
Mastering Your Creative Flow: The Art of Directing Energy
Ever feel like you’re riding a wave of inspiration one minute, then stuck in a creative rut the next? That’s your energy talking, and it’s got a lot to say. In the latest episode of The Creative Present podcast, Joshua Townshend dives into the secret sauce of creativity: directing your energy flow at will. Whether you’re an actor commanding a stage, a writer scribbling in a quiet corner, or just navigating the chaos of everyday life, this is about taking the reins of your inner spark. Let’s unpack how to make your energy dance—on cue, on purpose, and with a whole lot of flair.
Energy isn’t just one thing—it’s a conversation between two directions: introversion and extroversion. Picture them as your breath, the inhale and exhale of your creative soul.
! Asking if introversion beats extroversion is like asking if inhaling beats exhaling. You need both. Without one, you’re not just out of balance—you’re out of breath. Creativity thrives when these energies flow together, like a dance you get to choreograph.
Too much extroversion? You’re that uncle at the family reunion, yammering away, chasing claps and laughs but losing touch with your own heart. You’re all output, no depth, tethered to everyone else’s reactions. It’s exhausting, like shouting into a void hoping for an echo.
Too much introversion? That’s you, locked in your head, spinning in circles. You’re so deep in your own thoughts you forget there’s a world out there. It’s the dinner guest who just nods—“Fine, fine”—while the conversation sails by. Your energy’s stuck, bottled up.
The sweet spot? It’s not about picking a side—it’s about having both on speed dial. You want to inhale to recharge, exhale to connect, and switch between them like a pro. That’s what it means to direct your energy at will.
What does this look like?
This is where you read the room—not just noticing the vibe, but joining it, shaping it. Walk into a hushed library, and your energy dials down, matching the soft rustle of pages. Stroll into a lively bar, and you’re laughing, clinking glasses, fully in the mix. It’s not about faking it; it’s about syncing up, staying true to yourself while meeting the moment.