While it's true that some people are born with a creative mind, it doesn't mean that creative thinking can't be learned and developed. You may even believe that you don't have a creative bone in your body, but this simply isn't true. If you weren't capable of some type of creative thinking, you'd be a robot! Believing In Yourself The first step toward creative thinking is the belief that you can acquire and develop the skill. The truth is that, if you continue to set up a mental roadblock and tell yourself that you can't think creatively, you'll never get past this first step. When you truly believe in yourself, you also open up doors. The possibilities are endless just because you decided to give creative thinking a shot. Developing Creativity In order to foster creativity in your life, start thinking about where you want to apply your newfound creativity. It'll help, at least at first, to have a specific goal instead of the broad goal of just "thinking" creatively overall. You might start with discovering better solutions to common problems at the office, or you might want to broaden your horizons with an artistic goal in your free time. No matter what your goal is, try applying some of these creativity boosting tips: 1. Spend time brainstorming. When looking for ideas for a project - or solutions to a challenge - write down everything that comes to mind without holding back. Don't worry about logistics or staying organized; just let your mind go free. • Another form of brainstorming that might be worth a try is free writing: just pick up a pen and let your mind go wild on the topic of your choice. Tell yourself that you can't pause or put the pen down; you must keep writing. You'll be surprised at what you can unload from your brain during a free writing session! 2. Change your surroundings. You may have noticed that your patterns of thinking change when you're in different places. If you find that your mind is stuck, try changing your environment. Go out for some fresh air or hang out in a coffee shop. It may be just what you need in order to discover a new and exciting idea. 3. Take notes. Always carry some kind of note taking device with you, whether it's paper or a mobile device. Record your ideas as they come to you, no matter where you are at the time. Creative thoughts can come and go, but if you write them down you won't forget them. 4. Research your topics. Even though it may seem boring, you can do some research online. When you do, you'll learn that knowledge is power and it'll enable your brain to get to a place it wouldn't normally have gone. • Enjoy the journey and always follow your love of learning. Research will always provide you with new angles of thought. Consider Other Perspectives While everyone comes with their own unique set of abilities and opinions, when you develop your creativity, you learn how to come up with new ideas and solve problems from different points of view. No matter what challenge you're faced with, spend time considering the perspective of others. While you might not share the opinion of another, see if you can figure out how or why they have that view. Think about how they feel. Developing this empathy will keep your mind open, which will always foster creativity. When you get into the habit of using these tips often, you'll be pleased to see outbursts of creativity
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There are times when we all want to be more creative. We wish that there were something we could do to express ourselves and create something beautiful at the same time. If you're looking for ways to discover your creative side and release the artist within, here are a few simple activities that you can do to get the creative energy flowing. Express Yourself What type of personality do you have? Are you able to express that personality freely at work or with friends? If not, tackle one of these projects and let your personality shine! • Decorate your house, or at least one room, the way you like it. It doesn't matter what anyone else tells you, just decorate your room, your way. This will help you unleash your own self-expression. • Dress the way you want. If tackling the house is too big of a job, then take a look at your wardrobe. Dress how you want to dress. Trust yourself and trust your instincts. You are dressing for you, not the world. Don't worry; you can express yourself while still being professional at work. You have to find ways in everything you do to allow creativity to flow through you. This can be as simple as the way you sign a letter, mail an envelope, the way you dress or the house that you live in. Change Your Routine If you're stuck in a rut, do things that take you out of your normal routine. It doesn't really matter how stimulating your work or home life is, when you take a moment to step out of your normal routine for some me time, you'll be open to new ideas and new thoughts. How can you step out of your normal routine? 1. Read a book that you wouldn't usually pick up 2. Watch a movie that you wouldn't typically choose 3. Talk to a total stranger that you think looks interesting 4. Go shopping at a store that you have never been to. You don't necessarily have to buy anything, just go in and look around. 5. Meet a friend you haven't seen for a long time. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings Another simple activity to increase your creativity is to pay attention to your surroundings. You may laugh and think that is absolutely ridiculous after all, you see the same things and people everyday, and you probably even drive the same route to and from work, too. But try to take a few moments and actually pay attention to your surroundings. See things the way they are and not the way you think they are. • Take a different route home from work. Discover shortcuts or new neighborhoods. • Sit on a park bench and people watch. Think of stories for each person or couple that you see. • Have you ever really paid attention to the people in your office? What about the person that sits right across from you? Take five or ten minutes and take notice. Don't stare, but pay attention. You just may find that other people can be quite the source of inspiration for creativity. Use Your Imagination If you have a favorite poem or story that you loved as a kid, sit down and start writing that story, but make the changes that you always thought should be there. What were Jack and Jill really doing on their way up the hill? If they were fetching a pail of water, what was the water for? You don't have to re-invent the wheel, simply make the everyday your own. Increasing your creativity starts in small, simple ways. Your life is filled with opportunities for you to test your creative energies but it's up to you to take action! If you have a career that requires creativity or you’ve ever needed a creative solution to a problem, you’re aware of how challenging it can be to be creative on command. Creativity seems to come and go with little rhyme or reason. Have you ever wished you could proactively boost your creativity? You can!
Like any other skill, the ability to increase your creativity gets better with practice and experience. Get started today and you’ll find yourself being more creative in the future. These strategies will encourage your creativity to blossom: Work in a new environment. It’s amazing how much a change of scenery can help! Try working in the library or a coffee shop. Rearrange your office and change the view. When you do the same things in the same place, you’ll tend to think the same thoughts. -Turn off your autopilot and expose your senses to new stimuli. Pretend you’re helping someone else find solutions. Many people find that they have more creative ideas when helping others solve their challenges. -Pretend you’re helping a friend and let the ideas flow. Depersonalizing the issue seems to free up a part of the mind that’s otherwise stifled. Brainstorm in pairs. Have you ever noticed that you and a friend or coworker find more creative ideas between the two of you rather than when brainstorming in a group? Break away from the group and pair up with just one other person. -When a large group brainstorms, most of the group members lack a sense of accountability. It’s too easy to be passive. Try being creative at a different time of the day. If you normally write in the morning, try the evening. Try staying up extra late or getting up extra early for a change. If you’ve been feeling stuck at 9 AM for a while, it’s time try a different hour of the day. Set your alarm clock for 3 AM and force yourself to work for 20 minutes. Try some music. Few things can change your mood and get those creative juices flowing faster than a great song. Try different types of music and see what works. Avoid sticking to only your favorites. Branch out and listen to something new. Meditate. Meditation is useful tool for giving your mind a well-needed break. You’ll find your thoughts start to become reenergized. Simple and elegant solutions frequently reveal themselves after a short period of meditation. -Meditation requires a little practice, but it’s easier to learn than you may think. Meditate on your challenges and be open to the thoughts that arise. Stay hydrated. Get a drink of water! Your body is mostly water. Even a small degree of dehydration causes all sorts of biological processes to go haywire. If you’re feeling stuck, take a minute to drink a large glass of water. -Remember to drink throughout the day and the evening. Go outside. Try getting outside for a little exercise. The late John Denver frequently commented that all of his best songs were written immediately after an exhilarating, outdoor activity. He frequently skied, drove racecars, and flew experimental airplanes. -You may lack a plan, but you can still get outside and do something stimulating! Creativity doesn’t automatically happen on command. There are times when creativity is needed, but it’s nowhere to be found. Add these tips to your creativity pool the next time you’re feeling uninspired. If one strategy fails to yield the results you desire, try another. With practice, you can learn to unleash your creativity on demand. |
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