Each person has the ability to tap into their own energy to enhance their productivity and creativity. Too often do people think they need to make a dramatic change in their life to unlock their full potential. Rather than changing who you are, which is what makes you unique, embrace everything about yourself to establish a healthy, creative flow.
A recent study found that about 25% of people believe they have not reached their full creative potential. It’s difficult to be incredibly unique with your ideas if you view your life as mundane. The repetition of daily activities, including your daily commute, job, and afterwork schedule, can cause the creativity river to dry up. So what can you do if your passion for what you do starts to die? Do you simply copy whatever is working around you, or do you figure out how to unleash your full creative potential? Continue reading if you want to spark more creativity and squeeze more juice from this life.
Seek Out New Experiences
The life you live can influence what you produce, i.e. your creativity. If you are stuck in a rut, doing the same routine day in and day out, you may get comfortable with a certain way of thinking. There isn’t a lot of wiggle room for thinking outside the box, which is why changing up your routine to seek new experiences can benefit your creative flow. When you meet new people, see new places, and engage with new media, for example, you and your creativity can evolve. Take that vacation you’ve been dreaming about or read/listen to a book. Strike up a conversation with a neighbor or coworker who you aren’t familiar with. Studies have even found that playing video games may help people be more creative in their projects and tasks. Inspiration comes from unlikely sources, so don’t close yourself off to new experiences!
Limit Your Gadget Use
Smartphones, tablets, and computers are very convenient and you can use them as tools to express your creativity. On the other hand, they are very distracting and can hinder your ability to stick to the task at hand. Consider reserving an hour each morning and evening for no gadget use whatsoever. When you do this, you may find that your brain is compelled by different things. On the flip side of that coin, you may think about nothing during your unplugged state. Use this time to meditate, reflect, or simply be still. It’s good to disengage from time to time as it helps you hit the reset button.
Create A Space For Spontaneity
Creativity can come when you least expect it. You may think of an idea on a walk or in the shower, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, you have to designate a space for creativity and spontaneity. Keep this in mind as well: creativity doesn’t always mean coming up with the next greatest invention. Sometimes, being creative means completing a Google Doc for the office or drafting a crafty newsletter for your company. The important thing is that you allow yourself some wiggle room to decide where you direct your energy. You may not be in the space to write a chapter of your book, but you may be ready to outline the next couple chapters with some integral plot points. All of the little things require creativity and can help you complete the big picture. Allow things to flow naturally and spontaneously and you may find that you get your best work yet!
Get Moving
When you sit in front of a screen all day, you may not find the inspiration you need to dream up big and clever ideas. If you find yourself mindlessly staring at a screen, it may be time to get up and get moving. Studies have shown that stepping away from your work and going for a walk or run stimulates neurological and physiological pathways. Opening these pathways can help you think more creatively and solve problems more efficiently. Many of the world’s top innovators also employ this strategy to get the creative juices flowing. Sometimes, you just need to step away, take a break, and clear your mind to make room for new ideas.
