Creativity is often associated with creativity and innovation, but it’s actually a set of learned skills and techniques. You can tap into your creative power to think outside the box, create fresh ideas, and find solutions to problems.
Here are 13 steps to unblock your creative brain and unlock your imagination.
1. Practice Applied Imagination
Applied Imagination is the process of using your imagination to solve problems. It involves thinking beyond what is known to create new, innovative solutions. One way to practice applied imagination is to brainstorm: generate multiple ideas for a given challenge.
This allows you to break down an abstract concept into tangible pieces and shift your mindset from stuck in the old ways to open and creative.
2. Step Outside the Comfort Zone
Creativity requires you to step out of your comfort zone, so challenge yourself to try something new. Go see a foreign film, take a cooking class, or pick up a new hobby— activities that push you to think differently and break away from routines can open up your mind to new ideas and help you discover previously untapped sources of creativity.
3. Play Brain Games
Train your mind to think critically and find creative solutions. Play brain gameslike sudoku and crosswords, or break down a complex problem into smaller pieces and learn how to identify connections and patterns between them.
Research has shown that playing brain games can improve cognitive abilities and sharpen your creative skills.
4. Re-Energize with Media Breaks
We all become mentally drained from time to time, and our creative processes can become blocked as a result. Give yourself a media break by turning off all screens and digital devices for an hour each day. Take a walk, read a book, draw something, or do anything that will disconnect you from the virtual world and bring back some clarity.
5. Find Inspiration Everywhere
Be conscious of moments of inspiration and find ways to document your thoughts and ideas. Its also essential to add variety to your life and search for inspiration everywhere you go. Draw inspiration from conversations with a friend, a magazine article, or just your daily commute.
6. Write a Mantra
Write down a short phrase or sentence that you can refer to when feeling unmotivated or stuck. It can be an affirmation or words of wisdom that you find meaningful.
This could be something like “I will stay consistent with my ideas,” or “Everything will work out in the end. ” Repeat this mantra to yourself and remember: creativity often comes from a place of patience and practice.
7. Make Small Changes
Small changes can result in big wins in the creative process. Instead of tackling a project haphazardly, break it down into smaller pieces and focus on one task at a time.
Making small changes can help you see achievable milestones, stay motivated, and see progress over time.
8. Take Regular Breaks
An overworked brain is unlikely to come up with creative solutions. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by pausing and taking regular breaks throughout the day.
Move around, stretch, meditate, or spend some time in nature to open up the pathways for creative thinking.
9. Surround Yourself with Creative People
Surround yourself with creative people and their ideas. Attend events, meet with creative people, and learn from their insights. Participating in creative activities with others can help you stay original and inspired.
10. Take Inspiration from the Past
Draw inspiration from the past and gain perspective. Step back and look at how people in the past have faced similar challenges, then consider how those solutions can be applied to the present.
Doing so can help you approach the problem in a different way and cultivate fresh ideas.
11. Take Time to Reflect
Taking time to self-reflect on your creative process can help you identify areas where you need to improve. Reflect on your successes and struggles, and think about what you could have done differently. Doing this will help you gain self-awareness, which is key to unlocking your creative power.
12. Experience New Things
Experiencing something new will renew your creative energy and stimulate your brain. Try something different like an art class, a workshop, or signing up for an online course.
Exposing yourself to different activities and cultures can help unlock the creative power that lies at the center of your brain.
13. Get Enough Sleep
The importance of sleep for creativity and productivity cannot be overstated. Make sure you’re getting enough rest every night and establish a consistent sleep schedule to reset your creative power.
Quality sleep equates to quality creative thinking— and more creative solutions.
Conclusion
We all have the potential to be creative and innovative. To tap into this power and harness it, you need to practice applied imagination, step outside the comfort zone, play brain games, re-energize with media breaks, write a mantra, make small changes, take regular breaks, surround yourself with creative people, take inspiration from the past, reflect, experience new things, and get enough sleep.
Follow these steps and watch your creative power grow.