Chapter 1: Introduction to Creative Doodling

In an effort to foster creativity, I'm embarking on a journey of 12 doodle exercises over 12 days. Each entry will consist of brief articles designed to spark ideas and stimulate your imagination. This marks the eighth installment (if you missed the first seven, they can be found here, here, here, here, here, here, and here).

Grab your pencil and notebook! Begin by sketching a flower with 12 petals, as illustrated below. Your task is to simplify your life, making it clearer and more focused. This involves identifying elements that do not contribute positively to your existence. You will brainstorm 12 aspects to eliminate from your daily routine. Are there detrimental habits? Negative influences? Unhealthy vices like smoking or excessive sugar consumption?

Chapter 2: Identifying What to Eliminate

What aspects of your life are no longer acceptable? What should you firmly decline? What behaviors should you cease? Consider what you can discard for a more straightforward and joyful life. Reflect on your greatest time wasters and energy drains. Creating a "not-to-do" list could also be beneficial.

Chapter 3: My Personal Reflections

Let me share how I approached this exercise:

1. My schedule is overloaded; I need to carve out more empty spaces. It's essential to have time for introspection regarding my achievements, future aims, and challenges. Therefore, I must decline any extra commitments or projects.
2. I often have 80 browser tabs open, which is overwhelming and unproductive. I need to decide on these tabs: either jot down notes for future reference, take action, or close them.
3. My presence on various social media platforms is spreading me too thin. I am active on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, GumRoad, and Twitter. I need to limit my time on social media to concentrate on fewer platforms for content creation.
4. I tend to write too many Medium articles without sufficient time to refine my ideas. I should aim for fewer, higher-quality pieces that exhibit original thinking.
5. My YouTube uploads are excessive; I need to emphasize quality and innovation. This requires experimenting with my editing skills and production quality, as well as trying new formats and concepts.
6. My work commitments are numerous. As an academic at the University of East Anglia, I frequently update my teaching materials while managing multiple side projects for additional income. This includes my Medium blog, YouTube channel, and TikTok. I need to clarify my priorities and stop some activities to focus better.
7. I receive too many emails and newsletters that aren't necessary, especially those with aggressive marketing. It's time to unsubscribe and say NO to these distractions.
8. My consumption of YouTube videos, Netflix shows, and even TikTok is excessive, leading to mental fatigue. I must cut back on video content to avoid this fogginess.
9. I often agree to various invitations and requests. I need to learn to say NO; if it isn't a resounding "Yes," then it should be a "No."
10. I should work on eliminating harmful daily habits such as anxiety, binge-watching, and unhealthy eating.
11. Managing stress and anxiety is crucial. I want to eliminate moments of discomfort and fear in my life. I recognize the need for a sustainable system for creativity and productivity.
12. Lastly, I want to reduce instances of self-absorption. I sometimes take myself too seriously and focus on my creations instead of contributing value to others. My perspective needs to shift towards service and innovation.

Now it’s your turn! Engage in this exercise—it will be immensely rewarding. In just 12 minutes, you can produce your own 12 ideas. Write them down on the petals of your flower.

Continue to follow this series over the next 12 days for daily creative challenges that take just 12 minutes to complete.

Fahri Karakas, author of "Self-making Studio," "If Life Gives You A Squash, Squash It!," and "99 Creative Journeys: Unleash Your Imagination," is passionate about doodling, creativity, and asset creation.

The first video, "Create A Waldorf Multiplication Flower," illustrates how to engage creativity through a fun and educational doodling exercise.

The second video, "HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MATH BOARD GAME | DESIGN A TEMPLATE," offers a creative approach to designing your own board game while enhancing your mathematical skills.