11 Ways to Jump Start Your Creativity

Jump Start Your Creativity

We’ve all been there, you’ve been asked to come up with an amazing eureka idea, but no matter how hard you try, you end up staring blankly at your empty computer screen whilst slowly falling into a creative black hole...

Fear not, we’ve found 11 ways to pull you out of your creative rut and get those lightbulb moments flashing.

1) Start with a morning freewrite.

You may not be feeling oh so creative first thing in the morning, yet often we have great ideas but were so tired and thinking about all the tasks we need to do that day, that we repeatedly just throw them away before they’ve even had time to evolve.

Give your ideas a chance, instead of opening your emails as soon as you get in the office, take some time to breathe and write down your ideas or even how you’re feeling about certain projects and tasks. Think about what you can do that would make your day easier and improve your efficiency. Often we get so set in our ways that we forget to think about how we can tackle tasks from a different perspective. I recently took a workshop in creative thinking and I learned about De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats which makes you stop and assess what you’re doing and how you can improve it. So jotting down your ideas in the morning may be the best thing to get those creative juices flowing.

Don’t know where to start?

How about using a few of these simple phrases to give you a head start;

• How can I make my day easier...
• What are the pros and cons of this task…
• Can I improve this task in any way…
• Today I feel like…
• I’m struggling with…
• I feel like I am doing well at…
• I feel like I work best when…

2) Take a creative course.

Sometimes you need some structure in your life, if this is you then maybe take some time out to go on a creativity course. This could be anything from taking an art class, to learning an instrument, whatever you do it will get you thinking from a different perspective and you could discover a hidden talent.

What’s more you’ll meet new people who can inspire you and help you develop your newfound creativity by sharing your ideas with them. Workshop settings allow the chance to have your say and get the opinion and guidance to help give you a fresh understanding of your perception.

These courses may not be for everyone but if you feel like you need some inspiration, then being with like-minded people may improve your direction in your thinking.

3) Brainstorm while you exercise.

It’s been proven that exercise can be linked to better creative thinking, so pick up your trainers, get outside, and get moving! You’ll be improving your mind and your body, which can only be a positive!

4) Travel to other places.

Explore the world around you and experience new sights, sounds, tastes, and smells; this will keep your mind stimulated, which allows the synapses in your brain to think in new ways, thus thinking of new creative ideas! By traveling, you’ll allow yourself to experience new cultures and different ways of life, helping you to channel ideas that you may never have thought of before.

5) Channel your inner child.

Children seem to have no limits with their creativity so try and take this approach on your next task. You may think your ideas aren’t the best, but stop being self-conscious and throw them out there anyway; you never know once your idea is developed, it could be the best thing you’ve ever done.

Most importantly don’t forget to have fun with your ideas, throw all your energy into your project, and you’ll see a positive and creative result.

6) Join a coworking space.

Sometimes you just need to bounce your ideas off somebody else, find a new environment where people will challenge you and help you think alternatively. Getting a new perspective on your ideas will help you get out of an unproductive mind-set, and working with like-minded co-workers will help your imagination run wild.

7) Incorporate breaks into every work day.

Do you always feel like you get the best ideas when you’re falling asleep or in the shower? These are the times when your mind thinks freely; however, if you don’t have a notepad handy, these ideas are usually forgotten.

You need to take time out in your day to allow these thoughts to develop and, of course, write them down! Keep a notepad and pen handy, get away from your desk, go for a walk, just allow your brain to take some time off from your daily tasks and you’ll be ready for when those creative ideas crop up.

8) Connect with creative people.

With technology today, we’re always a click away from creativity and creative people. Make new connections and pick people's brains on your thoughts and ideas; they may just be able to turn your idea on its head and make you think entirely differently about your project or task.

Their perspective may motivate you to think outside of the box and refresh your creative outlook. Not sure where to begin? Have a look at networking events and conferences that you can attend and connect in person; or meet new people from the comfort of your own home using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, Instagram, and Twitter, where you can get instant feedback on your thoughts and tasks.

9) Keep a doodle journal at your desk.

Put your thoughts onto paper; sometimes the best ideas are the ones you can physically and visually see. Start with mind mapping or even allow yourself a creative outlet of doodling and drawing; sometimes your mind just needs to take a break and engage in different thought processes to stop yourself hitting that creative wall.

10) Unwind by watching funny content.

Take a break and have a giggle; sometimes you need to stop taking everything so seriously and allow some time out. Laughing will put you in a better mood, allowing you to look at tasks with a light-hearted perspective and solve your creativity complications.

11) Listen to music while you work.

Listening to music can help you focus on the task at hand and can put you in a better mood, improving your creative thinking. The Mozart Effect theory even suggests that it can improve your intelligence! While some music can be rather distracting, calming and ambient music being played in the background should increase processing levels and promote creative thinking.

Adapted from Hubspot