We were lucky to catch up with Cindy Cisneros recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cindy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I have learned over the years that purposefulness is an integral part of my creative personality. As a Creative Person, I am seeking purposefulness constantly in everything that I do. For me, that means being deeply in touch with my authenticity.
Throughout my younger life, it has meant going against the grain, breaking the mold, and being the “cheese that stands alone.” For many reasons as a young person, I didn’t fit in. I grew up with a lot of rules, regulations, and expectations that didn’t fit. I hated it then- but it forced me to abandon them, abandon the lifestyle I was born into, and look for my own answers. In adulthood, after much blood sweat, and tears, including a foray into psychology, the arts, and doing my own research on both, it has meant loving my peculiarities.
Turns out, there is a personality type that fits my psyche, and learning about it, embracing it, and supporting the oddness in myself has been life-changing. Not only has it become the basis for which I live my life, but also the foundation for the people that I serve professionally.
One of the most important things I learned in my creativity research is, that living authentically will guide you to a lifestyle filled with purpose and meaningfulness. And-I don’t believe in linear progress- I am a firm believer in what I call “a series of good decisions.” That means, you lay the options you have out in front of you, and choose what is best for you from among them. This opens up a new set of choices. You repeat the process. Over time, you meander towards your own happiness.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a creativity expert. It is my job to help you understand the creative parts of yourself, why they are so important, and how they lead to happiness and satisfaction in your life. I offer two main types of services: online self-help in the Creativity Courses, and concierge counseling for individuals and businesses.
My passion for the brand is simple: I grew up with a creative personality, not knowing it was a “thing.” In short, that meant I didn’t get the help I needed, until, ultimately, I discovered it for myself. That led me to education in psychology and the arts, culminating in my own thesis about creativity in mental health in my counseling master’s program.
That’s what creative people do, btw, when we can’t find what we need- we do it ourselves. But, for me, the road was long and painful, and I don’t wish it upon other creative people. Instead, I want to give you the answers, research, and support I spent a long time collecting. My ultimate goal for you is accessibility of the information you need to succeed- with homage to your creative DIY spirit, and respect for any extra support you may need along the way.
So, start small- meet an online community of creative people like you. Learn the basics of your creative personality. Feel acceptance and belonging. Then, build an understanding of your creative personality strengths. Next, structure your routine around your creativity in a way that breathes life into your authentic desires, returning meaningfulness and passion into how you live.
Or- if you are fed up with DIY and ready to dive in and do the work, concierge counseling is for you. Concierge counseling is built upon fundamentals like accessibility and accountability, combined with expert knowledge and applying life-changing skills for results that last.
Since I have put my own methods to work, I have been able to leave the grind of the 40+ hour work week, heal from burnout, and recover meaningfulness and balance in my life. In addition to pursuing this career that I love, I’m also involved in my own creative projects. I paint and show my paintings locally, and, am currently searching for a literary agent to represent my first fantasy novel.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My three most recommended qualities for success and happiness: 1) a regular practice of creativity
2) listening to your intuition
3) tenacity
1) I did a lot of research into creativity- I still try to keep on top of new studies coming out. But- the most impactful thing I ever found- from statistics to lives changed- is that creative people need to be creative to be happy. Your entire personality is evolved to support a regular expression of your creativity, and, when you fulfill that on a regular basis, everything else falls in line. Please test me on this! I know it works.
2) From the years I have spent in psychology, I know that many of us have lost or damaged our intuition. But- as creative people it is one of our greatest assets. Learning how to repair, get in touch with, and trust your gut is a life-altering skill. Once you get this right, it will not steer you wrong.
3) There are lots of ways to “keep on going.” Sometimes it means changing course altogether. Other times, it means finishing the tedious task you started. Either way- the most important thing of all- is don’t give up. Believe that your creative dreams are possible. Your happiness is possible. I am my own success story in this- I started from rejection from everything I knew, even myself. The happy ending is there if you just. Keep. Going.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My biggest challenge right now is being an innovator.
Creativity research is fairly new, and creativity in mental health is newer. More newfangled still- psychology’s discovery of your creative personality. These things aren’t part of our vernacular, so whenever I sit with a new audience, I have a steep hill to climb: I have to present the research, explain why it matters to you, and then tie in my trailblazing solution to the problem.
That is a lot to take in!
My answer to the challenge is the Creativity Courses- the home of my DIY program. Here, I virtually recreate my own journey of discovery into creativity, psychology, and health, minus the late nights, bleary eyes, and information rabbit holes. In the Courses, you start with the science and build towards the lifestyle changes- work that took me over a decade, you can accomplish as quickly as 6 short months.
What sounds better than that?
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.creativelyllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativelyllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativelyllc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-cisneros-lcpc-lpc-798119163/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/creativelyllc
- Other: http://www.thecreativitycourses.com
