Creative Marathon: Week 3 Training Schedule

It’s week three of the Creative Marathon — a month-long steady flow of creative exercises intended to boost your mental stamina. You’re getting close to the finish line, and it may seem easier than in weeks past to forego an exercise or two on grounds of “good behavior.” This is what some runners call “the wall.” But don’t let this happen!

Stay true to the mission you set out to complete and tell yourself: I will make it to the winner’s circle in the Creative Marathon.

WEEK THREE

Monday
Warm-Up. Look around where you are sitting at this moment. Quickly sketch or write down five objects or details you haven’t noticed today — or maybe for many days. Let this exercise remind you to pause wherever you are today and become totally aware of your surroundings.

Tuesday
Brain Aerobics. Practice neurobics — techniques developed by neurobiologist Lawrence Katz to strengthen pathways in the brain. During the day, shift your mouse to the other side. Brush your teeth with the other hand. Hold your phone to the other ear. Sit on the other side of the desk. Write notes or sketch with the other hand.

Wednesday
Extra Mile. “The important thing is to not stop questioning,” said Einstein. Pick a project or problem you feel you already understand. Now ask yourself a series of “why” questions about the topic and write down your answers. Go the extra mile — don’t stopped until you’ve asked yourself at least 10 “why” questions. You may find that the problem you thought you understood actually isn’t the real problem.

Thursday
Rest. Get outside. Enjoy spring. Go for a run. Take a walk. Have lunch in a park. Toss a Frisbee. Chalk the sidewalk. Sit under a tree. Draw in the sand. Collect stones. Feed the birds.

Friday
Nourishment. Spoon creative energy into today’s ordinary or boring tasks. Alter your thinking or add something new. Listen to upbeat music. Wear a hat or mask. Pretend you’re a favorite designer. Mentally narrate what you’re doing as if you’re a screenwriter, novelist or newscaster. Ask yourself how you would do the activity differently if you were a filmmaker, rock star or scientist.