The Human Optimization Project

Hosted ByMayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project
The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. In this Mayo Clinic Talks Mini-Series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do.

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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 50: E50 How to Be More Creative and Get Yourself Back Outside the Box

4 de febrero de 2026 casimedicos The Human Optimization Project 00:54:50 Comentarios desactivados en Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 50: E50 How to Be More Creative and Get Yourself Back Outside the Box

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 

Guest: Cal Aurand, Creative Director – Communications | Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN 

 

«I wish I could be more creative” is a common trope that many of us say to ourselves. Unfortunately, that wish comes with the assumption that we aren’t creative, and we’re here to disprove that notion to you today. What if we told you that we all have a creative side, but we may not be looking at it the right way, or we haven’t fully accessed it for some reason or another.
 
To help us understand and sort through these limiting beliefs, our expert guest today is master storyteller, Cal Aurand.
1. What is creativity, really—and where does it come from?
2. Why do so many of us feel “not creative?”
3. What should we be doing differently right now to reliably improve our creativity?
 
 
How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!
 
 
 
Discussion Questions for this Episode:
1. Cal Aurand defines creativity as a verb, emphasizing action, curiosity, and personal experiences. What is one thing Aurand described that was a new idea to you?
2. The podcast suggests that structure can be a key to creativity. In what ways might structure or order enhance your own creative process?
3. Cal shares that his best ideas often come from listening to others’ needs and conversations, rather than solely from introspection. How can actively listening to others unlock your own creative potential?
4. The idea that creativity comes from «above» and is «given» rather than possessed is discussed. How does this perspective shift your view of your own creative abilities?
5. Cal mentions that serving others is where he finds the most joy and fulfillment, which in turn fuels his creativity. How can focusing on service impact your creative output?
6. The transcript highlights that many people feel they are «not creative» due to self-doubt or imposter syndrome. What are Cal’s three key insights for overcoming these feelings, and how do those align with you?
7. Cal suggests that creativity is not limited to artistic fields, citing mathematicians, chefs, designers, and first responders as examples. Where do you see creativity manifesting in your own profession or daily life?
8. The advice to «have fun» is presented as a crucial element for creativity. How can you intentionally incorporate more fun into your creative pursuits or problem-solving activities?
 
 
Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project – YouTube
Email: optimize@mayo.edu

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