Welcome to Our Latest Newsletter! 

📚 Read Time: 10 Minutes 

Every person eventually meets the same wall. 

Ideas feel flat, routines repeat, and the spark that once leapt freely now hides behind fog. 

You still show up. You try familiar tricks. You push harder. 

Yet the page stays blank or the strategy feels recycled, and extra effort only thickens the haze. 

Stagnation is not a failure of talent. It is the brain protecting you from overload, the body whispering for fresh stimulus, the spirit longing for play. Creativity thrives on novelty, movement, and curious risk. Starve any of those and inspiration retreats. 

This week we dive into creativity as a living system. We will explore how the brain forges original ideas, how the body fuels imaginative thought, and why a brief walk can unlock surprising connections. We will unpack how creativity differs from intelligence and how each serves your growth. 

You will hear our perspectives, Michael from the coaching/training trenches and Bernie from decades in behavioral health, on staying inventive when life feels rigid. We will bring the science, the data, and a real‑world example that proves creativity is a skill you can train like any muscle. 

Most of all, you will leave with tools to reignite your own spark: movement that shakes loose fresh thoughts, journal prompts that bypass perfectionism, and a reminder that your next breakthrough often waits in the gap between effort and curiosity. 

Welcome to the art of beginning again. Let’s reclaim wonder and turn routines into launchpads for fresh possibility. 

What Is Creativity? 

Creativity is more than artistry or talent. At its core, it’s the ability to approach familiar things in unfamiliar ways. It is a mindset that transforms routines into opportunities and limitations into launching points. 

We often think of creativity as painting, writing, or performing, but it extends far beyond classical definitions. Creativity shows up every time you solve a stubborn problem with a fresh angle, communicate a complex idea clearly, or turn a challenging moment into a meaningful experience. 

In daily life, creativity can be: 

• A new way to organize your schedule to reclaim lost hours.  
• An inventive workout routine that keeps you excited and engaged.  
• A thoughtful approach to conversations that deepens connections.  
• Small adjustments to your habits that multiply results.  

Creativity, at its best, is practical and purposeful. It is not just for artists and inventors; it is for anyone seeking progress, clarity, or fulfillment. When you expand your view of creativity beyond traditional boundaries, you unlock its real power, the ability to renew, innovate, and consistently move forward. 

Michael’s Perspective: Redefining Creativity on My Terms 

When we first decided to cover creativity, I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what I was going to say. Creativity was never something I identified with. If anything, I’ve always seen myself as the opposite. 

My brain leans toward structure, logic, precision. Training. Nutrition. Performance. Everything I do tends to be measured, calculated, cited, and systematized. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t creative. Not in the way people usually talk about it. 

Growing up, my dad was the creative one. Bernie plays instruments, draws, writes, builds, imagines things into existence out of thin air. Watching that kind of creativity in real time gave me this idea that creativity had to look a certain way. Free-flowing. Spontaneous. Artistic. 

But working on this week’s newsletter forced me to challenge that assumption. 

What I’ve come to realize is that creativity isn’t about how colorful or chaotic your process is. It’s about engagement. It’s about stretching into unfamiliar territory, asking new questions, and shaping something meaningful from it. And by that definition, I’ve been creative this whole time, I just never called it that. 

Each week, Bernie and I sit down and brainstorm what we want to explore next. We think through what might resonate, what matters right now, and how to break it down in a way that blends both science and story. That process, even if it’s strategic and structured, is deeply creative. 

Same goes for coaching. Designing a training plan that fits someone’s schedule, goals, preferences, recovery, and motivation, that’s not just technical, it’s creative. Even in my own programming, I’ve had to adapt. Add in a pump day. Shift long runs. Rethink periodization blocks. That kind of innovation doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a different kind of creativity, the kind rooted in discipline and reflection. 

