“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”

You will find your next “a-ha” moment where you least expect it.

Even if you do not consider yourself a “creative,” chances are your job still calls for some form of creative thinking. Creativity is an invaluable part of our work, and when deliverables and due dates are at risk, the charge to be creative can go from fun in theory too stressful in practice.

Studies show that creativity is highly individual, and while there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for getting those intangible ideas to materialize in time for your presentation, sometimes all it takes is an unexpected detour to reframe our perspective, recharge our creative energy, and help us see what we had not noticed before.

Organize your workspace to clear your mind

“I was surprised to discover that a fairly boring activity — cleaning — actually sparks my creativity. When I need a new creative idea, I sometimes take a break to clean clutter away from my workspace. By clearing out my physical space I end up clearing my mental space, as well. That makes more room for creative ideas to come to mind.”

Listen for inspiration

“Music never fails to spark my creativity. Whenever I am feeling unproductive and need a boost, I turn on a playlist I made with songs that specifically amp me up. I find inspiration in other artists’ versions of inspiration. How amazing is it that we have all these beautiful songs that were once just lyrics on a page and notes that were being hummed in someone’s head? Someone took their art and turned it into music. It’s helpful to remember that when I’m in the process of creating.”

Share your thoughts with a trusted sounding board

“If I am ever stuck on a topic, I find it’s best to bounce ideas around with others. Sometimes we can get a little protective of our own work or thoughts — something that eventually causes us to shut down our own imagination. But getting other people involved broadens your perspective and can shine a light on your own creativity!”

Take a break to do something you enjoy

In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.

Head outside to get out of a rut

“As a Commercial BDM / Recruiter/AM, my job requires creativity on demand.  I spark my creativity and problem-solving skills by making time to take on a challenging, steep hike. The strategy and focus hiking and rock scrambling require takes up 100% of my headspace, allowing me to let go of everything else. Once finished, I feel a sense of accomplishment (after being in a rut at work), refreshed and prepared to approach a situation with a new perspective. Bing outdoors calms anxiety, reduces rumination, and can lead to a lower risk of depression.”

Take the scenic route

“Over the years I have discovered that I have three or four ways to get myself kick-started which work for all situations, business or creative:

• Go for a long drive alone (I find movement and the enclosed space freeing allowing my mind to move along with the car).
• Sit down quietly in a garden or other natural space.
• Listen to a conversation where a word or a sentence will strike a chord.
• Have a conversation that activates my own thought process.

At other times, no matter how stuck I feel, I open the laptop and write a few words or a sentence and find even if I eventually discard them or stew for a while that the process and act of starting to write get me going in the right direction for a start.

Get out of your head and into your body

“What sparks my creativity is doing some exercise — whether that’d be going for a long walk, or being on the spin bike or elliptical machine, or doing weights or dancing. The repetitive movements involved in an exercise activity put me ‘in the zone’ and focuses my mind so that, after a workout and feeling refreshed and full of endorphins, my brain gets a boost of creativity. I’ve found solutions to problems whilst on the treadmill, have come up with ideas on how to phrase a particular piece of writing whilst doing weights, and saw situations in a new light whilst going for a walk.”

Surround yourself with thinkers and dreamers

“My creative inspirations come from interacting with other people — people who think, dream, and do big things. I am very busy as a Mother of 3 Beautiful Girls, Driven Entrepreneur, Recruiter, Account Manager, and Business Development Manager, which can make me prone to burnout… feeling dull. During these times I seek out those who challenge and encourage me. And my creative spirit is restored.”

 Top Les Brown Quotes

• Do what is easy and your life will be hard. ...
• When your why is big enough you will find your how.
• You gotta be hungry.
• The greatest revenge is massive success.
• You are the only real obstacle in your path to fulfilling it.
• No matter how bad it is or how bad it gets I am going to make it.

Follow your curiosity

“Creativity and curiosity are connected. I believe an essentially questioning mind that asks ‘why’ even in seemingly routine activities and tasks can lead to unbelievable creative insights. Additionally, I think hard times is a good teacher; you learn to find creative solutions when your back is against the wall.”

Remember that inspiration can come from many sources

“I often listen to someone who is inspiring through podcasts. Three of my favourites are S ‘Less Brown Speaker, Brian Treacy Writer and Greg Savage Recruitment Guru Writer. ‘I often start with a clean page every morning; it lets me know the possibilities are endless with the right set of mind. I get out in the morning, take a walk, Cregg Team participates in Fabulous February 2 mile a day Challenge why not give it a try its fun, Meditation, or get in a good workout. It can clear your mind and get those endorphins charged up. I listen to my favourite Speaker every morning he can instantly make you Motivate. Breathe. Perfection is overrated. Creativity has many different styles. Go with your gut and take some risks. Finally, I love looking up motivational quotes. Quotes have a way of transforming your thoughts in a positive way.

“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment.

It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”