Thursday 2 April 2015

20 Ways to Keep the Creative Juices Flowing


 2015 is Authorpreneur Almanac year. 


Join me in my 365 Adventures in Writing and Entrepreneurship...

Creativity can be a fickle friend. It often comes and goes in waves, but you can take steps to channel the flow and exercise those creative muscles.


   Here are my 20 ways to get creative




1)      Keep lists
I have a mini notebook that I use purely for lists. I write lists in multiple colours to break it up and keep it lively
 
  
2)   Walk in nature
Step away from the hustle and bustle of your life for a while and take a walk somewhere, you don’t have to go far, just a walk in the park, taking the time to appreciate the greenery can be enough

3)      Ask for feedback
If we keep our ideas in our own bubbles all they do is bounce around in our head losing energy. Share them, ask for feedback and get other people's opinions

4)      Mindmap
Get a big piece of paper and some chunky coloured pens and spread your ideas out in front of you. Once things are written down, it's easier to see how they connect and make space in your head for the next ideas



5)      Free Write
Write every day. Even if you are not working on something, free writing is a great way to clear your head, and you never know, what you write may turn out to be useful one day. Find a quiet space, give yourself some time and just write whatever is in your head. Even if it's nonsense.

6)      Doodle
Allow your pen to swirl around on the page where it likes. Doodling, creating random patterns etc clears you head, it gives your hands something to do while your head processes things.


7)      Experiment
Use whatever craft supplies you can get hold of, card stock, fabric, coloured tapes, ribbons, paints, paper, button, sequins etc and just play. Don't constrain yourself with a plan, just put things together and see what happens

8)      Sketch
Take a sketchbook and pencils with you and just sketch what you see; people, buildings, plants etc. It doesn't matter if you're no good at drawing, it's more about being observant and noticing small details. Forming a habit of noticing details can enhance your writing and give you a fresh perspective on things



9)      5 Best Things from the day
At the end of your day, think about the 5 best things that day. The challenge is to come up with small or different pleasing moments. 
Tip: You could keep them in a journal

10)  Do something that cheers you up
What always makes you laugh?  I've never been able to whistle and whenever I try I always end up falling into fits of giggles. Also, cat videos always make me smile

11)  Reorganise your workspace
Sorting out your desk, work area, wardrobe, kitchen etc.  Reorganising and having a spring clean can be a cleansing experience.

12)  Sort through ephemera and create art
As a performer of random acts of creativity, I collect lots of ephemera. Sort through it and have a go at creating some collages. It's an interesting experience in looking at things a bit differently.

13)  Set some fun goals
When you set goals to move forward, they don't always have to be about work and achieving success. Set some goals to do things from your bucket list. Plan to do small fun things that you'd like to try.

14)  Hang out with creative people
Hanging out with other creatives and talking about creative things can be great for drawing out and forming ideas. Often some wine helps too (not to excess)

15)  Look at inspiring images
Whether it's flicking through National Geographic or pinning lovely things on Pinterest, seeing inspiring images often leads to ideas.

16)  Read Inspiring Quotes
Words can conjure up powerful images or involve strong emotions, reading inspiring quotes is a useful way to increase your vocabulary or express yourself better in writing.


17)  Talk it out
Sometimes, just chatting it through and having a willing participant while you babble through a stream of consciousness can help clarify things.
18)  Do something you've never done before
Have a go at something new, whether its a physical or mental exercise, stretch your comfort zone and learn new skills

19)  Visit a place you've never been before
A change of scenery can give you a new perspective and fresh ideas

20)  Reuse/Recycle/Repurpose something
Whether it's an old piece of furniture or finding a new use for something old, experiment 



How do you keep the creativity flowing?

 



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