Feeling unoriginal? Here are 6 things I do to spark creativity
Are you feeling like your creative well has run dry? Are you struggling to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems?
It happens to all of us, and it can be frustrating. But fear not, there are ways to spark your creativity and get those ideas flowing again.
The funny part? Most of the ways I have found to make my “ah ha” moments come quicker are all about being mindless. Mindless tasks that allow your body to move while your brain wanders are the key.
Here are the six “mindless” things I do to spark my creativity.
Go for a drive to nowhere and just think
Getting out of your usual surroundings and going somewhere new can be an excellent way to clear your mind, gain perspective, and generate new ideas.
This is especially important to me as a remote worker. Suddenly my drive to work, where I had the most time to be in my thoughts, disappeared. I go on what I call “Taylor Swift Drives” as she’s my favorite artist and most of what I listen to on these mindless drives.
When you’re stuck in a rut or feeling uninspired, changing your environment can provide a fresh perspective and new stimuli, which can lead to breakthroughs and new insights.
Going for a drive with no destination in mind is an excellent way to get out of your usual routine and explore new areas. As you drive, your mind may begin to wander, and you might find yourself thinking about things you haven’t considered before.
While driving, you can even focus on the music. Music has a way of stirring up emotions and memories, which can help to inspire creativity. Put on some music that you love or that fits the mood you want to create, and let it inspire you.
2. Read blog posts of other’s ideas
When it comes to generating new ideas, it can be difficult to know where to start. One approach that can be helpful is to look to others for inspiration. By reading blog posts, articles, and other content that interests you, you can expose yourself to a wide range of ideas and perspectives.
However, it’s not just enough to passively consume the content. To truly make the most of the exercise, it’s important to actively engage with the ideas presented.
One particularly effective approach is to try to take the idea presented in the content and make it even better. This requires you to engage your critical thinking skills and push yourself to think creatively. By challenging yourself to build on the ideas of others, you can often come up with something truly innovative and unique.
3. Doodle mindlessly
Even if you’re not an artist, doodling can be a great way to spark creativity. Don’t worry about making anything perfect, just let your hand move and see where it takes you.
While doodling may seem like an unproductive and pointless activity, when you allow your mind to wander and draw without any specific purpose, it can activate different parts of your brain and unlock new ideas.
Doodling can also help quiet the inner critic which often inhibits creative thinking. When we try to think too hard about coming up with new ideas, we can become self-conscious and overly critical of ourselves. Doodling allows us to let go of those inhibitions and focus on the process rather than the outcome.
Finally, doodling can also be a form of meditation that can help us relax and reduce stress. When we are relaxed, our minds are more open to new ideas and connections.
So grab a pen and notebook paper and just start doodling. My go-to is flowers and boxes. Everyone loves to draw a box.
4. Read a fiction book
Reading a good fiction book can transport you to another world and get your imagination going.
As you read, your mind creates a mental image of the world and the characters, and you become invested in their story. This mental imagery and investment can be a great way to stimulate your own creativity and generate new ideas.
I love fantasy books as they really focus on creativity. I am often amazed at how an author's thoughts can create an entire world. Think of Harry Potter, all of the magic was once just a few thoughts.
5. Journal with no goal in mind
When you journal without a specific goal in mind, you allow yourself to explore your thoughts and feelings freely, without the pressure of creating something specific.
By letting your mind wander, you may discover new ideas, connections, or insights that you hadn’t considered before.
When you write without a specific goal, you free yourself from the constraints of judgment and self-doubt, and you give yourself permission to be messy, chaotic, and unfocused. This can lead to surprising results and new perspectives.
Another benefit of journaling without a goal is that it can be a relaxing and meditative practice, kind of like doodling. When you allow yourself to write freely and without judgment, you enter a state of flow that can be deeply rewarding and rejuvenating.
This state of flow can also help you access your subconscious mind, where many creative ideas and insights reside.
If you don’t know where to start when writing in a journal here’s a trick. Start by writing about what has been happening in your life lately. What were your tasks today? This week? Any drama in your life?
Once you get the pen to paper, the rest will follow.
6. Hear me out... Exercise.
Engaging in physical activity can be a great way to stimulate creativity. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that can improve your mood and reduce stress. This can help clear your mind and allow new ideas to flow more easily.
Additionally, physical activity can increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function and boost creativity.
Whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, or simply going for a walk, incorporating physical activity into your routine can be a powerful tool for enhancing your creativity.
I prefer a good walk personally. There’s something about being outside and moving your body that can help to clear your mind and get your creative ideas rolling. Go for a walk, take in your surroundings, and let your mind wander.
These are just a few things that I do to spark creativity when I’m feeling stuck. Give them a try and see if they work for you. And remember, creativity is not something that can be forced.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away and come back with fresh eyes. Happy creating!
Have any other ideas for readers? Comment your favorite way to spark ideas!