Structural tension is the most powerful dynamic of the generative creative process. The fundamental principle to understand is what we might call the “first law” of the structural approach to creating results: tension seeks resolution. The word tension, used in this way, is describing a natural force or energy. It does not refer to stress, or pressure, or a state of anxiety. It is an energy dynamic that is formed by the difference between two elements within the creative structure: the desired result in relationship to the current condition.
These two points of reference – desired result, current condition – actually define the structure, and become the center of focus when we are creating. The tension between these two points of reference generates energy that is used in the process of bringing the desired result – the vision of the outcome you want to create – into being. We create this structural tension energy by determining the end result we want to create and then knowing where we are currently, in relationship to that outcome.
Structural tension is resolved by action. Once a strong structural tension dynamic has been created, it will begin to drive strategic thinking and strategic action, in order to resolve itself.
And most importantly, once we develop structural tension our actions are well motivated, naturally motivated. Because of the structural tension energy it is easier to do what we need to do. It is easier to follow through to completion. There is no need to manipulate ourselves into action.
In the creative process, our actions are secondary choices we make to support our primary choice which is the desired result we want to create. We develop structural tension which immediately seeks to resolve itself; and our secondary choices translate this tension energy into strategic actions for changing our current reality to become or include our desired result.
Structural tension, once formed, has three very compelling effects.
One is true innovation.
It is often the case when we consider our current reality, that we find the usual ways to achieve our goals are not available for us, or not sufficient to the task. Perhaps we don’t seem to have enough time or enough money to create the results we want. Perhaps the situation we are in does not seem to lend itself to the accomplishment of our goal.
Given conditions of perceived or real scarcity, if we create a structure and a structural energy that seeks resolution in favor of our vision, our minds become exceedingly creative. The structural tension, seeking to resolve itself, provides the leverage for innovative thought and action. We get new ideas. We become inventive. We come up with possibilities we haven’t conceived of before. As a result of this inventive thinking, new pathways open up to us, and what seemed impossible before, now becomes not only possible but probable.
The second effect that we experience when we develop and use structural tension is that the universe suddenly seems to be cooperating with us. The phone rings, and it’s just the person that can help you move towards your goal. This is not metaphysical. This is a result of structural tension resolving in the direction of your desired result. You read something randomly in a newspaper or magazine, and it sparks an important insight that assists you in your creative effort. You find new resources you need that previously weren’t part of your awareness.
These types of experiences are common when using the structure of the creative process.
The third effect is the ability to sustain important action. When the desire for our vision to exist is the driving force behind our actions, and we have structured our actions inside a clear awareness of our vision and our current reality, the energy will not wane, it will not run out.
On the contrary, as you take action you will generate more and more energy as the structural tension picks up momentum in resolving towards the creation of your vision. Creating with this kind of structure generates energy. This is why it’s so important to make sure your desired end result is clear and is something you truly want, not motivated by problem solving; and that you are honoring your vision and your current reality in equal measure as you move forward.
When you first begin using structural tension in your life, it becomes a technique that you adopt for creating specific results. You define and hold a picture of the outcome you want, while simultaneously holding another defined picture of your current circumstances in relationship to your goal. Within the energy dynamic this develops, you make secondary choices which are your strategic action steps. These secondary choices translate structural tension into effective action. This technique is powerful. And as you continue to use it, you will get better and better at creating results that matter to you. At some point in this process of learning to create the results you truly care about, using the structural approach, a realization dawns on people that is transformational.
They begin to realize a deeper and richer sense of capacity and direction. Their circumstances take on a new role in their lives. Rather than simply reacting or responding to circumstances, they begin to see their life circumstances as the basic building blocks for a deeper creative approach to living. Their highest aspirations and deepest values become the organizing principles of their life and their work, as structural tension becomes internalized into the very way they live and create.