The fundamental modes of creative work
Core Idea: Creative work alternates between two distinct phases - divergence (opening up possibilities) and convergence (narrowing to completion), each requiring different mindsets, environments, and techniques.
Key Elements
Divergence Phase
- Purpose: Expand the space of possibilities
- Mindset: Open, exploratory, receptive
- Activities:
- Gathering ideas and inspiration
- Research and information collection
- Brainstorming and ideation
- Capturing diverse perspectives
- CODE stages: Capture and Organize
Convergence Phase
- Purpose: Narrow options and complete work
- Mindset: Focused, decisive, evaluative
- Activities:
- Selecting best options
- Making trade-offs
- Finalizing decisions
- Shipping completed work
- CODE stages: Distill and Express
Transition Management
- Explicitly decide which mode you're operating in
- Create appropriate environments for each mode
- Use different tools and techniques for each phase
- Recognize when to switch between modes
Convergence Techniques
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- Create stepping stones of content
- Separate selection from sequencing
- Build bridges between islands of thought
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- Use today's momentum for tomorrow's work
- Stop when you know what comes next
- Leave clear guidance for your future self
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- Reduce project size to enable completion
- Ship something small and concrete
- Focus on core value with minimal features
Applications
- Writing and content creation
- Product design and development
- Strategic planning
- Problem-solving
- Research projects
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: CODE Method (structured approach to these creative phases)
- Applications: Project Checklists (tools to manage these transitions)
- See Also: Intermediate Packets (building blocks created during divergence, assembled during convergence)
References
- Forte, Tiago. "Building a Second Brain"
#creativity #workflow #productivity #creative-process
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