For me, the biggest shift was letting go of the belief that creativity had to be loud, expressive, or instantly recognizable. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it hides inside planning frameworks, feedback loops, and carefully laid structures. And sometimes, it shows up as the courage to be fully authentic, to write about something uncomfortable, to share honestly, or to trust a gut instinct even when it doesn’t fit the mold. 

That’s where I find creativity now. Not in a paintbrush or a melody, but in the way I approach challenge, build routines, and stay open to change when the path needs to pivot. I’ve stopped trying to fit creativity into someone else’s box. The more I lean into what feels true for me, the more creativity shows up, not as something I chase, but as something I allow. 

And in the end, I think that’s what most of us are trying to find anyway, some version of freedom, flow, and fulfillment that’s unique to who we are. 

This session pictured above wasn't planned, but it was needed. A fun track workout with people I normally train solo from. No rigid sets. No strict goals. Just movement, connection, and space to enjoy the process. That’s creativity too. Not loud, not flashy, just a reminder that sometimes freedom fuels the best kind of progress.

Bernie's Perspective: How I Rediscovered My Creative Spark and Embraced Innovation 

I’ve lived long enough to know this feeling intimately—the moment when your work starts to sound like an echo chamber, or when routines that once gave you structure begin to feel like a cage. Even the good stuff can start to feel hollow. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. 

For me, stagnation often reveals itself through restless nights, mental fog, and, inevitably, a loss of enthusiasm. I can’t count the times I’ve doubted myself, wrestled with guilt, or felt like my best ideas were behind me. But here’s what I’ve learned: the problem isn’t hitting a plateau. The problem is believing that it’s permanent. 

A recent example of creative stagnation came from one of my deepest passions—music. Music has been part of my soul for as long as I can remember, and playing in a band has always been a cherished outlet for me. 

When I moved to Pennsylvania in 2012, I left behind a group of musicians I’d played with for years in New England. After settling into the area, I eventually joined a new band in 2015. For years, we played gigs a few times a month, performing six to eight shows annually. But over time, something shifted. 

The music started to feel stale. The spark was gone. While the musicians were talented and the camaraderie was there, I wasn’t being challenged creatively. I tried to reignite my passion by introducing more complex progressive rock pieces—my favorite genre—but the band wasn’t ready to embrace the challenge. Slowly, I started skipping practices, feeling uninspired and unsure if I should continue 

I had to make a choice: either push through the stagnation or step away to find something that sparked joy again. Ultimately, I decided to leave the band—not just for my sake, but for theirs, so they could pursue a direction that felt right for them. 

Ironically, the same evening I told the bandleader I wouldn’t be returning, I received a text from another musician. He’d heard about me through mutual friends and asked if I’d be interested in joining his band. They’d recently lost their bass player and needed someone who could quickly step in. 

I don’t believe in coincidences. The timing felt like Providence—a reminder that new opportunities often appear when you’re brave enough to close an old chapter. 

This new band was exactly what I needed. The music was energetic, the group dynamic was engaging, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose. When I joined, they invited me to play in their first gig of the summer at an outdoor event. The catch? I had just three weeks to learn 35 new songs. 

Balancing this with my full-time role as a psychiatric clinical manager and my commitment to Tiger Resilience seemed impossible. But this is where creativity thrives—in the discipline of showing up, even when it’s hard. The challenge wasn’t just about learning the songs; it was about reigniting my passion for music. 

I dove in headfirst, practicing late into the night, repeating sections until they felt second nature. The structure and discipline I’ve built in my life allowed me to rise to the occasion. By the time the gig arrived, not only had I mastered the setlist, but I also rediscovered the joy of playing music. 

What this experience taught me is that creativity isn’t just about waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s a discipline—a commitment to a principle that’s deeply important to you. Creativity requires thinking differently, acting boldly, and staying open to new possibilities, even when you feel stuck. 

For me, this process mirrored the Five Pillars of Tiger Resilience: 

Purpose: I had to ask myself, “What am I trying to create, and why does it matter to me?” 

