Unfortunately, it can be difficult to summon creativity when it is not already coming to you. Whether you are a writer or a business mogul, it is important to be creative. Running low on ideas can be detrimental to your professional and personal life. Try some of these methods to spark your creativity.
1. Break Your Routine
It is easy to get stuck in a monotonous routine. You wake up, have breakfast, go to work, come home, watch TV, and go to bed. Getting into habits can squander creativity. Break your routine and do things you have never done before. It can be something that lasts a single day such as a trip to a nearby city or a party, or it can be a shift in your daily routine. Changing things up helps energize your brain and feed creativity.
2. Carry Around an Idea Book
Everyone should carry a small notebook for copying down thoughts and inspirations. Because creativity often comes in random spurts, it is important that you take advantage of any idea that comes into your head. Carrying an idea book will give you the ability to write down anything that you think of no matter where you are.
3. Write a List of 100 Ideas
One of the biggest obstacles to creativity is overthinking. People are often hesitant to pursue ideas if they think they are silly or stupid. Sit down and force yourself to write down 100 ideas. Try to think as little as possible and just let the ideas flow. Even if you do not want to use most of them, chances are high that a few of them will be promising. Letting go of concern and insecurity about the quality of your ideas can be a great way to encourage creativity.
4. Spend Some Time Outside in Nature
Many people spend most of their day inside. Try to take a walk outside at some point. Walking can be an extremely relaxing and meditative activity, so it can relieve the stress of trying to be creative. Additionally, many things outside may spark your creativity and lead to an idea.
5. Take a Break from Technology
Using phones, TVs, computers, and other devices are all mindless activities. For most people, scrolling through social media requires no mental effort. Taking a break from technology and focusing on the world around you can wake up your mind and introduce some creativity.
6. Talk to a Friend
Talking to someone can be a great way to come up with new ideas. They may say something that sparks your creativity or makes you think of something you have not thought before. Additionally, it can be productive to talk out your ideas with another person, as it will help you get out of your own head and discover what is working and what is not.
7. Believe in Yourself
A foundational part of being creative is the belief that you can. Some people make the mistake of labeling themselves as creative or not creative. Anyone can be creative with the proper drive and motivation. Tell yourself you can be creative and you will be on your way to coming up with great ideas.
Additional Resources:
http://under30ceo.com/7-ways-to-spark-your-creativity/
https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/9-seriously-easy-ways-to-spark-your-creative-energy.html
