5 Ways to Enhance Your Creativity
Creativity is often perceived as an innate trait, something that some individuals possess while others do not. Throughout my childhood, I envied friends who excelled in art, convinced that I lacked their creative flair. My mother, an art enthusiast, seemed to possess a natural talent for transforming the mundane into the extraordinary, which led me to believe I must have missed out on this inherited gift.
However, my perspective shifted dramatically after reading Big Magic by Liz Gilbert. It dawned on me that creativity resides within all of us. Whether through writing, cooking, dressing, problem-solving, or home decoration, there are countless ways to express creativity. We are all inherently creative beings, driven by curiosity and the urge to explore.
Have you ever paused a beloved creative hobby due to time constraints or a busy schedule? For instance, I’ve let my violin gather dust in the corner, promising myself I would play “next weekend.” Yet, I often put it off indefinitely.
Creativity isn’t a static attribute; it can be cultivated. By actively engaging in various exercises and techniques, you can uncover innovative solutions and generate fresh ideas.
So, how can you amplify your creativity?
5 WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVITY
EXERCISE YOUR CREATIVITY
You can practice creativity even while relaxing on your couch. Take a moment to look around and find three objects. Once you have them, create a story that connects them—it’s okay if the story doesn’t turn out perfect.
For example, let’s say I see a lamp, a metal owl statue, and a glass of water. I could imagine a scenario where the owl, once alive, flew in through an open window and noticed the water. As it sipped, the enchanting glow of the lamp transformed it into metal. At night, the owl comes back to life, longing to escape through the window, and the cycle continues.
This exercise can be done anywhere—outdoors, in waiting rooms, or even while stuck in traffic. It’s a delightful way to spark creativity, especially for children.
READ
If you are a writer or blogger, reading extensively is one of the best ways to enhance your creativity. I firmly believe that immersing yourself in books, magazines, and blogs is essential for improvement in writing. The more you read, the easier it becomes to express yourself. It broadens your vocabulary, refreshes your memory of phrases, and helps you find your unique writing style.
There are days when I can effortlessly write a lengthy post in minutes, while other times, I struggle for hours without progress. Whenever I feel stuck, reading always helps; I often delve into a book for an hour, making writing feel remarkably more fluid afterward.
TRY SOMETHING NEW
I am quite habitual and historically hesitant about trying new things. My husband has often encouraged me to embrace new adventures like snowboarding, skydiving, hiking, and dining at different places. Initially, I resisted because I’m a control enthusiast, often feeling anxious when faced with the unknown. However, I’ve realized that embracing uncertainty can lead to enjoyable experiences.
For instance, my husband convinced me to go kayaking, despite my fear of water. I was terrified but eventually found joy in the experience. Once the water became choppy, I felt panic setting in, yet I reminded myself to focus on the destination ahead. This lesson in perseverance resonated deeply with me, prompting me to share my journey and start writing blog posts about personal growth and challenges.
While that kayaking story didn’t initially make it to my blog, it inspired me to create a new category, resulting in posts that resonated well with my audience. Trying new experiences often unveils new insights about yourself and can reignite your creativity.
CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Disconnect from your devices—turn off the TV, phone, and laptop—and step outside. Take a walk, go for a run, or lie on the grass and watch the sky, trees, and clouds. Shift your routine by enjoying coffee outside or changing your workspace. New surroundings can rejuvenate your creative spirit.
When you engage in the same daily routines, your brain may become complacent. By introducing different sights and experiences, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with creativity. If you find yourself in a creative slump, altering your environment can be a simple yet effective solution.
CREATE DISTANCE FROM YOUR PROJECT
We’re often our harshest critics, and it’s helpful to create psychological distance from our work. Research supports the concept in the Construal Level Theory, which suggests that psychological distance enhances creativity. Consider a wizard. Initially, you might envision one type of wizard, but as you increase distance—by imagining how someone else might visualize that wizard or envisioning the wizard’s appearance centuries ago—the ideas can transform significantly.
Next time you’re faced with a problem, try this approach of expanding psychological distance. Changing your perspective can foster creativity and lead to innovative solutions.
