Episode 164

164 - Using the Tools of the Creative

164 - Using the Tools of the Creative

Today, we will explore the concept of creativity and how it applies to our everyday lives. I'll be sharing some insights from Adam Savage's book, "Every Tool is a Hammer", as well as my own experiences with podcasting and project management.

First up, let's talk about the power of deadlines. As creators, we all have unique ways of expressing ourselves, but sometimes we need a little push to make decisions and move forward. That's where deadlines come in - they can help us prioritize and fine-tune what's truly important in our projects. I'll be sharing some tips on how to set effective deadlines and how they've helped me improve my own work.

Next, we'll delve into the world of project management and diagramming. Even if you're not a natural artist, there are plenty of tools and apps available to help you create diagrams and visualize your work. I'll be sharing my own experience with using Visio to diagram a project plan at work, and how it helped us identify a crucial gap in our process.

Then, we'll explore the concept of learning by iterations. It's all about understanding that the first few attempts at something may not be perfect, but each attempt gets us closer to perfection. Embrace the journey of creativity, even when it doesn't go as planned. Sometimes, the most joy comes from the unexpected turns in our creative journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98S4m-uZe9Y

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3759

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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About the Podcast

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.