Its happens to every creative individual. We all go through spells where our creativity wells have run dry. We can’t think of any ways to get back in touch with our creative side. We might have a couple good weeks or months, but then suddenly we just can’t seem to muster up any good ideas. And it’s frustrating, because we know that we’re capable of being creative, we just can’t seem to get the ideas flowing. When were in the throws of a creative drought, it can feel like were never going to come up with another good idea again.
We’ve all heard the saying about “taking a hot shower” to get the creative juices flowing. But hey, we have water bills to pay don’t we? How many showers can I take! Luckily, there are some other things you can do to get inspired. These tips will help jumpstart your creativity when the Muse has left you high and dry. Try using these creativity affirmations with some of these ideas as well!
1. Revisit some of your old creative projects
This is a great way to get inspired and see how far you’ve come. When you look back at your old work, you may be surprised by how much you’ve improved. This can be a great motivator to keep pushing yourself and your work. It can also give you some great ideas for how to improve your current project. So, take some time to look back at your old work and see what you can learn from it.
2. Spend time with a child
This may seem like an odd one, but children are incredibly creative. They see the world in a completely different way than we do, and they’re not afraid to try new things. So, spend some time with a child and see the world through their eyes. You may be surprised by what you learn.
3. Remove external distractions
In order to be creative, you need to be able to focus. And that’s hard to do when you’re constantly being bombarded with external distractions and social media. So, turn off your phone, close your email, and silence any other distractions. Then, you can focus on the task at hand and allow your creativity to flow.
4. Keep a journal
One way to become more inspired and to get in touch with your creativity is by keeping a journal. This doesn’t have to be a diary where you document your day-to-day happenings. Instead, use it as a place to brainstorm ideas, jot down thoughts, and write down anything that comes to mind. The more you practice brainstorming and idea generation, the more likely you are to have a light bulb moment when you need it. You can create an art journal filled with doodles, or a writing journal if you’re a storyteller. There truly are so many options when it comes to journaling, and it’s a great way to jumpstart your creativity.
5. Spend time in nature
There’s something about being in the midst of fresh air and beauty that can help clear your mind and allow new ideas to flow in. So, take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the scenery. Nature is beautiful and calming, and it can help you feel more connected to the world around you. This connection can be just what you need to jumpstart your creativity. Personally, spending time at the beach or staring at the water helps me disconnect and clear my head. Others may prefer to spend a weekend away camping in the woods. Wherever your escape to nature is, bring a pen and paper along to jot down ideas!
6. Surround yourself by creative people
When you’re around others who are constantly generating new ideas, it’s easier for you to do the same. So, seek out friends, colleagues, or even strangers who are doing interesting things and pick their brains for ideas. If you’re unable to surround yourself with creative individuals, seek them out on podcasts or YouTube videos. Seeing other people do creative things is incredibly inspiring!
7. Take on new challenges
Challenging yourself with new experiences can also lead to more inspiration. When you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, you’re more likely to have those “a-ha!” moments. So, don’t be afraid to try new things and take on new challenges. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but this is how we grow creatively. Do something completely out of your comfort zone at least once a week, and see how it affects your creativity.
8. Keep an inspiration or vision board
Creating an inspiration board is a great way to visually stimulate your brain and come up with new ideas. Simply gather a bunch of images, quotes, or anything else that inspires you and put them together in one place. Then, whenever you need a dose of inspiration, take a look at your board and see what jumps out at you. You can easily do this on your phone or computer as well. Simply create a folder full of images that inspire you, and peruse it when you need some creative inspiration.
9. Meditate or do yoga
Next to journaling, meditation is my favorite way of “resetting”. Both meditation and yoga are great for clearing your mind and relieving stress. And when your mind is free of clutter, you’re more likely to have those moments of inspiration. When our head is clear, we’re able to focus on the task at hand and come up with new ideas more easily.
10. Listen to music
Listening to music is a great way to relax, focus, and get in the zone. And when you’re in the right frame of mind, you’re more likely to have those moments of inspiration. So, put on your favorite tunes and see what ideas come to mind. You can also try listening to a music genre that you haven’t spent time listening to before. This can help open up your mind to new possibilities and spark your brain to think in new, creative ways.
11. Use a whiteboard – or any blank wall
This is a great way to brainstorm ideas with others. But even if you’re working on a project alone, a whiteboard can be a great tool for visually organizing your thoughts and ideas. Simply write down whatever comes to mind, and then start grouping or connecting related ideas. This is a great way to make connections that you may not have otherwise thought of.
12. Read a fiction book
This one may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. When you immerse yourself in someone else’s story, you’re opening yourself up to new ideas and perspectives. Not to mention, you’re giving your brain a much-needed break from reality. And when you’re well-rested and have a fresh perspective, you’re more likely to be creative. So, next time you need some inspiration, curl up with a good book.
13. Get a change of scenery
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to jumpstart your creativity. So, if you’re feeling stuck, try working in a different environment. If you normally work at home, try going to a coffee shop or the library. Or if you’re used to working in an office, try working outside or in a different room of your house. If you really need it, book a weekend away in the city or the country and help yourself reset.
Remember: you cannot force yourself to be creative, but at the same time, you have to allow yourself to sit down and “just do it” sometimes. The Muse comes when she will, not when you summon her. But if you give yourself the time and space to be creative, chances are good that she will visit you more often. So, don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself, relax, and let your creativity flow.
There truly are so many options when it comes to jumpstarting your creativity. And the best part is, you can mix and match different techniques to find what works best for you. So, don’t be afraid to experiment, and have fun!
What are your favorite ways of jumpstarting your creativity? Let me know in the comments so I can share your tips with others that may be stuck in a creative rut.
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