Creativity is a hot topic right now. We’re all trying to find ways to do work we love, be more productive and innovative and live our best lives. I’ve found that it comes back to being creative. When we exercise our creativity, we allow new ideas to come to life and it enlightens parts of our brain that we may not use often. Some may argue that creativity is genetic, but putting yourself in a creative environment and putting effort in developing your creative skills proves it’s more about nurturing.
If you want to be more creative, first, you need to change your thinking. Think like a kid. What would you do if you couldn’t fail? Be positive. Worry less about perfectionism and more about discovering what is possible. Be open-minded to consider new ideas. Get curious. Be aware of fear (fear of failure or not doing something well enough) and don’t stop when that fear appears. Some of the ideas listed below may feel strange or silly when you’re first starting out. Keep at it and see where your creative routine can take you. Stay hungry.
Next, you need to find the time and be intentional about it. Try committing to one hour every week or twenty minutes every day, whatever your schedule allows or however long you feel you need. Put it on your calendar and don’t skip it! Be present during your creativity time.
Now you’re ready to exercise your creativity. Here are some ideas!
- Limit your tools. Make something with certain tools.
- Take photos. Capture the things that inspire you. Look for new perspectives and things you never noticed before.
- Use a new app. Try photo editing apps like Instagram.
- Doodle.
- Sign up for a class. Learn about something you have no or little skills to do. This can be art or cooking classes in your city. There are MANY online class options available, and they’re usually an hour long. I recommend Brit + Co or Skillshare.
- Make something with your hands. Explore Pinterest for a DIY project or new recipe to make. It can be as simple as a paper banner or as intricate as a wood-burned board. Check out my posts about DIY projects.
- Get moving! Go for a walk outside or go to a work-out class. Bring your camera to check two things off at once – a photo-taking walk!
- Keep a journal. Fill it with ideas, thoughts, and drawings. Write about interesting parts of your day.
- Watch TED talks.
- Brighten up your space. Surround yourself with things that you find inspiring, even if you don’t quite know why.
- Go to a busy place like a coffee shop. Feed off of the energy in the room.
- Watch and/or do stand-up comedy.
- Travel to a new city or country.
- Study a subject you’re interested in. Learn. Research. Read.
- Attend creative events. Museums. Something you wouldn’t usually go to.
Have a suggestion about how to exercise your creativity? Comment below!
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