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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
Tip: You could keep them in a journal
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
Sorting out your desk, work area,
wardrobe, kitchen etc. Reorganising and having a spring clean can be a
cleansing experience.
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.
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.
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)
Whether it's flicking through
National Geographic or pinning lovely things on Pinterest, seeing inspiring
images often leads to ideas.
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.
Sometimes, just chatting it
through and having a willing participant while you babble through a stream of
consciousness can help clarify things.
Have a go at something new,
whether its a physical or mental exercise, stretch your comfort zone and learn
new skills
A change of scenery can give you
a new perspective and fresh ideas
Whether it's an old piece of
furniture or finding a new use for something old, experiment
How do you keep the creativity flowing?
How do you keep the creativity flowing?
