“Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.”
(George Lois)

One of the worst human habits is doubling down on our habits. When things get tight, when anxieties start to rise, we instinctively go to our default solutions, and we do it with gusto:

The alpha male, for instance, when things are not going his way, gets even more alpha; he starts throwing his threats around and dictating everyone’s behavior. The beta male does more of the same as well. If he feels the girl is pulling away, he gets even more supportive, deferential, and sacrificial (and then wonders why he ends up even more in the friend zone).

The loudmouths gets louder, the passive-aggressives get more dishonest and manipulative, and the analytical folks whip out more pro/con lists.

It takes courage to get creative instead. As you consider your most vexing stressor today, aim to do less of the same. Figure out what you would normally, instinctively do, then get creative about another response altogether.

Peace begins with pause,