There seems to be nearly endless tips out there that exist to boost creativity.
This is fantastic since there are always times when creativity simply will not come.
Since everyone is different and since different days bring different strains on creativity, the more creativity boosting techniques the better.
Listed below are 12 creativity techniques that have worked for me:
1. Brainstorming
This is a classic technique that works especially well in groups. Within a time frame, everyone gives ideas that might solve a problem. No matter what the idea, there must be no criticism . Just write the idea down and criticize it later.
Then choose 5 ideas that might be the most effective, most efficient and/or the cheapest. Then rank these ideas in order from most feasible to least feasible. The most feasible idea will be the one that you should try first.
2. Keep a notebook with you
Always write down ideas that come to you. You never know how useful this idea might be later.
3. Go for a walk
For some reason, walking always helps me think better. Whenever I reach a point where I can’t come up with a solution to a problem, I immediately start walking and the ideas begin flowing in.
4. Avoid distractions
Distractions, especially television, can really break up creative flow. The only sensory stimuli that might not inhibit creativity is music. But if you are listening to music and you cannot think, turn it off.
5. Read
Read as much as you can about as many things as possible. Most ideas are built on the foundation of the ideas of others.
6. Keep your mind stimulated
Do not let a day go by without stimulating your brain. The best way to stimulate your brain is to engage in a variety of challenging activities that force you to use your brain.
7. Surround yourself with nature
Recent studies have shown that plants actually improve creativity. Also, fresh air has long been shown to be good for the brain. If the weather is right, consider taking your laptop outside.
8. Use the most powerful word: “Why?”
Set aside some time. With any particular situation, keep asking the question why. Do not settle for “I don’t know.” Keep pondering until you come up with an answer or until you run out of time.
9. Develop an expert mentality
Do not simply settle for being proficient. Try to be an expert in a particular topic. And don’t just have an expert mentality, but actually become an expert. With a vast amount of knowledge, you will be able to come up with all sorts of solutions to a problem.
10 Take risks
Do not be afraid if your plans do not work out.
11. Stay out of the box
Know that different problems often have multiple solutions. Do not get stuck on one solution to a problem. Explore multiple angles.
12. Set aside time for creativity
Try to get the bulk of your work done early so that you can have time for creativity. Use this time to generate ideas. Remember, creativity often requires an incubation period.