Agreed, people should be active participants, not just spectators of academia. The idea is to see yourself as creative. Designers typically already do that, but we can all be creative. Designers and other artistically inclined individuals are constantly looking for inspiration. They allow themselves to reflect, ponder, and play. Things the more analytical among us may consider wasting time.

The list above is Dan Pink’s, not mine. If I were to write my own list, it would be something like this:

1. Keep a small notebook.
Instead of just noting designs, note anything that inspires you. Feel free to jot down ideas, song lyrics that strike you, a line of poetry that moves you.

2. Experience the arts.
Go to a gallery, attend a theatrical performance, go see a musical. See art live and in person as much as you can. In your everyday life find music, artwork, books, and films that stir your soul. You’ll find them to be a healthy retreat from the basic routine.

3. Participate in the arts.
Take drama/improv lessons. Learn an instrument. Attend a pottery class. Find creative outlets. You’ll be amazed at the business lessons (and life lessons) you can learn through active participation in the arts.

4. Take time to reflect.
Make time in your schedule to be alone. Spend that time praying, meditating, and/or pondering recent events in life. Pause occasionally to recognize what is happening around you. Try to be aware of what’s happening beyond the obvious.

5. Seek a purposeful life.
Seek an understanding (though not a comprehensive understanding) of your unique purpose in life. Look for patterns of usefulness and success in your life. They might be an indication of some purpose, and they may be replicable to a degree.