Creativity is not a fixed trait that you either have or don't have. It's a skill that you can develop and improve with practice and habits. In this article, you'll discover some effective creativity habits that you can practice regularly to boost your imagination, problem-solving, and innovation.
One way to stimulate your creativity is to set a challenge for yourself that sparks your curiosity and motivation. For example, you can try to write a poem, design a logo, or invent a new product based on a random word or theme. The challenge should be challenging enough to stretch your abilities, but not so hard that you feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Setting a challenge can help you overcome mental blocks, explore new possibilities, and learn from your mistakes.
One thing is helpful, in my career, is being in constant brainstorm to set challenges. One challenge at the time or depend of the resources. I meant, always looking for challenge myself accordingly with my abilities and skills. Sometimes is overwhemed and next the frustration. But this is a challenge, take abreath and start again.
Interest is a good place to start with creativity habits. Inquisitiveness about those interest can put you past complacency and boredom. Realizing the impact of value from learning can create discipline for other things.
Another habit that can enhance your creativity is to seek inspiration from various sources, such as books, podcasts, art, nature, or people. Inspiration can help you generate new ideas, connect different concepts, and expand your perspective. You can seek inspiration intentionally by researching a topic, browsing a gallery, or interviewing an expert. Or you can seek inspiration serendipitously by exposing yourself to diverse and unexpected stimuli, such as random words, images, or sounds.
The most important thing, I feel, is to embrace different perspectives rather than holding firm to what you feel is the only way. Say "yes" to the things you would normally say "no" to, and make this a habit. You'll be a lot happier in the long run because your inspiration bank will be constantly be growing. Living an inspired life propels you to the heights of your potential.
A third habit that can foster your creativity is to brainstorm freely without judging or filtering your ideas. Brainstorming is a technique that allows you to generate as many ideas as possible in a short time, without worrying about quality, feasibility, or originality. You can brainstorm by yourself or with others, using tools such as mind maps, sticky notes, or online platforms. The key is to let your thoughts flow and capture them without criticism or analysis.
Recently, our team has been working closely with a business consultant. He has encouraged us through various techniques and workshops to brainstorm freely which has led to some great changes. One technique in particular that helped me was writing my ideas on the windows or glass walls around the office. It was different, and unusual, but ultimately encourage free brainstorming.
A fourth habit that can cultivate your creativity is to experiment often with different methods, materials, and approaches. Experimenting is a way of testing your ideas, learning from feedback, and discovering new outcomes. You can experiment by prototyping, sketching, or playing with your ideas, using whatever resources you have available. The goal is not to create a perfect product, but to learn from the process and improve your skills.
It's all about the problem-solving journey just as much as the result itself, if not more. Did you consider multiple approaches? Why did you try, and how? Did you fail? That's totally fine - did you learn from mistakes? How did you adapt after the setbacks? Very few people, if any, do things right the first time. So don't expect that to happen. Expect constant resistance, redirection, and critical change. Become a master of adaptation.
A fifth habit that can support your creativity is to rest and reflect regularly. Resting and reflecting can help you recharge your energy, reduce stress, and enhance your mood. They can also help you consolidate your learning, gain insights, and generate new associations. You can rest and reflect by taking breaks, sleeping well, meditating, or journaling. The idea is to give yourself some space and time to relax and process your thoughts and experiences.
Sometimes a quick coffee break and a drive to the nearby coffee shop is all you need to boost your creativity and get the ideas flowing.
A sixth habit that can improve your creativity is to seek feedback from others who can offer constructive and honest opinions. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, learn from different perspectives, and refine your ideas. You can seek feedback from peers, mentors, experts, or users, depending on your goals and context. The important thing is to be open-minded, respectful, and willing to learn from the feedback you receive.
This is probably, by far the most important step or method to encourage creative ideas and solutions. Whenever faced with a challenge at work, I love to consult team members of various departments, as well as those working under my leadership. I find that no matter how much younger or inexperienced they may be, they always bring great ideas to the table.
Be humble and accept that you are flawed. You can think you're doing everything right or putting out the best work, but there will always be someone who has a different perspective or "higher bar." Surround yourself with these types of people. This will put you in a position to enhance your skills, as they will constructively help you get better and better. When giving feedback to others, first learn about how they like to receive it. It could be direct, indirect, or somewhere in between. Your feedback is only as good as how it is received. Be mindful of that when sharing. Hey, you can even ask "How would you like me to share my feedback with you?" Seek feedback, and know how to give it. You'll be better and feel more whole because of it.