Category: Creativity

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Creativity Success Secrets

The Surprising Link Between Mental Load & Creativity

In this pandemic, I’ve found I’ve been working way too early, way too late and way too hard. Which brings me to this: Would you believe being idle could make you more interesting? A recent study suggests that mental clutter stifles creativity while unburdening your mind encourages originality.

Israeli university researchers analyzed what happens when your mind is occupied with stray thoughts and nagging concerns. People who were tasked with remembering seven digits responded slowly and gave boring conventional answers on a free-association test. Conversely, people assigned only two digits were quick to generate innovative replies.

The lesson? We would benefit from learning how to liberate ourselves from mental overload – and during remote working situations, this may be the perfect time to do find freedom. Explore these tips for meditation and other intuitive experiences.

Reduce Mental Load Through Meditation

  1. Call yourself out. Some unconscious thoughts can be disturbing. Remember that bringing them to the surface is the first step in healing. Once you spot your baggage, you can develop more constructive habits.
  2. Scan your body. Your body is an excellent guide to how to find your flow. Notice what conditions help you to lower your shoulders and unclench your jaw.
  3. Focus on your breath. Simple breath work helps beginners and advanced practitioners to become more mindful. Notice the air as it enters your nostrils and travels through your body. Spend as much time exhaling as inhaling. Doing this just 4 solid times can bring a world of calmness and clarity.
  4. Develop clarity more fully. Picture your mind as a pool of water. Hold that thought. Then, as the ripples settle, you can see under the surface. What’s going on when you put aside housework, chores, must-dos and utility bills? Connect with your aspirations and dreams.
  5. Count your blessings. Author Jen Sincero talks about “the grandaddy of all workout coaches: Gratitude.” Engage with the present moment by noticing what you’re grateful for. Celebrate the taste of a morning muffin and the sound of people laughing.
  6. Practice daily. Work your way up gradually and consistently (baby steps). Even a few minutes of stillness can be beneficial.

Reduce Mental Load Through Other Activities

  1. Write things down. Put your to do list onto paper or on device so you can forget about it without worrying that you’ll miss your next key appointment. I’ve switched to Trello because it auto-loads to all of my devices. But find and use a system that works for you.
  2. Play games. Do you lose track of time when you’re planning your next move in your favorite game? That tells you that taking a break from work can help you to return more refreshed. Bonus! And fun.
  3. Move around. Clear your mind with an afternoon run, a nice walk or even stretching. Physical exercise also burns calories and releases stress.
  4. Use your hands. Repetitive movements can trigger breakthrough ideas as you tap into your unconscious. Knit a scarf, hit on some bongos or play piano. Chop vegetables for dinner or paint an accent wall in your bedroom. Even working in the garden or yard – really getting your hands into the dirt – can bring a world of connection with Earth and creative ideas.
  5. Slow down. If running too many programs at a time makes your computer less effective, think what excess multitasking does to your brain. I read where we process more decisions in one day than our grandparents did in one year. Try slowing down by immersing yourself in a single task while you remember your purpose.
  6. Appreciate nature. Nature is a powerful antidote to cognitive overload. Spend a moment enjoying bird songs and cool breezes.
  7. Take a nap. If you can fall asleep easily during the day without disrupting the quality of your nightly slumbers, napping could be for you. (It works for me.) Studies show that a brief sleep enhances memory formation. According to research, people who nap also tend to live longer.
  8. Turn off your phone. Some distractions are beyond your control, but you can opt out of being available around the clock for non-emergencies. Disconnect your devices for one hour each day. Or put them on Do Not Disturb. The point is to give yourself quiet time to stimulate your creativity and think on a deeper level.

If pushing yourself to succeed is exhausting you out, try thinking less. Allow your mind to become clear so your creativity and productivity can soar.

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Communications Creativity Ideas Leadership Success Secrets

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.

Photo: Arunodhai Vinod

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.

Photo: Anni Roenkae

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.
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio

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.”

Categories
Creativity Ideas Leadership Success Secrets

9 Ways to Rekindle Your Creativity

We’re past the 14th week of quarantining and, frankly, a lot of us are getting a little stir crazy. Which is exactly why it’s time to let the creative genius inside of all of us (since we were kids) to rekindle your creativity.

For starters, harnessing your ingenuity will make your life more meaningful and enjoyable. Why is creativity so important and more innovation and inspiration into daily activities should have the biggest welcome mat you can find? Check these 5 points.

