50 Hacks to Inspire Creativity

Has anyone else ever been in a creative funk? Like, no matter how hard you try, the creative juices are just not flowing?

It happens to the best of us. That's why it's always good to have a few creative hacks up your sleeve whenever you need some inspiration.

Below, I've given you 50 simple creativity hacks I've done over the years to help. They are all really easy to incorporate into your daily schedule. And don't be afraid to try a few different ones out. We all have creative preferences, so you might personally gravitate to some more than others.

Good luck! And let me know what hacks work for you!

50 Simple Hacks to Help Inspire Creativity

1. Take a different route to work.?Changing your environment can provide fresh perspectives. Or, you can take a long way, giving you more time to think and create in your head.
2. Sketch random objects.?Start with a few random lines or shapes. Then, figure out how to turn those shapes into a scene or object. This trains your mind to see the unfamiliar in the familiar.
3. Listen to a new music genre.?Especially a genre you have never really enjoyed, try listening to a few deep tracks from a new genre. Even if it's not appealing to you, what characteristics might make it attractive to someone else? Challenge your brain to think differently.
4. Practice mindfulness meditation.?Take a moment out of your day for deep, quiet reflection, even if it's 15-20 minutes. This will encourage presence and deeper thinking - especially if you have a creative block.
5. Read a chapter of a novel.?Expanding your literary horizons stimulates the imagination. Bonus points if you jump into the middle of a book and try to figure out what is going on using context clues.
6. Write a haiku about your project.?This forces you to think concisely and creatively about whatever you may be working on. Remember, a haiku is a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables, respectively.
7. Create a recipe based on what you're working on.?Need help with a creative design? Have writer's block? Try creating a recipe based on your project's colors, designs, themes, and characters.
8. Try a new sport or game.?Besides giving you some much-needed serotonin and dopamine, this can teach you new ways to problem-solve.
9. Start a DIY project.?Hands-on work sparks creative thinking. Find a simple project you can do at home and work on whenever you need a creative break.
10. Change your workstation setup.?A fresh environment can inspire new ideas. Try rearranging your desk or get new decor to spice things up.
11. Learn a foreign language.?Learning a new language exposes you to different ways of thinking. Download a language app and spend 5-10 minutes a day practicing.
12. Visit a new website daily.?Explore new websites from prominent brands in different industries. What do you like about their designs? What can be improved? Sometimes working on someone else's design can spark creativity for yours.
13. Design a mock product.?Create an utterly out-of-the-box product idea from scratch. The more outrageous, the better. This encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving. If you want some inspiration, you have to check out the Unnecessary Inventions Youtube channel.
14. Talk to someone new.?Striking up a conversation with a stranger or a distant acquaintance can expose you to fresh perspectives. Ask about their hobbies or interests - they might introduce you to something that sparks an innovative idea.
15. Engage in freewriting exercises.?Set a timer for 10 minutes and write non-stop. No edits, no censorship - just a free flow of thoughts. This can unlock hidden ideas or solutions you hadn't consciously considered.
16. Visit an art gallery virtually.?Exploring the works of various artists can nurture your creative thinking. Pay attention to the styles, themes, and colors that stand out, and consider how they influence your work.
17. Start a dream journal.?Write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Our subconscious minds often present scenarios and solutions that our conscious minds never consider. By capturing these in a journal, you can harness these subconscious creative sparks.
18. Try a new cuisine.?Different cultures interpret ingredients and flavors in unique ways. Trying a new cuisine stimulates your senses and opens cultural windows that can influence your creativity.
19. Watch a classic film.?Old movies offer different storytelling techniques, visuals, and themes than contemporary cinema. Watching a classic can expose you to new ideas and inspire creativity in storytelling.
20. Listen to a podcast outside your field.?Hearing about different industries or disciplines can broaden your knowledge base. More expansive knowledge brings an extraordinary ability to connect disparate ideas and form creative solutions.
21. Solve a puzzle each day.?Whether it's a crossword, Sudoku, or a Rubik's Cube, puzzles keep your problem-solving skills sharp. Confronting and overcoming obstacles in a puzzle can translate into more effective creative problem-solving.
22. Visit a local landmark.?A monument, historical site, or natural feature can inspire thoughts and ideas. Consider the landmark's design, history, and significance - these elements can stimulate creative connections.
23. Keep an ideas journal.?Whenever an idea strikes, jot it down. Training your mind to identify and record creative opportunities will enhance your ability to generate and recognize innovative ideas.
24. Follow a new influencer.?Someone influential in a different field can offer new ideas and insights. Diversifying your inspiration sources can stimulate creativity in unexpected ways.
