Welcome to Week 3 of your Upspiral journey. Last week, you began tracking your creative patterns—the first step in understanding your unique creative DNA. Today, we’re going deeper into the science that will transform how you create.
A Tale of Two Networks
You’ve likely experienced this: Some days, ideas flow effortlessly while doing mundane tasks like showering or walking. Other times, you sit at your desk, willing the words to come, and find only resistance.
This isn’t random. Your brain operates through two distinct networks that drive creativity:
- The Default Mode Network (DMN): your idea generator, most active during relaxed states
- Executive Function: your implementation system, engaged during focused work
Understanding these networks isn’t just fascinating science—it’s the key to unlocking your peak creative performance.
Your First Assignment
This week, while continuing your baseline tracking, add these specific observations:
- DMN Moments:
- Note when creative ideas come naturally
- Document what you were doing during these insights
- Track the time of day these periods occur
- Executive Function Windows:
- Note when focused work flows easily
- Document your environment during these times
- Track your energy levels during these periods
Why This Matters
Remember Sarah from Chapter 1? She discovered her best story ideas emerged during morning classroom prep, rather than during her designated “writing time.” By understanding her brain’s natural patterns, she doubled her productive writing time while actually working fewer hours.
Your Next Steps
- Read Chapter 1, sections 1.1-1.3 on the brain’s creative networks in your book
- Complete the “Creative Network Mapping” exercise in your workbook
- Continue your daily tracking, adding the new DMN/Executive Function observations.
- Share your observations and successes with implementation with an accountability buddy.
- Go through the process to create a Generative AI coach in the workbook.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll use your observations to design your optimal creative environment. You’ll learn how to create spaces that support both networks, maximizing your creative potential.
Reflection Question: What patterns are you already noticing in your creative energy? When do ideas flow most naturally for you? Write down your response.
You’re not learning about creativity—you’re discovering your unique creative blueprint. This understanding will become the foundation of your sustainable success.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by tracking, remember: observation without judgment is the goal. You’re mapping territory that’s always been there, just waiting to be discovered.