trust me. You should try it.

Kids play, so why don’t we?

To tell you the honest truth, I’m not sure which color of the crayon box I’d be. I used to love blue, but lately I find myself identifying with a kind of bright coral. Full of light and excitement.

What’s your color these days?

*Read more about doing what you love & online marketing in my new book To Be or Like to Be. You can also receive free blog updates via email.

More badassery:

1. Learning From the Greats: Humanity & Passion at Work.
2. Doing Your Best Work Means Being Picky As Hell.
3. I’m Breaking Up With You.