25. Play a musical instrument.?Even if you're not musically inclined, trying to create a melody or learn a song enhances your creative thinking abilities. Music challenges us to combine rhythm, harmony, and tune into a cohesive whole, much like combining ideas into a creative project.
26. Play around with Stable Doodle.?Stable Doodle allows you to turn a doodle into an AI-generated image. This can be a fun and unique way to see what your sketches can turn into!
27. Practice yoga or Tai Chi.?These exercises balance the mind and body, improving focus and reducing stress. A calm mind is often more open to creative ideas.
28. Go for a nature walk.?The beauty and complexity of nature can be a powerful creativity booster. Observe the colors, shapes, and patterns you see, and consider how they might influence your creative work.
29. Rearrange your furniture.?A new layout can inspire a new outlook. The change in environment can spark creativity by forcing you to adapt and rethink your space.
30. Start a gratitude journal.?Taking note of the positives in your life helps you see opportunities where others see obstacles. This positive outlook can enhance your creative thinking by encouraging you to see possibilities rather than limitations.
31. Taste a new tea or coffee.?The taste, smell, and even brewing a novel flavor can stimulate the mind. Pay attention to the sensations and let them inspire you. Or, you can learn to how to make a fancy latte or cappuccino so you can start your day off with some coffee art!
32. Learn to juggle.?It's not just a fun party trick. Juggling improves focus and coordination, leading to better brainstorming and decision-making abilities, both essential in creative processes.
33. Watch a TED Talk.?These short, impactful presentations are potent sources of inspiration and knowledge. Find a talk on a topic you know nothing about and let it expand your mind.
34. Learn a magic trick.?The art of illusion requires creative thinking and problem-solving. Plus, it's a great exercise in seeing things from different perspectives - an essential aspect of creativity.
35. Turn off your phone for an hour.?Disconnecting from the digital world can help you focus and think more deeply. Use this time to reflect, brainstorm, or simply relax. You might be surprised by the ideas that come to you.
36. Grow a plant.?Nurturing a plant from a seed teaches patience and observation, both keys to creativity. Watching something grow and evolve can be an excellent metaphor for the creative process.
37. Visit a museum virtually.?From ancient artifacts to modern art, museums offer vast creativity and knowledge. Explore a new museum and let the exhibits inspire your creative thought.
38. Create a mood board.?Collect images, colors, textures, or anything else that inspires you. It's a visual way to brainstorm and can help you visualize abstract ideas and goals.
39. Learn to code.?Coding isn't just for techies. It instills logical thinking and problem-solving, which can be incredibly helpful for creative tasks. Plus, it gives you a new way to create and design.
40. Change your phone's background.?It might sound trivial, but even small changes can inspire creativity. Choose an image that motivates or calms you or one that relates to your current project.
41. Take a pottery or painting class.?Creating art with your hands can stimulate creative thinking. Plus, you'll learn new techniques and perspectives to apply to your work.
42. Memorize a poem.?Poetry uses language in unique and beautiful ways. Memorizing a verse can enrich your verbal creativity and offer new ways of expressing ideas.
43. Swap jobs with a colleague for a day.?Seeing your work from someone else's perspective can provide fresh insights and challenges. You might find a new way to approach your work or discover a solution you have yet to think of.
44. Host an idea generation session.?Gather colleagues or friends and brainstorm together. Collective thinking can bring various perspectives, enriching the creative process.
45. Practice a magic eye picture.?These images require you to focus and see things differently - both essential skills in creativity. Plus, they're fun!
46. Listen to nature sounds.?Sounds of waves crashing or birds chirping provide relaxation that can spur creativity. Try playing nature sounds in the background while you work, and let it inspire you.
47. Do something kind for someone.?Kindness opens the heart and encourages open-mindedness. It can also provide a sense of fulfillment that inspires creativity.
48. Make a list of your successes.?Reflecting on past achievements builds confidence, a key driver of creativity. Remember, every small achievement is a step towards your larger creative goals.
49. Visit a thrift store.?Thrift stores are full of items with past lives and stories. This environment can offer a different lens on items and value, sparking creative thought.
50. Create a creative space at home.?An environment that nurtures creativity fosters creative thinking. Fill it with items that inspire you, like art, books, or even a comfy chair. A dedicated space for creativity can help you transition into a creative mindset more easily.

In conclusion, remember that the key to enhancing your creativity lies in challenging the status quo, seeking fresh perspectives, and finding inspiration in the ordinary. By incorporating these daily hacks into your routine, you'll see the world in a new light and discover creative opportunities you never thought possible.

Happy Innovating,

Tyler the DadFounder