No matter what line of work you're in, or what you do in your free time, everybody needs to rely on creative solutions. Have you ever been in a creative void- the kind of slump you can't get out of, like writer's block? Ever just stare at a blank canvas, word processor, desktop, or work space with a seemingly hollow brainpan?
Of course you have. It happens to all of us. You may be an artist stumped for ideas for paintings, illustrations, or drawings. Perhaps you're a designer tired of churning out the same old things with your clients sharing the same sentiments. You could be a freelance [fill in the blank] and need to really knock 'em dead with some fresh ideas. Maybe you're like me and you just need to spice things up and are looking to increase your creative output.
We all have our bad times, but hope is not lost. No matter who you are or what your motivations, there are remedies to your lack of mental pizzazz so you can get your gears turning again, and the creativity oozing.
1. Make a list- A BIG one
You'll be absolutely amazed by the results you'll get from this one. The rules are simple: You make a list of not less than 100 things, and you do it in one sitting. Don't break the rules! Go ahead and let yourself be intimidated by the magnitude of the list- this is healthy nervousness. The only fear you must face with this is the fear of succeeding. Know that when you are done you will have a list of 100 solutions.
The list can be about anything you need to come up with. The first time I did it, I made a list of 100 things to do with a useless steel drum that was taking up space in my basement. Be sure to write down all the silly ideas (put wheels on it and turn it into a motorcycle sidecar?!). The point is, your brain will be forced to think way outside of the box. By number 70 or so, you'll have some real gems. Your brainpower will thank you for this priceless creativity boosting method.
2. Cranial Gale Force
Brainstorming is similar to list making, only that it's not so linear. This is effective when working with a team. Have one scribe write on paper or dry erase board and have people call out ideas. Once again DO NOT shun the silly ideas. This is not the time to nit pick and nay say. When you're done, you will have a few good ideas for a good start.
A good method for brainstorming is to start with a problem or point of interest in the center of the page and circle it. Then branch out to solutions or ideas and continue until they are branched out as well. If you prefer not to write on dead trees, a freeware program called Free Mind is available, which gives you resources to brainstorm on your computer.
3. Have Some More Coffee
After all, coffee is a stimulant, right? Don't underestimate the power of external stimulants to give your internal resources a budge. When used in conjunction to the list of 100, you can almost sit back and watch your own hand writing at the speed of sound as you jot your ideas down.
Maybe coffee isn't your cup of tea (sorry). Whatever perks you up, be it chocolate, tea, green tea, iced tea, soda- don't spare it. Let it help you create.
4. Draw A Collage
This one is not just for artists. Start with a big blank sheet of paper, or first jot down a quick picture of a landscape or a city street. Now begin making small random figures- in essence doodling. Don't be afraid to crowd the scene with everything you can think of- animals, pedestrians, animals in clothing, people riding birds in the sky, a giant giving a person a ride on his shoulder, and so on. Let if flow, and be silly with it. Your mind will begin working automatically coming up with new and interesting additions to the drawing. The crazier, the better. This method can unlock deep creative potential in anybody.
Don't worry about quality, you're not sending it to the museum. The idea is to allow free forms, associations, and ideas flow without laboring. Start pairing characters and objects with things it normally wouldn't go with- combining two unlikely objects is an ageless recipe for entrepreneurial success.
5. Use It Or Lose It!
Your brain is a powerful force on this planet. Cogito ergo sum (I think therefore I am). The human mind has been known to heal the body just from powerful thinking and meditation. It would be a terrible thing to waste.
Unfortunately we can indeed waste our brains if we don't constantly challenge it. By feeding your mind with the right input, we can greatly increase the quality of our output. Do simply daily brain exercises to strengthen your mental muscle.
Change your scenery every now and then so your mind doesn't stagnate in the same sight day in and day out. Take a different route to work some days. Take the scenic route. Use your non-dominant hand to do everything- brush your teeth. Shave without a mirror, shower in the dark, navigate your house in the dark. By strengthen your mind using simple brain exercises like these, we may be surprised by the cognitive improvements.
6. Food For Thought- You Are What You Eat
We wouldn't exercise our bodies without giving it the proper fuel, right? The same is true for the brain. Now that we exercise our brains, we must feed it right. What's likely good for the rest of the body is good for the brain- as our brains take in 20% of our fuel and oxygen. So don't feed it junk.
Eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as fish- particularly fatty fish like salmon and tuna. Unsaturated fat is also good. When you look at the facts on a can of peanuts it looks bad because it is high in fat, but only saturated fat is really bad for you. If it has un-, poly-un, or mono-un- in front of it, it's good for you.
7. Sleep On It
Sometimes when we're scratching our heads in front of a blank notebook or computer desktop, with steam coming out of our ears from frustration, we just want to pull our hair out. As long as the deadline permits, stop what you're doing and walk away from it. If you give yourself a break every once in a while you'll be far more productive than if you worked through your break.
Some of the most creative minds in history have used sleep to assist their efforts. Take a nap and be sure to keep a notebook handy. As you're falling asleep pay attention to the wacky images floating by in your head. Your dreamy thoughts just may be the key.
Our subconsciousness is hard at work while we slumber. Recently I've been trying to catch up with old acquaintances on social sites but couldn't remember most last names. Sitting in front of the computer scratching my head proved fruitless. However, for the last 4 days I woke with 4 names in my head. Sleep can work wonders.
8. Don't Miss Those Opportunities
We've all been there: we come up with some brilliant idea in the shower or on the road or elsewhere and later couldn't think of it for the life of us. We know we had a eureka! moment but can't drudge up the details. It pays bundles to keep a small notebook handy where ever you go for that reason.
Random thoughts aside, you never know when you might feel a wave of inspiration. At the museum, the sight of great art may inspire you in many ways and a deluge of ideas will come in. Don't miss out!
9. Think Outside of the Box
Easier said than done, right? By using some of these other methods I hope you can come up with some new and exciting ideas. The main thing is to allow the nonsensical ideas to come out. You can deal with or delete them later. Some of the most innovative companies have research and development teams which are separate from the rest of the company so bureaucracy and negative nellies won't get in the way of their genius.
So some times you must ignore those around you who say, "that won't work," or "sorry to burst your bubble." They mean well, but their doubts and insecurities are their own, and need not affect you and your creative solutions and project ideas. The idea is to come up with things which the majority of other people have not or could not.
10. Just Do It
The best way to tackle a problem is to dive right in. When I write, I don't think much when I first put pen to paper. As long as I get started, the rest will present itself. Give yourself a boost and make yourself begin. Starting is more than half the battle. As ideas flow, use them up and allow the energy to surge, thus multiplying your own efforts.
Sometimes planning can seriously impede your potential. Your project may never get off the ground if you continue to be a perfectionist. Let your project take flight, and see where it goes. It may morph into something you never could have dreamed of. You control the reins and you can adjust, edit, or steer where you need to.
This is true with artistic endeavors as much as anything else. Even if you have no idea of what your painting will be, just start putting paint on the canvas- it'll work itself out. Most of the time I'm pleasantly surprised with how different my end product looks from what I had envisioned.
Now use your creativity well, and never stop. Create beautiful paintings and poems, mind-boggling inventions, and the next great novel. The sky's the limit, but time is of the essence. Celebrate your potential but know that you will not be here forever.
You better get crackin'.
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