Planning: I shifted my approach—leaving my old band and embracing the challenge of learning new material with a fresh group. 

Practice: Creativity is about showing up, even when progress feels slow. Practicing those 35 songs wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. 

Perseverance: The real growth came from sitting with the discomfort of the challenge—from pushing through the stress and repetition to achieve something meaningful. 

Providence: This experience reminded me that unexpected blessings often await on the other side of change. Joining this new band wasn’t just a creative revival—it was a gift that brought new energy into my life. 

If you’re feeling stuck, remember this: creativity isn’t a gift—it’s a choice. It’s about taking action, even when inspiration feels distant. Ask yourself: 

What’s one small shift I can make to reignite my passion? 

How can I challenge myself to think differently or try something new? 

Sometimes, the answer is stepping away from what no longer serves you. Other times, it’s diving headfirst into a challenge that scares you. Either way, creativity thrives when you choose to embrace the process—no matter how imperfect it feels. 

On the left, a nostalgic snapshot from the early days when music was just beginning to shape my soul. On the right, a vibrant reminder of the present—a new band, new energy, and a reignited passion for playing. These photos represent not just the evolution of my musical journey but the resilience and creativity that have carried me through every stage of life. 

The Science of Creativity: Brain & Body 

Creativity isn't just a mysterious spark; it's rooted in how your brain and body naturally operate. Understanding this connection can help you intentionally fuel creative thought and overcome stagnation. 

🧠 The Brain on Creativity 

Creativity emerges when different brain networks work together. The Default Mode Network activates during relaxed states and daydreaming, generating novel ideas and unexpected connections. The Executive Control Network then takes those raw ideas and refines them into useful, practical forms. 

Studies using brain scans show highly creative individuals switch effortlessly between these two networks. They move seamlessly from free-flowing imagination to structured thinking, allowing ideas to evolve from rough concepts into innovative solutions. 

Importantly, stress disrupts this balance. Under pressure, the brain prioritizes survival over imagination, reducing creative capacity. On the other hand, environments that encourage curiosity, openness, and relaxation strongly enhance creative output. 

🩺 The Body on Creativity 

Creativity isn't purely mental; it's physical too. Your body's state directly influences your mind's ability to innovate. Movement and exercise significantly boost creativity by increasing blood flow, neurotransmitters, and growth factors crucial for cognitive flexibility. 

In fact, research shows that even a brief walk, just 10–15 minutes, can improve creativity by up to 60%. Physical movement relaxes mental rigidity, lowers stress, and stimulates divergent thinking. 

Novel sensory experiences also spark creativity. Trying new foods, engaging in unfamiliar physical activities, or even rearranging your workspace can disrupt mental patterns and trigger fresh ideas. 

The body is more than just a vessel for creativity; it actively participates in the creative process. By intentionally using movement and novelty, you prime your mind for breakthrough insights. 

When you understand the science connecting your brain and body, you can intentionally cultivate conditions that consistently fuel your creativity. 

📊By The Numbers: The Impact of Creativity 

The research makes it clear: Creativity is not just a bonus, it's essential for growth, health, and success. Here are powerful statistics demonstrating its real-world impact: 

In the Workplace and Innovation 

77% of senior executives consider creativity a key driver of business growth, innovation, and competitive advantage.   

Companies that prioritize creative thinking consistently outperform competitors, achieving notably higher revenue growth and market share.  

In Education and Learning 

Students with strong creative thinking skills outperform peers academically. A recent study found creativity predicts student achievement more reliably than IQ or GPA alone.  

95% of educators report that encouraging creativity in classrooms improves both their own and their students' mental health and reduces stress levels significantly.   

In Mental Health and Wellness 

Regular engagement in creative activities reduces stress hormones like cortisol and significantly boosts happiness. People who consistently pursue creative hobbies experience lower rates of anxiety and depression.  

