3 Mar 2025
5 minutes
Why I Recommend This: Creativity and Purpose Are Essential for a Fulfilling Life
Many people struggle to find fulfilment, torn between what they love and what they must do to survive. Creativity is often treated as a luxury—something only a few get to explore deeply. But what if creativity and purpose were not just for artists but everyone?
Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act and Héctor García’s Ikigai reveal a powerful truth: living creatively and finding purpose is deeply connected. Creativity is not about talent but curiosity, presence, and openness. Ikigai, the Japanese philosophy of purpose, teaches us that true fulfilment comes from daily meaningful work.
Whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking more meaning, this is how you can embrace creative living and purpose-driven work.
Why Most People Feel Unfulfilled
Modern life pushes us towards productivity over creativity and survival over purpose. As a result:
People disconnect from their creative instincts—they believe creativity is reserved for a few “gifted” individuals.
They chase external success instead of internal fulfilment—work is a means to an end, not a source of joy.
They feel stuck in routines that drain energy—without space for exploration and expression.
Living without creativity and purpose leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a sense of emptiness.
The Cost of Ignoring Creativity and Purpose
Many people ignore their inner calling because they believe:
“I’m not creative.” Creativity is not about making art—it is about thinking differently.
“I don’t have time for purpose.” The purpose is not a destination—it is found in daily actions.
“I need to be practical.” Practicality without meaning leads to lifelong frustration.
Neglecting creativity and purpose does not just lead to boredom—it leads to a life that feels unremarkable.
How Creative Living and Ikigai Unlock Fulfilment
The Creative Act teaches us that creativity is a way of being, not just something we do. Ikigai shows us that purpose is not found but created through daily habits.
Together, they reveal that living a meaningful life means integrating creativity into everything we do. It is about:
Seeing everyday moments as creative opportunities.
Finding flow and joy in work, no matter what it is.
Embracing a mindset of curiosity, play, and exploration.
What Happens When You Live with Creativity and Purpose
Imagine a life where:
You wake up excited to create, explore, and contribute.
Work no longer feels like a chore, but a source of joy.
You are deeply engaged with life, finding meaning in small moments.
You cultivate a sense of flow and creativity in everything you do.
This is the power of blending The Creative Act with Ikigai.
Five Principles for Living Creatively with Purpose
1. See Creativity as a Daily Practice
Creativity is not about output but how you engage with the world.
Be curious about the details of your daily life.
Experiment with small creative acts—writing, sketching, problem-solving.
Do something creative without expecting perfection.
Example: Keep a daily idea journal to capture thoughts, observations, and inspirations.
2. Align Your Work with Your Ikigai
Ikigai teaches that purpose comes from finding the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Reflect on activities that make you lose track of time.
Identify what aspects of your work bring you joy.
Adjust your career or hobbies to include more of your Ikigai.
Example: A teacher who loves storytelling could integrate creative writing into lessons to find deeper fulfilment.
3. Embrace Playfulness and Experimentation
Rick Rubin emphasises that creativity flourishes when we detach from results.
Approach new ideas with a sense of play.
Try things outside your comfort zone without fear of failure.
Remove pressure—creativity is about the process, not just results.
Example: Set aside one hour a week for unstructured creative play, such as painting, writing, or brainstorming ideas with no goal in mind.
4. Cultivate Presence and Flow
True creativity happens in the present moment.
Reduce distractions—turn off notifications and clear your workspace.
Focus on one task at a time to enter a state of flow.
Find joy in simple tasks by being fully engaged.
Example: Transform a daily routine—like making coffee—into a mindful creative ritual.
5. Share Your Creativity with the World
Creative living becomes more powerful when it connects with others.
Share your work, even if it feels small or imperfect.
Help others cultivate creativity in their lives.
Use your creative skills to contribute to your community.
Example: If you love photography, offer to take portraits for friends or capture moments at local events.
Advanced Strategies for Deepening Your Creativity and Purpose
1. Develop a Creative Ritual
Structure your day to include time for creativity and self-reflection.
Set a non-negotiable creative time each morning or evening.
Create a dedicated creative space that inspires you.
Use a pre-work ritual to transition into creative flow.
Example: Start each day with 10 minutes of freewriting or sketching to activate creativity.
2. Slow Down and Pay Attention
Ikigai is about finding joy in the small things.
Walk slower. Observe details. Notice the beauty in the ordinary.
Engage all senses—listen deeply, taste fully, feel textures.
Ask yourself daily, “What brought me joy today?”
Example: Take a different route to work and actively observe your surroundings like an artist.
3. Break Free from Creative Perfectionism
Fear of failure kills creativity. Let go of judgment and expectations.
Release the need for everything to be “useful” or “successful”.
Treat mistakes as experiments, not failures.
Remember: The process is the reward.
Example: Create something intentionally imperfect—a messy drawing, an unpolished idea—just to free your creative mind.
4. Live by the Rule of “Why Not?”
Many people stop themselves from trying new things because they think “I’m not qualified” or “It’s not practical”.
Whenever you hesitate, ask: “Why not?”
Say yes to small creative opportunities.
Do things just for the joy of learning and exploration.
Example: If you have always wanted to play music, buy an instrument and start learning—even if you are “too old” or “not musical”.
Your Next Steps
If you want to live more creatively and purposefully, start today.
Identify one small creative habit to integrate into your daily routine.
Reflect on your Ikigai—what brings you joy and meaning?
Reduce distractions and create space for deep, engaged work.
Let go of perfection—experiment without expectation.
Share your creativity with others in a small, meaningful way.
What is one thing you can do today to embrace creativity and purpose in your life?