by MEGAN ISOLA
Creativity is often seen as a talent that primarily exists within inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, or philanthropists. However, in reality, creativity is a skill that everyone can and should develop to solve problems better and encourage innovation. Especially in today’s ultra-competitive business world, staying relevant and standing out from the crowd by being competitive often requires you to unlock your full creative potential. Thankfully, by embracing some daily habits, you can discover even well-hidden creativity and enjoy a whole new skillset:
Journal: Start Your Day Off Early or Summarize at The End of Your Day
Depending on when you want to journal to entice your creative juices, it’s helpful to set out some dedicated time each day to journal. Consider this a brain dump that will help you clear out any clutter in your brain and make room for more creative thoughts. Many claim that doing this first thing in the morning via the “morning pages” concept, which was popularized by the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, is best. However, especially when you feel the most comfortable and can ease your brain into this practice, whenever you do it, early or late, just make sure that you journal at least once daily. This can lead to unexpected ideas and insights you would otherwise have missed.
Curate Curiosity
Albert Einstein once famously stated that “he had no special talent; he was only passionately curious.” Therefore, when trying to find your inner creativity, get curious. Read books and articles, watch documentaries, or take a class. There are many ways to engage an inquisitive mind. Ask questions about things you never debated before or even contemplated much.
Have Some Dedicated Daydreaming Time
Daydreaming is something that is often looked down on in today’s fast-paced, harried, and ultra-scheduled society. However, letting your mind wander at least once a day is key to unlocking that hidden creativity that is deep inside your consciousness. Without it, you simply never stop long enough to explore deeper thought or to engage in potential problem-solving or innovation. You can tie this daydreaming time to your journaling or simply let your mind wander at various times throughout the day when it happens organically.
Get Moving
Your brain is a vital part of your body, obviously, and as such, it is fueled by nutrients (and properly prepared meals) and physical activity. If you don’t already have one, consider starting a new exercise routine. Take a jog, complete a bike ride, dance, do some yoga, or even just stretch or lift weights. Working out can create a perfect environment for creativity and help stimulate brain function. It is amazing how many ideas will pop into your head when your body is otherwise engaged with some repetitive activity. It frees up the mind to drift away for a bit.
Occasionally Break Routine
Having some routine is likely necessary for living, having too much of a consistent routine can stifle creativity in some ways. To counteract this, you should change your environment occasionally, moving away from your familiar tasks and embracing a new skill or even trying a new way of dressing. It really means simply doing something differently than you would typically do to challenge your own preset routines and thought patterns.
Harness Your Imagination
Your imagination is a powerful tool of creativity that can help you unlock endless possibilities and explore new worlds. It is the fuel that allows you to ignite your creativity and think more outside the box. One way to embrace your imagination is through visualization. This means you close your eyes, but in your mind, try to picture a scene or an idea. It can be something real, like the beach, or even a fun, fanciful creature. Daydreaming, which we have already outlined, is another way to harness your all-important imagination.
Overcome Your Own Self-Doubt
As you move further into exploring your creativity and unlocking skills and passions, you might find a typical roadblock in your way this being your self-doubt. Many times, it’s not what others say that discourages or causes us to doubt, but instead the voice we hear in our own head. In reality, self-doubt will likely come along with any creative journey because you are pushing the standard boundaries and reaching outside your safe zone. Therefore, be ready for them and push back against them towards your creative goals.
Avoid Digital Distraction
While there is nothing inherently wrong with digital entertainment, be it watching TV, binging shows on streaming services, scrolling on your phone or tablet, or other forms, this distraction can keep you from tapping into your creativity in many ways. Simply put, it’s a major distraction, and you can easily lose hours without even realizing the time has passed. Therefore, when you are trying to unlock creativity, assign some time that will be free of digital influence for your creativity.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep to give your brain the best chance of working creatively. It is no secret that proper brain function also correlates with the right amount of sleep. Therefore, especially when you are working to bring out your inner creativity, make sure you are resting well.
Surround Yourself With Creative Types
While being on your own and considering your own thoughts and ideas is wise, sometimes, it helps to be around other creative people to get the juices flowing. It has been proven that we are an average of the five people with whom we spend the most time. Therefore, if you want to be more creative, then spending time with people who tend to be creative is a good idea. It can inspire you and give you even more ideas to unlock your hidden potential.
You Can Be Creative
Thankfully, creativity is not a gift that is only given to certain individuals. At the same time, we might have assumed that previously, through this list, you, too can unlock your inner creativity, no matter how deeply buried it might be inside your inner self. Be purposeful in working towards being creative, not just waiting for it to happen on its own by taking the steps listed above. Then, you will most likely surprise yourself with the way your brain will come up with ideas that you had previously never considered. Get ready to discover new ways of doing things, learn you are good at something you never considered, and learn that it’s okay to not have every minute of every day scheduled with distractions and work. You can be creative.
Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.
