Some people are naturally creative. Some are not. I am one of those who are not. But just because creativity doesn’t come as easily to me doesn’t mean I can’t try to get my creative juices flowing. Here are some things I do when I just can’t get out of a creative rut. They work very well for me and I hope they work well for you.
Even if you are not trying to be more creative, reading is a great thing to do. It takes you to new times and places, introduces you to new characters, and lets your imagination run wild. What better place to get creative inspiration than a book. Try a new book for a new inspiring story, or read one of your favorites to bring you back to a place you know and love. Either way, reading is a great way to enhance your creativity and take you away from reality for a few hours.
Listening to new music will put you in a new mood. If you want your mood to reflect itself in your creativity, change the music you listen to. For me, my taste in music changes as much as I change clothes. New music can be just the inspiration you need to get that burst of creativity. After you finish your one man dance party of course.
When you are always running around in a hurry, you forget to stop and take a look around you. And you might be missing out on some great inspiration in the process. Something as simple as a pretty landscape, a passerby’s outfit, or basically anything around you can be inspiration. So take some time to stop and smell the roses, it will make you appreciate all that is around you, which will reflect itself in your creativity.
A new place means new inspiration. The sights, sounds, and even smells of a new place can inspire so much creativity. All of the buildings, landscapes, and people of a new place are just waiting to be your new source of inspiration that you can’t get elsewhere. Take the time to talk to the locals and really take in the unique culture of each place you visit. And don't forget to take tons of pictures and keep a record of everything you do during your travels to get the most inspiration from your trip.
It’s pretty hard to be creative when you’re sitting around in sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt. Take the extra time to put together a cute outfit and do your hair and make up. When you are creative with your outfit, you will be more creative with everything you do. And the more confident you feel in that outfit, the more confident you will feel towards your creative ideas.
Not only is running a great exercise, it is a great time to just forget your troubles and self reflect on whatever you want. If you are in a creative rut, take a break and go for a run to think things over in a clear and adrenaline-fueled manner. It will leave you feeling great about exercising, and you will probably solve whatever was troubling you in the first place.
Something about drinking tea makes me feel more creative. I don’t know why but curling up with a warm cup of tea makes me want to be unique and creative. It is very relaxing to drink tea, so it might be exactly what you needed to stop stressing about creativity and just let the ideas come to you.
The worst feeling in the world to me is 1)coming up with a great idea, 2) telling my self to remember it, and then 3) forgetting it because I didn’t write it down. Which is why I have started carrying a notebook with me everywhere. A great idea will hit me randomly so I immediately write it down to make sure I don't forget it. It is also a good idea to keep a notebook on your nightstand in case your dream is a great source of inspiration. You can write it down as soon as you wake up and before you forget it.
Clutter is the number one reason I can’t focus. If your workspace is a mess it will just distract you from what you are trying to do. But a clean workspace doesn’t have to mean boring. Decorate with images that make you happy and DIY projects around you which can be inspirational.
The key word in this is “constructive”. Have a trusted friend or colleague look over your work and give you feedback on what they think you can improve on. It will be things to keep in mind on future projects. Their constructive criticism may even be the source of a new idea to branch off of the previous one. After all, two heads are better than one.
Take up a new hobby, eat a new food, or make a new friend. New experiences mean new sources of inspiration for your creativity. Regardless of if you like it or not, you will have learned something new about yourself and take away a new experience that will just add to your creativity.
I always hated when “Have Fun” was on a list of rules but then I realized how true it is. No matter what you do, have fun with things. Even when you are in a creative rut, start doodling something silly to laugh at or watch a funny movie. Being in a good mood can be the best way to be more creative.
What do you think of these ways to be more creative? Have any of these methods helped you? What do you do to stay more creative?
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