How Creativity Enriches Your Life

  • Experience More Joy. Creativity flourishes when you think positively. Find your passions and cultivate them. Embrace challenges with curiosity. Observe the conditions that help you get “in the zone.”

  • Improve Your Physical Health. Studies show creativity exercises are an effective way to relieve stress and boost our immune system. (Can there be a better reason?) Those who think resourcefully also cope better with aging and experience fewer declines in their cognitive functions.

  • Strengthen Your Relationships. A sense of imagination can even enhance your personal relationships. Break out of the same old conflicts by searching for common ground. Look at challenging situations from the other person’s perspective and try out a different response.

  • Perform Better at Work – Even Remotely. Collaboration is integral to the creative process. Help create a more cooperative atmosphere where colleagues complement each other’s strengths rather than compete against them.

  • Be All You Can Be. We all have some form of creative genius. Enjoy the pleasure of developing your own gifts. With persistence and an open mind, you’ll expand your skills for responding to all kinds of challenges. More skills means more marketability.

9 Techniques for Sparking Your Creativity

  1. Brainstorm. Generating ideas is usually the first step in the creative process. Put aside any judgments and just let the options flow. Now’s your chance to get zany and experimental.

  2. Incubate. Before inspiration hits, there’s usually a quiet time while we digest our ideas.
    • Help your unconscious mind along by taking a quiet walk or a relaxing shower. Routine tasks like washing dishes can also trigger insights. Think about a dilemma right before bed, and you may wake up with a solution. This happens to me all the time, but it’s taken a discipline and belief that it will happen for it to happen.

  3. Take Action. Make a plan for how to implement your ideas. Regard every attempt as a learning experience even if the immediate results fail to pan out. Remember, successful people succeed because they take more risks.

  4. Lighten Up. Free up your fertile mind.
    • Some gentle aerobics and stretches will relax your body.
    • Meditation or soft music can dispel anxieties or boredom.
    • Humor is a very powerful tool for lowering inhibitions and seeing things more vividly.

  5. Change Your Routine. Any adjustment to your usual way of doing things can help you take a fresh look at life. Take an alternate route to work or visit a cafe on the other side of town. Expand your horizons by looking for ways to experience novelty all the time.

  6. Observe Details. On the other hand, you can re-invent the most familiar aspects of your life by viewing them from a fresh angle. Think about how your kitchen would appear to an alien from space.

  7. Ignore the Clock. Get up early so you can savor the luxury of open-ended time. Forget about deadlines for a bit. Instead, focus on the present moment instead of thinking about the next task you have scheduled. Feel what it’s like to be free from hurrying. Try to remember that sensation as you start your day.

  8. Get a Hobby. Make the most of your leisure time with creative outlets that incorporate your passions. You may delight in watercolors. Or maybe you really get a kick out of working on cars.

  9. Seek Inspiration. Surround yourself with whatever you find invigorating. Visit art museums or go camping. Spend more time playing with your kids and getting caught up in their excitement each time they see something new.

Today is the time transform your life into a Work of Art by tapping into your creative side. Once you discover and develop your passions, you’ll be on your way to feeling more accomplished and fulfilled. With that, I promise you each day will become a wonderful adventure.

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Creativity Ideas Success Secrets

4 Surprising Places to Find Inspiration for Innovation

In such a fast-moving world, it’s so important to stay on the cutting edge. Your creative ideas of yesteryear probably have very little impact on today’s innovative age. That said, you’ve likely realized the importance of finding inspiration for innovation.

Your inspiration may change over time, but at least finding it is a start. Some inspiring things and people may be right in front of you. But others, like the ones here, may take a little digging to find their value to your plan for innovation.

Seek inspiration in these areas:

  1. Historical figures with success stories. Much of the world as you know it today is because of contributions from historical figures. Many of them took bold steps that didn’t necessarily pay off. But their perseverance and creativity allowed them to become world-changers and global influencers.
    • Spend some time researching these world-changers. Understand their beginnings, inspirations, challenges, and turning points. You may find some similarities between you and one of them.
    • Use those similarities to drive your own inspirations. Relate what you learned to modern day nuances and you can push the envelope of innovation.

