Okay, so I’m not technically what most call “a creative” in the creative world. But generating creative ideas is still part of what gets me out of bed every morning. I’d guess this is the case for most of us “non-creatives.” We’re all problem solvers at heart, right? So, when I’m feeling a mental block, there are a few things I do to help channel my inner creative. Thought I’d share in hopes that maybe they can help you, too.
- Get some exercise. When I’m stuck in a rut and can’t find a way out of a problem, I go for a run or hit the gym. Letting your body exert energy can help you think more clearly… and in ways you might not have otherwise.
- Feel the music. I’ll listen to almost anything, so I’m not an aficionado by any means. But turning some music on and letting your brain escape in the rhythm can sometimes bring out some “great-sounding” creative ideas. (See what I did there?)
- Eat some food. Because food solves almost any problem. But seriously, cooking is a great way for me to focus on something else that is creative. I love making new and interesting dishes. I like for them to not only taste great, but to be visually appealing as well. When I cook I find that I can be creative in a different way, which helps me think differently about other challenges outside of the kitchen.
- Look outside your industry. When seeking inspiration, it’s easy to look to other people in your industry who do the same type of work you do. But looking to people who do something entirely different than you can give you a more unique perspective, which you can then apply to your own work.
- Play with someone smaller than you. When you play with kids, you realize they don’t worry about anyone or anything other than the now and the present. When you have to make up a story about a ninja princess and a fire-breathing Barbie, you begin to become less constrained by all those ideas you thought were bad… and you might begin to explore them.
Are these groundbreaking ways to get the creative juices flowing? Maybe not. But sometimes just shifting your mindset with something small can make a big difference.
