Section 1.1: The Influence of Technology and Media

Currently, technology, media, and especially software, play a significant role in priming our brains. Evan Armstrong from Napkin Math notes:

If you immerse yourself in certain platforms long enough, you might experience what’s termed “Twitter brain,” where your thought processes become quick and superficial. But that’s not all—there’s “Substack brain” that overly emphasizes individual opinion pieces, as well as “Tumblr brain,” “Facebook brain,” and likely even “Yahoo brain.” Each of these platforms shapes our identities and interactions, and while some may foster better thinking than others, they all have a considerable impact.

The choice of software can significantly influence how our brains are primed. Progressive companies often offer free games designed to enhance employees’ cognitive skills. For instance, Shopify aims to cultivate a "Factorio brain" among its workforce, enhancing learning transfer while likely also priming their minds positively.

Subsection 1.1.1: Interface Design and Its Impact

The design and functionality of an interface can greatly influence our cognitive engagement. I've observed that when a text box is larger, I tend to write more, while a smaller box restricts my input. My experiences with writing tools such as WordPress, Google Docs, and iA Writer have become integral to my comfort and productivity. These interfaces encourage my creativity and allow my writing abilities to flourish.

In stark contrast, social media interfaces often stifle my creative flow. Instead of fostering creativity, they bring my editorial instincts to the forefront, making it challenging to articulate my thoughts. While some thrive in these environments, I find them overwhelming. It wasn't until I used a more streamlined editing platform like Hypefury that I could effectively compose Twitter threads. In a digital landscape where many spend significant time on social media, the choice of interface can significantly differentiate between leading and simply observing.

Section 1.2: Discovering Your Creative Energy

We each derive energy in unique ways, directly impacting our creative processes. For aspiring creators, understanding what fuels their creativity is essential, as well as recognizing what hinders it.

Lately, I've been committed to daily blog posts, which I then share on platforms like Hypefury and Hacker News. While sharing is optional, the act of writing consistently energizes me. Instead of feeling drained, I find myself in a positive cycle of increased writing, productivity, and rewards. This has fostered a self-reinforcing loop, enhancing my confidence.

I realized that social media's overwhelming interfaces primed my brain to prioritize results, leading to a quest for a more tranquil writing environment—one that supports calmness and mindfulness.

You have the power to define your creative journey. Don't let external trends or perceived best practices dictate your process. Whether you prefer starting with paper and pen or using a permanent marker, choose what soothes your mind and invigorates your creativity. After all, motivation is a precious and scarce resource in the realm of creativity.