Being creative is more than just expressing yourself. It’s also a way to grow your own perspectives and become a better version of yourself. Unfortunately, modern life doesn’t lend itself to unleashing your creativity. Between smartphones and cubicle jobs, it’s sometimes easy to put your own creative mind on the backburner.
Over 75% of people feel they aren’t living up to their creative potential whether that’s in their job or their own hobbies. Have you fallen into a creative slump? If so, you’re not alone. Letting your creativity spark free isn’t as easy as it sounds. We all know the tried-and-true methods of thinking outside the box: go for a walk, try something new, etc., but what happens when these alone aren’t enough? This guide will share the best techniques that push the boundaries on your own creative mind.
Out Of Ordinary Techniques to Unleash Your Creativity
1. Work Your Brain Muscles
When you spend hours each day mindlessly scrolling through social media and other types of passive entertainment, your brain doesn’t get to do much work. We’re smart creatures, and we thrive when we’re able to use all the parts of our brains to create. Think of your brain like a muscle.
Like any athlete, you need to work your muscles frequently to actually improve. This is especially true for creativity. When athletes want to get stronger, they don’t do the same things over and over. They cross train. They try new sports and activities that work their muscles in new ways. Do the same for your creativity. Develop different creative muscles in your brain by trying new creative things. If you usually like to draw, try writing. If you like to create digital things, try a new medium. You’ll might even pick up a new hobby.
2. Stop Walking Away
How many times have you walked away from a project or creative situation because you ran into a problem? It’s easy to think you’ll return to your obstacle with a refreshed mindset, and things will suddenly become clear. This is seldom the case. Stop giving yourself a ticket out, and instead conquer these challenges. The more you’re able to tear down these barriers, the less barriers you’ll face in the first place.
3. Structure Your Challenges
If you’ve ever taken part in some kind of race or event, you know how the human mind sometimes works best under constraints. When you have a strict deadline, you’re able to produce without worrying about the problems that hold us back in the first place. Too many people avoid starting anything new because they simply don’t know where to begin or how to start. This is a form of paralysis that keeps us from being creative.
When you operate within specific barriers, you’re able to hold yourself accountable. How can you do this for yourself? FInd a reasonable challenge for your work, and stick to it. If you’re a writer, this might mean reaching a certain word count by the end of the month. For creative professionals, this might be a strict set of guidelines for a new project. Talk about your challenge with friends and family who can keep you accountable.
4. Be Uncomfortable
When you get stuck in the same routine, things are too easy. Why rock the boat with a new project or a new creative endeavor when you can stick to the things you already are comfortable with? Comfort is the enemy of creativity. Experiences that force you to see the world in a different way are shown to lead to being more productive with creative work. Travel to new places, try new foods, and take the long way to work in the morning. Even small steps push your boundaries further in the best way.
5. Find Your Inspiration
We all have our own sources of inspiration. What inspires your partner might not inspire you and vice versa. Getting to know yourself means knowing where you find your motivation to be creative. For some, it’s the stories from books and movies. For others, it’s searching for the best inspirational quotes by Quote Catalog.
Look for sources of inspiration in your own life and make them a staple of your daily routine. Inspiration isn’t something you save for moments of productivity. It’s an everyday part of life, so make it something you take part in throughout the day to reap the most benefits.
Keep Your Creative Mind Sharp
Like any muscle, your brain loses the ability to produce creative works if you let it get out of shape. Stop getting comfortable with the same boring ideas and routines. It’s time to challenge yourself to see your experience through new eyes. Your creative muscles want to work hard, so give them the change to stay sharp and active with daily practice.
With so many distractions around every corner today, it’s easy to let your creative energy take the backseat. Using the ideas above, you can keep your creativity front and center in your life.
*collaborative guest post