Many people struggle with finding their creativity and that is okay, you are not alone. It doesn't matter if you don’t think of yourself as an artistic person, everyone has a creative side. There is an actual science behind this and it is the same no matter who you are. However, getting inspired varies from person to person.
When it comes down to it, every job requires creativity in some way or another. With this, we’ve all, including myself, have been stumped at work before. One great example would be “writer’s block” when a novelist gets stuck on a chapter in his or her new book. It happens to the best of us and sometimes getting out of the rut takes longer for those who don’t work on that creativity. But without further ado, I have compiled a list that not only helps me, but will hopefully help you trying to get out of that rut. Here are the top 9 ways to help boost your creativity!
1. Do Something New. Doing the same routine day by day will decrease your creativity drastically, which is why you need to learn how to spark up your life once and awhile. This can compile with anything you’ve always wanted to do. It doesn’t have to be as drastic as skydiving or bungee jumping (although it definitely can be). It could be visiting a new town in your state or trying that new spinning class at the gym, the choices are endless.
2. Read, Read, Read! Reading not only increases your comprehension, but it mentally stimulates your brain to improve memory. If you are looking to relax and stimulate your mind, this is the right step to take. Understandingly, reading is not everyone’s favorite thing to do, so remember, do not force it! Even just spending as little as 30 minutes a day with a book on your favorite topic will do.
3. Journal Daily. Writers are not the only ones who benefit from this. There have been actual studies showing that journaling is a stimulating form of self-expression. No matter what kind of career you have, this can be very calming and is a way for you to unleash your creativity without any judgement. This in return can give you a creative confidence that you have always been lacking. Having confidence is key in just about anything you do.
4. Become One with Nature. Step outside and connect yourself with the beautiful outdoors. Sometimes detaching yourself from the daily activities you consume will help you be in the moment. Have you ever heard of the expression, “stop and smell the roses”?
5. Listen to Music. This is one of my favorite ways to help boost my creativity while at work. It doesn’t matter what genre of music, but try mixing it up with new and old music. With new music, it allows you to feel connected at the moment, where old music can help spark memories and keep you grounded.
6. Be a Fly on the Wall. So what exactly does that mean? Simply just get yourself out there and get inspired by others. Go to a place or multiple places with sights to see and sounds to observe. A few great examples of this would be a shopping mall, park, or even a cafe or art museum. Pick a place where you can observe people and watch their expressions, body language, and maybe even eavesdrop on a couple conversations. Being a fly on the wall will be able to give you a perspective shift that could give you your next big idea.
7. Make Mistakes. Don’t be so hard on yourself all of the time! In life you are constantly learning and you can only learn from your mistakes, they will never define you. With each and every mistake you make, it helps shape yourself into the person you are meant to be. Maybe you will find out what it is that you do not want and it will instead help you figure out what you do what.
8. Remove the Pressure of Expectations. There’s enough stress going around in the world that adding crazy expectations will just make you actually go crazy. Being able to put passion and love into your work without the option of disappointment will only help you in the long run.
9. Practice Makes Perfect! Not only should you take a nice break for yourself once in a while but the more you practice your craft everyday, the more creative you will be. Keep that mind moving!
Developing the creative skill isn’t as difficult as you may think. It is important to challenge yourself and have the will to boost your creativity. Now tell us, What do you do to boost your creativity?
- Courtney, Marketing Associate
