I think that we can all agree that being creative is a good thing, especially as an online entrepreneur. It can help us come up with a catchy title for our blog post, or an idea for a new product or a unique way to market our business.
So what happens when creativity goes missing? For example, you may wake up one morning and it seems like all your creativity must have leaked out during the night. You feel uninspired and can’t think of one intelligent thing to write. Well don’t worry, it happens to all of us. So even though you can’t always be as creative as you’d like, there are many things you can do to increase your creativity. Here are 5 ideas:
*Keep up your energy levels. Fatigue and low energy levels are not compatible with creativity. Here are 3 ways to keep up your energy levels:
– Stay away from processed foods that can zap your energy levels, for example foods made from white flour or that have added sugar.
-Stay hydrated. One reason that fatigue can set in is because of toxic build-up in your body which happens because of normal metabolic processes. Drinking water can help detox your system and increase your energy levels.
– Drink a cup of green tea. Green tea has unique blend of compounds that can enhance brain function and mood, promoting relaxation and focus without the jitteriness often associated with caffeine. This combination helps to create a calm, yet alert state of mind, which can be ideal for brainstorming and problem-solving. Plus, the caffeine in green tea provides a gentle boost of energy. Together, these effects can help clear mental fog, improve concentration, and foster a creative mindset.
*Limit your options. In his book, Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon states, “Nothing is more paralyzing than the idea of limitless possibilities. The idea that you can do anything is absolutely terrifying. The way to get over creative block is to simply put some constraints on yourself.” He goes on to give an example of how Dr. Seuss, challenged to write a book using fewer words, ended up with a bestselling children’s book “Green Eggs and Ham” in which he used only 50 words. (Kleon, 2012, p. 137-138)
* Make the most of your peak time, that time of day when you feel the most energetic and creative. Whether you’re a “morning” person or a “night owl,” take advantage of this time by working on items that require the most focus, energy and creativity. Things such as making important decisions or solving problems. It’s also a good time to study, read or work on writing projects that are related to your career or business.
You can do this is by creating a schedule ahead of time. For example, I keep a sheet of paper by my computer. It has two sets of activities- one that requires “brain power” i.e. creativity. This might include activities such as brainstorming ideas for a new product or finishing up a difficult article. The other list is for activities that I need to do on the computer but they don’t require so much creativity. For example, posting to social media or finding keywords for a product I’m working on.
*Always be ready to capture your ideas. As you’re going about your day, pay attention to any ideas that flit across your mind. Maybe as you’re watching the neighbor’s children play in the yard you get an idea for a planner that could help moms be more organized. Or maybe as you’re walking through the mall, someone hand you a flyer promoting a free course hosted by a local business. The light bulb goes off and you think, “Hey, I could do something like that for my business.
*Do something different. This stimulates your creativity because it breaks your routine and introduces a fresh perspective. When we do the same activities every day, our brains tend to operate on autopilot. Trying something new disrupts this monotony and forces our minds to think in unconventional ways. This can lead to new ideas and unique approaches that we might not have considered otherwise. For example, you might explore different cultures by trying new cuisines, attending cultural festivals, or watching foreign films.
So, there you have it, 5 ways to increase your creativity. If you’ve been feeling uninspired, try one or two of these suggestions and see if you can coax out your imagination and get your creative juices flowing again.
Does it seem like your creativity has waned or totally fizzled out? The Creativity Workbook will give you practical ideas to help you become more creative as well as show you how to generate ideas for specific projects. Purchase today and let’s get your ideas flowing again! Click for more Details