Be the First in the Room to Say . . .

I want you to be the person in the conversation who says, “So I have this idea…” because I’ve seen the excitement that very statement generates in conversations and in finding solutions.

Sound fun? Sound ominous?

I’ve found we all face times when we want to be more creative, when we wish we had something to share that adds value.

If you’re looking for ways to re-energize your creative side during these times of working/living remotely, here are four simple activities to get your creative energy flowing and release the artist within.

Express Yourself

What type of personality do you have? Are you able to express that personality freely with others? If not, tackle one of these projects and let your personality shine!

• Decorate your place, or at least one room, the way you like it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else tells you, just decorate your room your way. You will be amazed when you unleash your own self-expression.

• Dress the way you want. If tackling your place is too big of a job, then take a look at your wardrobe. Dress how you want to dress. Trust yourself and trust your instincts. You are dressing for you, not the world. Don’t worry; you can express yourself while still being professional for the team at work.

• Dare to be fanatical. In Search of Excellence author Tom Peters (big fan) said, “Most corporations fail to tolerate the creative fanatic who has been the driving force behind most major innovations.” I hope that gives courage to aspire to a higher level.

You have to find ways in everything you do to allow creativity to flow through you. This can be as simple as the way you sign an email, send a card, the way you dress or the place you choose to live.

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Change Your Routine

If you’re stuck in a rut, do things that take you out of your normal routine. (This is one of the most energizing things I love doing to stir creative thoughts!) It doesn’t really matter how stimulating your work or home life is, when you step out of your normal routine for some “me time,” you’ll open your mind to new ideas and thoughts.

How can you step out of the norm?

1. Read a book you wouldn’t usually pick up;
2. Watch a movie you wouldn’t typically choose;
3. Talk to a total stranger you think looks interesting;
4. Go shopping at a store you have never been to. (You don’t have to buy anything, just browse if you like); or
5. Reach out to a friend you haven’t seen forever.

Notice Your Surroundings

Another simple activity to increase your creativity is to pay attention to your surroundings. You may think that is absolutely ridiculous – after all, you see the same things and people every day, and you probably even drive the same route to and from work, too. But take a few moments and actually observe your surroundings. See things the way they are and not the way you think they are.

• Take a different route home from work. Discover shortcuts or new neighborhoods.

• Sit on a park bench or at the mall and people watch. Think of stories for each person or couple that you see.

• Have you ever really paid attention to the people you see every week? Take notice. Don’t stalk or stare but pay attention. You just may find that other people can be quite the source of inspiration for creativity.

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Use Your Imagination

If you have a favorite poem or story you loved as a kid, start writing that story, but make the changes you always thought should be there. What were Jack and Jill really doing on their way up the hill? If they were fetching a pail of water, what was the water for? You don’t have to re-invent the wheel, simply make the everyday your own.

Increasing your creativity starts in small, simple ways. Your life is filled with opportunities for you to test your creative energies, but it’s up to you to take action! And to have fun discovering the wealth of ideas within. With that, it will be easy to be the first person in the room to say, “So I have this idea.”