We have all been there. Feeling stuck and not sure how to inspire yourself or your team in creating the next big idea. Whilst you don’t have much control over when you experience a rut, you do have control over how long you’re in it. Embracing a new habit or thinking in a completely different way may be what’s needed to reignite your creativity and help you climb out of your creative rut.
Take 5 minutes to learn some proven ways to boost your ability to do just that.
1. Start with the end in mind
Our creativity is enhanced by an ability to look at things from as many different perspectives as possible. One way to inspire this is by doing the opposite of what you would usually do to tackle a challenge. Be more aware of when you are making limiting assumptions that stop ideas from even being seeded. Combine components of the challenge in different ways to generate an entirely new set of ideas. Ask colleagues to contribute and co-create new ideas. The possibilities will be endless.
2. Get out of your comfort zone
The first step is to think of the future. What is it in the future that you want to create that you truly care about? What is it that you want to solve or do differently and why? Whatever it is, state what you want to do as a question and create an image of this vision that will motivate you in the long term. Ultimately it is what will keep you focused and more resilient when things get tough.
3. Create space
Our first response when faced with a new challenge may be to chain ourselves to our desks. Instead, consider taking a break – a change in environment can help us come up with new perspectives and innovative solutions. Changing monotonous patterns can be stimulating and ignite fresh ideas. Incorporating more exercise into your daily life, for example, whether it’s just a brisk walk will release glucose and oxygen to the brain, which are powerful brain boosting energisers.
4. Respect your brain’s cycle
We all have a certain amount of mental energy to use across a 24 hour period. Once this resource is depleted, our creativity has been proven to decline dramatically. You know when you are at your most creative. For some it’s in the early hours of the morning, whilst for others, this may be late in the evening. The important thing is to recognise what works for you and your team and to focus on coming up with the ‘next big thing’ when your mind is feeling at its best.
5. Be present
Many of us spend too much time thinking about the future or mulling over the past. Whilst capturing learnings and having a clear vision of what we want are important, so too is the art of being present. The more present you are, the more engaged physically, emotionally and mentally you will be. Learn how to incorporate more mindfulness into your daily routine. The many benefits include enhanced flexibility, improved concentration and greater mental clarity. Your heart and your mind will thank you.