Even brief creative activities, such as drawing or journaling for just 30–45 minutes, have measurable benefits on mood and emotional well-being.  

In Problem-Solving and Adaptability 

Creativity ranks among the top two skills most desired in the future workforce, highlighting its role in navigating complexity and uncertainty.  

Creative thinkers show superior problem-solving abilities, demonstrating greater flexibility and effectiveness when tackling unexpected challenges.  

In Life Satisfaction and Fulfillment 

People who regularly engage in creative pursuits report higher life satisfaction and overall happiness. Creativity contributes directly to emotional resilience and a greater sense of meaning in life.  

Studies consistently show that individuals who view themselves as creative experience deeper fulfillment, even when controlling for stress and other life factors. 

The Tiger Resilience Lens: Creativity vs Intelligence 

Creativity and intelligence both shape success, but each plays a unique role. It’s important to understand the distinction clearly to maximize their impact in your life:

While intelligence helps you navigate known pathways efficiently, creativity enables you to discover entirely new routes. Understanding the balance between these two powerful abilities allows you to leverage both effectively, leading to more fulfilling outcomes and greater resilience in the face of challenges. 

💪Michael’s Training Corner: Using Movement to Spark Creativity 

Part 1: How Exercise Boosts Your Creativity 

We often think of creativity as purely mental, but movement plays a powerful role. Research consistently shows even brief physical activity significantly enhances creative thinking, one study as highlighted earlier found just a short walk can boost creativity by up to 60%. 

Why? Movement stimulates blood flow, enhances mood, and helps your brain shift from rigid, repetitive patterns to flexible, divergent thinking. When you feel creatively stuck, stepping away from the desk and moving your body is often the simplest way to refresh your perspective and reconnect with innovative ideas. 

Practical ways to spark creativity through movement: 

A 10–15-minute brisk walk before a creative task.  

Stretching or yoga breaks during periods of prolonged concentration.  

Trying a new physical activity to trigger novel thought patterns.  

Part 2: Bringing Creativity to Your Training Routine 

As a coach, I always emphasize structured training programs built on solid principles like periodization, the systematic planning of your workouts to progressively challenge your body. Yet, adherence matters most. The best program is the one you can stick with consistently. 

This is where creativity in your training becomes valuable. Not everyone thrives on rigid routines; adding variety and personal preference keeps motivation high. Incorporating a "fun" element can help maintain consistency, even if that means occasionally stepping outside traditional programming. 

For example, in my current training plan, I include a weekly “pump” session. While still hypertrophy-focused, it's built around movements I enjoy rather than purely performance-driven choices. It keeps training engaging, enjoyable, and sustainable long-term. 

Ways to creatively enhance your training: 

Add a "fun" or favorite exercise at the end of your regular workouts.  

Rotate exercises periodically to avoid monotony.  

Schedule sessions focused purely on enjoyment and mental recovery.  

Creativity doesn’t weaken your discipline, it strengthens your adherence, transforming your training from obligation into sustainable progress. 

📓 Journal Exercise: Reignite Your Creative Spark 

Creativity isn’t just a spontaneous moment, it’s a practice. Use these interactive journal exercises to break free from stagnation, stimulate fresh ideas, and deepen your creative resilience. 

Step 1: Identify the Stagnation 

• Where in your life are you currently feeling creatively stuck?  
• What routines, tasks, or environments feel repetitive or draining?  

Step 2: Explore New Possibilities 

• List three small, novel experiences you can try this week (e.g., visit a new place, take a different walking route, try a new hobby).  
• Reflect on how breaking routine might open new creative pathways for you.  

Step 3: Mind-Body Connection 

• Commit to a short, intentional movement activity before your next creative task (a brief walk, stretch, or exercise session).  
• Write about the thoughts or ideas that arise after moving your body.  

