It always seems that those great ideas come to us at the worst time...while taking a shower, right before we fall asleep, yet never when we need it most. Whether writing a press release for a client or solving a scheduling problem, creative thinking is an essential skill that will set you apart from the rest. So here are 5 tips to help get those creative juices flowing!
1. Ditch the quiet office.
Blocking out all distractions actually inhibits creativity. Having a moderate level of ambient noise allows you to think in a more abstract and creative way. Research has found that this noise can be anything from a TV show running in the background to someone using a vacuum cleaner. It has been found that lower or higher levels of noise did not positively impact creative thinking.
2. Silence the inner critic.
You have heard the saying, "you are your own worst critic", meaning we are the first to shoot down ideas. However, constantly worrying about something not being good enough only blocks the creative flow.
A great exercise that will help silence this negative voice is brainstorming. Write down everything that comes to mind. Don't worry about it being perfect, some great ideas stem from the most random of thoughts!
3. Experiment with your work environment.
In addition to accepting some distraction while working, try making changes in your workspace itself. A study has proven that experimenting with color has provided a positive impact on creative thinking.
Just as red is associated with caution like in a stop sign, the color red can also activate a sense that makes us vigilant. Being more alert helps you perform detail-oriented tasks such as proofreading. On the other hand, hues of blue make you feel at peace and safe, allowing you to be more open to exploring abstract thoughts.
4. Sift out the busy work.
If your days, weeks and months are packed with “getting things done,” you’re not leaving any room to experiment. Google famously lets its employees use 20% of their workweeks to pursue special projects. Following Google's advice, try taking some time out of your hectic day to let your mind relax. Doing so will cause your brain to stimulate creative thoughts and feel recharged to pick up on your previous project.
5. Branch out beyond your comfort zone.
Sometimes the best path to creative and inventive thinking is to be intentional about experiencing new things in life. Inspiration can come from listening to a new Pandora station, to having lunch with an old friend from college. So have fun trying something out of the ordinary...you never know what it could lead to!
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