Many people want to be more creative both at work and at home. Unfortunately, many of us adopt the notion that only “creative types” can be creative.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Get over the stereotypes and learn how to be more creative with these tips…
- Think back to creative projects you have completed in the past.
People are naturally more creative than they give themselves credit for. You have likely participated in creative projects in both school and work. You have also likely helped your kids or your nieces and nephews with creative projects. Try to remember what was involved with those creative processes.
- Know your strengths.
When looking to be more creative, you should play upon your strengths. These include strengths that you may not have used in a while. For instance, you may have been good at creative writing back in college. After some time away, your skills might have gotten rusty – but that doesn’t mean they are gone for good!
- Keep learning throughout your life.
Lifelong learning is a valuable tool for anyone. Not only does it help propel you towards your goals, it also keeps you sharp and focused. Choosing more creative paths of learning, will help you boost your creativity
- Think outside the box.
All too often, we get stuck in the same routines, processes and thinking patterns. If you want to be more creative, you need to shake things up. Next time you are faced with a dilemma, try approaching it in a way that you’ve never tried before.
- Attempt activities that you’ve never done before.
A great way to tap into your natural creativity is to try something you have never done before. When you try new things, you encourage different thoughts and sensations. Trying new things forces you to think in ways you aren’t used to. You might even have to get “creative” in order to finish the activity.
- Read stories in a genre you haven’t tried before.
When you try a different genre that you are used to, you open your mind to new possibilities. You will start to consider situations and ideas you wouldn’t have if had you not read these stories. You might even read about creative solutions or ideas you hadn’t thought of before.
- Get over the concept that the only people who can create are creative people.
Everyone has the potential to create. The reason those
creative types seem like they can do more is because
they take more chances! Just because other people have a natural
inclination doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. You will find that you are
better at creative tasks when you remove the self-inflicted stigma.
ACTIONABLE STEPS
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Start and maintain a journal that contains random thoughts and ideas. Every time you think of something, write it down in this journal. It doesn’t matter what it is or how silly it seems. Get it down in the journal. Don’t forget to review it on occasion. | Read a magazine that you wouldn’t normally find yourself reading. The more controversial, the better. It could be a magazine of the opposite political party. You could also try one from a different culture than yours, etc. Do this once per month. | Join a club or group that supports an activity you have always wanted to get better at. Make sure you attend the meetings at least once per month. Be active in the group by volunteering for activities you wouldn’t normally participate in. |
