How to Use Creativity to Get What You Want

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Many of us become complacent and get stuck doing the same things, not challenging ourselves to grow. If our lives seem stale, it’s because we haven’t taken some risks. By using our creativity, we can envision our next steps.

For example, one woman I know received a promotion at work. She says, “I was comfortable with my old job as a secretary for our account management group. I was making good money, so there was really no need to change. But I was bored.” She began thinking about what she could do for her company that would have a special impact and shared some of her ideas with the team leader. “When one of the managers left, an opening became available. I decided to apply for it, and to my amazement, I got it. I feel anxious about whether I can handle the position, but as a friend reminded me, what I don’t know, I can learn.

Excerpt from In Her Power: Reclaiming Your Authentic Self, by Helene Lerner. Beyond Words/Atria Paperback, 2012.