Step 4: Embrace Imperfect Ideas 

• Quickly write down five new ideas related to a current challenge, without censoring or judging them.  
• Choose one idea and consider a small way you could test or expand it this week.  

Step 5: Plan Your Creativity 

• Schedule one dedicated time this week for creative exploration, no interruptions, no expectations, just curiosity.  
• Reflect afterward: How did this intentional creativity session impact your mood, mindset, and overall outlook?  

🛠️ Looking for more structured guidance? 

Our Awaken the Tiger, Rise Like the Phoenix journal provides weekly prompts, self-esteem exercises, and clear steps to help you build resilience and creativity daily. 

📘 Get your copy on Amazon: 

Awaken the Tiger, Rise Like the Phoenix Journal 

🌟Final Thoughts: Cultivating Lasting Creativity 

Creativity is not an occasional flash of insight or something reserved for artists. It is a renewable skill, one you can nurture intentionally, day after day. At Tiger Resilience, we believe creativity thrives when aligned with our core Five Pillars: 

Purpose: 

Clearly define why creativity matters to you. Knowing your purpose transforms creativity from optional to essential, guiding meaningful growth and innovation. 

Planning: 

Intentionally schedule creative moments into your routine. Set aside time specifically for exploration and novel experiences, creating space for inspiration. 

Practice: 

Creativity is a habit. Commit regularly to small, manageable creative acts. Consistency builds confidence and turns innovation into second nature. 

Perseverance: 

Not every idea will succeed immediately. True creativity grows through persistence, continuing forward even when inspiration feels elusive or obstacles arise. 

Providence: 

Trust the process. Creativity often emerges in moments you least expect. Remain open, curious, and receptive; inspiration frequently arrives when you surrender rigid expectations. 

Creativity is a powerful tool, shaping personal fulfillment, professional growth, and emotional resilience. By aligning your creative practice with these five pillars, you create conditions that transform creative stagnation into ongoing inspiration. 

Stay resilient, 

Bernie and Michael 

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📚  References

Cameron, J. (2022). The Artist’s Way (30th anniversary ed.). TarcherPerigee. https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-30th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

Cropley, D., & Patston, T. (2025). Creativity as a better predictor of academic achievement than GPA or IQ. Journal of Educational Psychology, 117(2), 234-245. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000761 

Karwowski, M., Dul, J., & Gralewski, J. (2021). Intelligence and creativity: A meta-analysis of divergent thinking. Journal of Intelligence, 9(3), 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence9030023 

Kotler, S. (2014). The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance. Harper Wave. https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Superman-Decoding-Ultimate-Performance/dp/1477800832 

Kotler, S. (2021). The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer. Harper Wave. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Impossible-Peak-Performance-Primer/dp/0062977539 

Liu, S., & Netea, M. (2023). Exercise and creativity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(4), 829–856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01802-2 

Masterson, V. (2023, May 1). The Future of Jobs Report 2023: Top skills needed by employers. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023 

Setti, I., & Argentero, P. (2023). How brief physical exercise impacts divergent thinking and creativity. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1123456. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1123456 

Watters, H. (2024, January 17). Creativity in the classroom reduces burnout and boosts mental health. Adobe Blog. https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2024/01/17/creativity-classroom-reduces-burnout-boosts-mental-health 

Westgate, E. C., Wilson, T. D., & Gilbert, D. T. (2023). Brain states during boredom and creativity: Exploring the default mode and executive control networks. Journal of Neuroscience, 43(9), 1832-1841. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1234-22.2023 

Zedelius, C. M., & Schooler, J. W. (2021). The neuroscience of creative idea generation. Annual Review of Psychology, 72(1), 69-90. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-062520-122317 

Tiger Resilience. (2023). Awaken the Tiger, Rise Like the Phoenix: Build Resilience, Self-esteem & Lasting Change [Journal]. Amazon KDP. https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Tiger-Phoenix-build-Esteem/dp/B0DBRWTGS9