Maurice Bouchard, an artist and caregiver based in Athens, Georgia, is speaking out about the growing need for everyday creativity as a tool for focus, resilience, and long-term personal growth. Drawing on his career across caregiving and creative work, Bouchard advocates for a shift away from speed and constant productivity toward steady, idea-driven practice. "Most good ideas don't fail because they're bad," Bouchard says. "They fail because people don't give them time or structure."
Research from the American Psychological Association shows that engaging in creative activities can reduce stress levels by up to 75%. Studies from Harvard Medical School also suggest that creative hobbies improve cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation, especially in adults managing multiple responsibilities. Bouchard believes these findings reflect what he has seen firsthand. "Whether I was working in memory care or painting at home, I saw how small creative routines helped people stay grounded," he says. "Creativity slows you down in the right way."
Rather than focusing on large projects, Bouchard encourages people to act on ideas in manageable steps. "You don't need hours," he explains. "Fifteen focused minutes is enough to move an idea forward." According to productivity research published by Stanford University, people who work in short, focused intervals are up to 40% more effective than those who multitask. Bouchard applies this approach to his own work in watercolour painting, 3D printing, and miniature design. "Big ideas only matter once you make them real," he says. "That happens through repetition, not motivation."
Bouchard also points to storytelling mediums like science fiction and professional wrestling as valuable learning tools. "They teach timing, patience, and follow-through," he notes. "Those lessons apply to work, family, and creative projects alike." Educational research shows narrative-based learning can improve retention by 20–30%, supporting the idea that stories help people process complex ideas over time.
Bouchard urges individuals to take ownership of their ideas by building simple daily habits. "Start with one idea," he says. "Write it down. Break it into steps. Work on it a little every day." He suggests setting aside 15 minutes for a creative task, removing distractions during that time, finishing one small piece of work, repeating the habit tomorrow, and sharing progress with someone you trust. "You don't need to change your life," Bouchard adds. "You just need to give your ideas a chance."
