Are you one of those who think that a creative mind is something you are born with? If yes, maybe you should reconsider it. In fact, various experts assert that creativity is a skill that can be learned and trained. So creativity is not a trait that is typical only for artists, designers, or great inventors. In that matter, creativity is not some gift or mystic power you are born with, but a skill that everyone can develop and improve if they want to.
“There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”— Edward de Bono
So how can you stimulate your creativity?
Trying different practices and techniques can help you improve and grow your creativity skill. Whether you are a self-employed individual, an employee, or a business owner in the marketing, finance, or IT sector, having creative energy can help you in performing more effectively and outstanding your competitors. If you strive to make yourself think more creatively, you could expand your creative horizon and make your creative juices flow by following the tips below.
Embrace the unknown
Many people tend to get scared and step back when put in front of challenges. The reason for this is they can feel unsure of themselves and their abilities. This provokes a failure without even trying to give the best of you. By embracing the unknown and rising up to the challenges, we can free up our minds and stimulate the opening of new channels of creative thinking. Consequently, this can help us come up with fresh ideas and solutions to the problems we are encountering.
Read a book
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.
–Mason Cooley
Indeed, reading a book is an activity that stimulates the human brain to focus and get rid of any distractions around. This constant focus of our minds works as an incentive for more creative thinking. Many people before starting a big project tend to read a valuable book that will help them relieve stress and anxiety and boost their good energy.
A known fact is that ‘A relaxed mind is a creative mind’. After reading your book you should try the mind mapping technique for summarizing the book. Mind mapping is known as an effective technique for visualizing and presenting ideas, as well as for brainstorming and making summaries or reviews of books and movies.
Start a personal project
Constantly working on the same tasks that don’t allow experimenting can sometimes be exhausting and demotivating. If you are feeling this way, you should start a personal project outside your daily work activities. Whatever the project, only by working on something that is of your interest, you will surround yourself with great energy. A personal project that allows you to do things by yourself without asking for approval or permission will give you a splash of motivation and creativity.
Go on a trip
Breaking the routine from time to time is extremely motivating. Going on a trip really helps in changing our everyday perspective. However, because of a number of reasons many people never or rarely travel, so they forget how exciting and inspiring traveling is.
Taking some time off work to use it for traveling, or simply taking a long walk in nature will help you rest your mind. And you know how that goes – a well-rested mind increases creativity and helps to refocus.
Listen to music
Many studies have shown that music has a positive impact on the human brain. In fact, listening to music can make you happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. So whenever you feel that your level of creativity is low and that you can’t focus on getting work done, listen to some music. There is evidence that people who listen to their favorite music at work, come up with more innovative ideas, and complete their tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Brainstorm
Brainstorming is a technique that is used for problem-solving and stimulating creative thinking. If you have trouble getting your creative juice to flow and you are not practicing brainstorming, now is the time to try it. Brainstorming, invented in 1942, is practiced as an individual or group technique and involves reflecting on a certain subject and coming up with a number of ideas and thoughts. The process has a positive impact on the human brain, as works as a stimulant for more creative and innovative solutions. Brainstorming can be also assisted by a mind mapping tool developed with the purpose to simplify the process of generating and organizing ideas visually.
Take breaks
Have come up to that point when you realize that your ideas are just dull? It is common to feel uninspired after working on an activity for a certain period of time. You should take a break, refresh your mind and recharge your batteries.
Breaks are crucial when working on a single task for many hours, days, even months. Set your brain free for a while and after return to your activity and you will notice a positive difference in your performance.
About the author
Kristina Gjorgievska, a content writer and translator. Eternal inspiration: the magical Italy, Jim Morrison’s poetry, Bernardo Bertolucci’s timeless “Stealing Beauty”, and the dynamic and meditative Ashtanga Yoga. You can connect with Kristina on LinkedIn.
