Last week we discussed how creativity benefits all of us, regardless of the particular roles we fill. We also examined 6 mental blocks and habits that stifle creativity.
Today we are going to consider 6 strategies that can help us foster creativity when we’re feeling stuck. Hopefully these strategies will help us come up with new ideas and find satisfactory solutions to problems!
Strategies for fostering creativity
- Stop thinking about it. As I noted last week, overthinking can hinder creativity by causing “paralysis by analysis.” When we’re facing a task or problem that would benefit from creativity, sometimes the best thing we can do is to stop thinking about it for a time. Anything that will temporarily occupy our minds—getting some exercise, reading a book, baking some cookies, etc.—can get the creative juices flowing.
- Slow down. When we’re always focusing on the next thing and trying to complete tasks, it prevents our minds from being relaxed enough to wander and brainstorm effectively. A brief nap, a few minutes to daydream, or a quick walk can all help our minds get refreshed so they can be creative again.
- Get in a new environment. It’s hard to be creative when we are always doing the same things, in the same surroundings, among the same people. On the other hand, getting out of our routines, exploring new locations, and engaging in conversations with new people can help us come up with new ideas and solutions.
- Stand out. When we give in to the desire to conform to those around us, it severely limits our creativity. In fact, we aren’t being creative at all—we’re simply following the crowd! If we’re willing to try something that we don’t see all of our peers trying, it will free us to come up will all sorts of imaginative and resourceful ways of doing things.
- See failure differently. Perfectionism—and the fear of failure that typically accompanies it—prevents us from taking risks and focusing fully on the tasks at hand. If we stop viewing all failure as negative, it can set us free to be creative. Many times our failures are learning experiences. Though disappointing, failures are not an end, but a stepping stone towards ultimate success. When we understand this, we have the confidence to take risks.
- Get exercise. We all know that exercise is associated with a wealth of physical benefits, but it is good for our minds as well. One way it benefits our minds is by boosting creativity (source). Researchers have found that exercise, especially aerobic exercise, speeds up the birth of new brain cells in the hippocampus and that it improves the survival rate of these cells. A person’s abilities to imagine the future and to think creatively depend on this region of the brain. Something as simple as going for a brisk walk, riding an exercise bike, or doing jumping jacks can help us be more creative!
I’ve benefited from all of these strategies. However, in recent weeks, getting exercise and slowing down have been the two most helpful.
What things help you be more creative? What do you do to spark creativity when you feel mentally stuck?
What a great idea for a series! Now that my semester is about over and I’ll have a small break from school, my main goal is to work on some writing projects. These tips are really helpful!
These would be very helpful when faced with some writing projects!