Not long ago, during a stay in New Canaan, Connecticut, I found myself once again pulled into the cozy magic of the local library—a space that never fails to spark something inside me. On one of those quiet afternoons, I stumbled upon a concept that stayed with me long after I left: boosters and zappers. The idea comes from Chase Jarvis’s book Creative Calling, and it gave language to something I believe many of us feel, but rarely name.
Following the thread of one of my earlier articles, where I wrote about triggers and glimmers, today I want to talk to you about something just as subtle and yet incredibly important: the space where our creativity is born. The things, people, and habits that give us wings—or clip them—often without us even noticing.
What are Boosters and Zappers?
Just as glimmers are micro-moments of joy and authentic connection, boosters are enhancers of energy and creativity. These include activities, habits, environments, and relationships that activate the brain’s neural networks associated with motivation, reward, and imagination—especially the default mode network, which is linked to daydreaming, introspection, and original ideas.
At the other end, zappers are the elements that drain our mental and creative energy. They activate circuits tied to chronic stress and overstimulation, like the HPA axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal), increase cortisol levels, and diminish the functioning of the prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for decision-making, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving.
In short: boosters bring you closer to a state of flow, while zappers pull you away from it. Here are a few examples:
Boosters:
- Time spent in nature
- Deep and authentic conversations
- Music that resonates with your inner state
- Mindfulness and meditation practices
- Organized spaces that help settle thoughts
- Regular physical movement
- Conscious rest periods
Zappers:
- Constant notifications and digital interruptions
- Noisy or chaotic environments
- Excessive criticism (internal or external)
- Lack of quality sleep
- Procrastination and self-sabotage
- Multitasking
- Toxic or stressful relationships
A Bit of Neuroscience: What’s Actually Happening in Our Brain?
When we experience a booster—like a creative activity, a meaningful conversation, or time in nature—our brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with motivation and pleasure. Dopamine, in turn, stimulates the formation of new synaptic connections—exactly what we need to think “outside the box.”
On the other hand, zappers—such as excessive multitasking, ongoing pressure, and negative relationships—keep us in a state of low-grade but persistent alertness. This means we remain stuck in “survival mode,” which limits our access to creative thinking, cognitive flexibility, and insight.
In short, your brain needs periods of calm and safety to explore creativity.
Creativity Is Not a Privilege Reserved for Artists
Sometimes, I hear people in coaching sessions say: “I’m just not a creative person.” If you’ve ever thought that, please take this to heart: Creativity is not just about art. It’s about our capacity to find new forms of expression, solutions, or meaning. It’s a biological and emotional process that requires nurturing conditions—just like a seed that needs light, water, and space to sprout.
When creativity seems to vanish, the cause is often not a lack of ideas, but too many zappers and not enough boosters.
A Creative Energy Mapping Exercise
For the next 14 days, every evening, write down:
- What activities or interactions gave you energy (boosters)?
- What drained your energy or diminished your desire to create (zappers)?
After a few days, you’ll start to notice patterns. You’ll better understand what supports your potential—and what blocks it.
In my own life:
Boosters are the books that bring me fresh ideas, authentic conversations, walks in nature, and coaching sessions where I see someone’s eyes light up.
Zappers are the thoughts telling me to “be more productive” instead of simply being present, comparisons, imposter syndrome, and fears about financial lack.
This summer, remember:
Creativity is available to everyone—if we learn to create both an inner and outer environment that supports it. When we learn to distinguish what nourishes us (boosters) from what drains us (zappers), we begin to reclaim the joy of being.
And maybe, all we really need to do—each day—is to consciously choose to cultivate at least one booster: a small dose of light that keeps our inner world alive.
I invite you to choose at least one booster to intentionally nurture this week.
And if this article was a booster for you, keep it close—I wrote it with you in mind. 😊