Creacos: The Creative Commandoes

The Earth looks mostly blue from space. That blue is water, and covers 71% of our planet’s surface.

But here’s the catch:

97% of that water is salty ocean water. Only 3% is freshwater.

And of that little 3%, over 2/3 is locked away in ice caps and glaciers.

Which means, less than 1% of all Earth’s water is accessible as surface or groundwater.

This tiny fraction supports all life on land.

Abundance is often an illusion.

Early in my copywriting career, I worked at Lintas advertising agency in the language department. My main task was to translate English ads into Hindi.

At first, it was tough. My translations felt lifeless-- words without a soul.

Then I changed my approach.

Instead of translating word-for-word, I started focusing on the ad’s objective. I treated the English ad as a springboard and aimed for something better:

‘Could I make the Hindi version better than the original English?’

Slowly, my Hindi copy began to shine with originality.

To my surprise, some clients even asked for revisions of the English ads after reading my Hindi versions.

That short stint did more than just improve my work-- it helped me get a footing in Mumbai and taught me a powerful lesson:

No task is small. When we put our heart into it, the effort and creativity are noticed, even in the most routine work.

So, if you’re early in your career or feeling stuck with “small” tasks, keep your chin up. Let’s approach every assignment as an opportunity to bring our best.

Today, the last day of the year. And I wish to share an important learning with you.

We don’t need to be artists to benefit from creativity.

Not all of us can draw perfectly or write poems that follow every rule of meter and rhyme.

But that’s not important.

The value lies in expressing our creative thoughts-- even if imperfectly.

Why not sketch a rough drawing?
Write a 'poem' that expresses your emotions even if it falters on poetic rules.
And jot down ideas or feelings.

These simple creative acts help us process our emotions. Unlock new perspectives. And bring clarity.

Creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving an expression to what’s inside us.

So let’s not wait for “the right skills” or “the right moment.” It can be too late. We can start creating today, just as we are.

Our voice, our expression, our creative spark-- they matter.

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”

Beautiful and thought provoking words from Langston Hughes’ poem "Dream Deferred."

We all creative people know that feeling of work unfinished.

This post will help you overcome the feeling of guilt and anguish that we often feel when go through our unfinished folder.

A must read post. Not just artists and writers. But for everyone of us. Because we all need closure to many unfinished works in our life.

The Unfinished Business of Regret A Personal Perspective: An art therapist grapples with unfinished artwork, exploring the historical trauma, therapeutic value and psychological reasons behind it.

The picture shows the first morning after Sweden changed from driving on the left side to driving on the right. (1967)

It was chaos all over, in spite of all the pre-work by the administration.

Because change is difficult.

For a test, close your arms on the chest. Now switch the other way round.

Seems awkward, and you wish to go back to the usual stance. Isn't it?

That's why we keep maintaining low productivity habits. We know, but find it tough to change.

Keeping the change needs deliberate efforts.

But it is worth it. Because the ability to change on purpose adds a lot to your winnability.

Practice this competency. Change something today-- Eat with the other hand, travel home by a different route, and try the most bizarre recipe on a menu.