  2. Inventions before their time. You’ve likely heard the phrase, “think outside the box” before. However, this is probably the first time you’ll be applying it to your plan for innovation.
    • Some of the greatest inventors introduced concepts before the world was even ready for them. These inventions can serve as inspirations for you.
    • Are there ideas in your bedside journal that you felt were too silly to share with anyone? Remember that once your innovation is fascinating enough, it can appeal to others. It can convince them that it’s actually something they want.

  3. Nature. (My favorite) Look through your window and you’ll see nature all around you. It’s beautiful and intricate. Things that are so specially made are often great sources of inspiration.
    • Look at the colors, shapes and behaviors of nature. Whether plants, animals, or seasons, their uniqueness inspires interest from science and novices alike. Many innovations that stand out take inspiration from elements of nature.
    • Consider how they were created. You may not have all the answers, but that’s okay. What it teaches you is that complexity breeds creativity!

  4. People who are overcoming trying obstacles. Their challenges are incomparable and difficult. Yet, they continue to push through with the aim of finding clear skies at the end of the road. If you can lay your eyes on someone like that, you’ll likely get all the inspiration you need!
    • How do they keep moving forward? Are there special strategies they employ? When things seem impossible, the people who create a new path are the ones that change the face of the future.
    • What you’ll realize is that bumps in the road don’t push you one step back. If you really want the prize, those bumps can push you one step further. That drive to succeed creates a spirit of fearlessness and boldness. That’s what you need to be innovative!

These sources can provide the inspiration you need to be creative. Take a different approach. That’s a surefire way to stand out from everyone else. You can expect great results when you elevate the thought process for innovation.

If you’re interested in getting your team to be productive idea generators, let’s book a fun and productive Creative Workshop, which I’ve done for over 30 years. tim@candidcom.com

Categories
Creativity Ideas Success Secrets

How to Become A Creative Genius

Discover the Creative Genius Inside of You

While it’s true that some people are born with a creative mind, it doesn’t mean that creative thinking can’t be learned and developed.

You may even believe you don’t have a creative bone in your body, but this simply is not true. If you weren’t capable of some type of creative thinking, you’d be a robot! Fact is, your creative genius is inside you. Let’s rediscover it.

Believe In Yourself

The first step toward creative thinking is the belief that you can acquire and develop the skill. The truth is that, if you continue to set up a mental roadblock and tell yourself that you can’t think creatively, you’ll never get past this first step.

When you truly believe in yourself, you also open up doors. The possibilities are endless just because you decided to give creative thinking a shot.

Develop Creativity

To foster creativity in your life, start thinking about where you want to apply your newfound creativity. It’ll help, at least at first, to have a specific goal instead of the broad goal of just “thinking” creatively overall.

You might start with discovering better solutions to common problems at work, or you might want to broaden your horizons with an artistic goal in your free time.

No matter what your goal is, try applying some of these creativity boosting tips:

  1. Spend Time Brainstorming. When looking for ideas for a project – or solutions to a challenge – write down everything that comes to mind without holding back. Don’t worry about logistics or staying organized; just let your mind go free.
  1. Free Write. Another form of brainstorming that might be worth a try is free writing: just pick up a pen and let your mind go wild on the topic of your choice. Tell yourself that you can’t pause or put the pen down; you must keep writing. You’ll be surprised at what you can unload from your brain during a free writing session!
  1. Change Surroundings. You may have noticed that your patterns of thinking change when you’re in different places. If you find that your mind is stuck, try changing your environment. Go out for some fresh air or hang out in a coffee shop. It may be just what you need in order to discover a new and exciting idea.
  1. Take Notes. Always carry some kind of note taking device with you, whether it’s paper or a mobile device. Record your ideas as they come to you, no matter where you are at the time. Creative thoughts can come and go, but if you write them down, you won’t forget them.
  1. Research Your Topics. Even though it may seem boring, you can do some research online. There, you’ll learn that knowledge is power and it’ll enable your brain to get to a place it wouldn’t normally have gone.
  1. Enjoy the Journey and always follow your love of learning. Research will always provide you with new angles of thought.

Consider Other Perspectives

While everyone comes with their own unique set of abilities and opinions, when you develop your creativity, you learn how to come up with new ideas and solve problems from different points of view.

No matter what challenge you’re faced with, spend time considering the perspective of others. While you might not share the opinion of another, see if you can figure out how or why they have that view. Think about how they feel. Developing this empathy will keep your mind open, which will always foster creativity.

When you get into the habit of using these tips often, you’ll be pleased to see outbursts of creativity!