The Power of "Daydreamin'ovation"

If you're like me, back in school you got in trouble for "daydreaming."

That simple act of staring off into space, letting our brains relax and explore potential was often frowned upon.

Sure, I probably should have saved it for a time when my teacher was asking me a question, but I learned how to maximize that "daydream" mentality and leverage it to be a more positive tool.

The concept of dedicated creative thinking time may seem a bit odd (and for some, counterproductive) but there are a multitude of benefits both personally and professionally. By blocking 30-60 minutes on your calendar in as little as once a month, you free up a blocked mental though pattern that could be limiting your efficiency, happiness, and productivity.

From enhancing your company and team to reducing your stress, here are several value-adds in various aspects of life:

Personal Benefits

1. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Engaging in creative thinking helps develop the ability to approach problems from multiple angles and find innovative solutions.
2. Increased Self-Expression: Creative activities, such as writing, drawing, or brainstorming, allow individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas freely. This can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional release.
3. Stress Relief and Mental Well-being: Creative pursuits can be a form of mindfulness, providing a break from routine and reducing stress. They can also boost mood and improve overall mental health.
4. Personal Growth and Development: Creative thinking encourages curiosity and the exploration of new ideas, contributing to continuous learning and personal growth.
5. Increased Confidence: Successfully exploring creative endeavors can build self-confidence, as it often involves taking risks and experimenting with new concepts.

Professional Benefits

1. Innovation and Competitiveness: In a professional setting, creative thinking can lead to innovative products, services, or processes, giving a competitive edge in the market.
2. Enhanced Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Being able to think creatively helps professionals find unique solutions to challenges and make informed decisions based on out-of-the-box thinking.
3. Improved Adaptability and Flexibility: Creative thought encourages open-mindedness and adaptability, essential qualities in rapidly changing work environments.
4. Better Communication and Collaboration: Creative thought time can enhance one's ability to communicate ideas more effectively and work collaboratively with others by understanding different perspectives.
5. Increased Job Satisfaction: Engaging in creative activities can make work more enjoyable and fulfilling, leading to higher job satisfaction and motivation.
6. Leadership and Vision: Leaders who prioritize creative thinking can inspire their teams, set visionary goals, and create a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation.

How to Leverage This Time

So how can one maximize this blocked time?

There are a variety of methods of creative thought activities, but some go-to's I've used in the past include the following:

Embrace Curiosity

• Ask Questions: Continuously ask questions and explore the "why" and "how" of things. Curiosity drives creative thinking.
• Read and Research: Read widely across different genres and topics to expose yourself to new ideas and concepts.

Limitations and Constraints

• Set Creative Challenges: Give yourself creative challenges with specific constraints, such as creating a piece of art using only a limited color palette or writing a story with a set word limit. Constraints can spark innovative solutions.

Mindfulness and Relaxation

• Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices like meditation can help clear the mind and create a space for creative thoughts to emerge.
• Downtime: Allow yourself time to relax and do nothing. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you're not actively trying to be creative.

Engage in Creative Exercises

• Brainstorming Sessions: Set a timer and brainstorm as many ideas as possible on a given topic, without filtering or judging them.
• Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to explore and connect different ideas visually.
• Free Writing or Journaling: Write continuously for a set period without worrying about grammar or structure. Let your thoughts flow freely.

To watch a quick 2 minute video on this topic, click below.

About Rich

Rich Bracken is an empowering keynote speaker and executive coach who blends data and research with emotion and case studies to share insights and strategies on how to implement sustainable positive change.

As an expert on emotional intelligence, executive presence, and leadership, he blends his passion for helping individuals and organizations perform at a higher level both personally and professionally with the entertainment mindset he used as a national touring DJ.

He has served numerous Fortune 100 clients and global organizations as a keynote speaker and consultant and is a notable media personality appearing on national news outlets and shows. He's also a presentation and public speaking coach working with executives and celebrities around the country.

Rich was also recognized by Smart Meetings, a top events publication, as being a National Top Speaker for his creative and performative keynotes.

To learn more about Rich, visit richbracken.com.