Ironically, I’ve ‘created’ less this year than any year before, yet I feel like I’ve had the most creative growth. I mentioned I’m in a creative incubation period — a transition of sorts. And while it’s often excruciating for me to feel so still and unsure of the future, it feels like I’m standing on the precipice of something exciting. Here are 5 things I’m doing to work my creative muscles during this strange time of growth.
Change Your Surroundings
Granted, this isn’t an easy one during the middle of a pandemic, but it can still be done in tiny ways, and those tiny changes make a huge difference. Take today as an example; I’ve been “locked” in my house juggling work and my kids since they woke me up at 6 a.m. — it’s now 2:30 p.m., and I am feeling completely burned out. I had no desire to write this post. But, I took my laptop outside in my backyard, and I’m working in the fresh air. This little switch in my environment is giving me the boost I need to write this!
Learn Something New
This year I’ve made an effort to push myself to learn new things. It’s been gratifying. When we challenge our minds and bodies to do things they’ve never done before, it puts our creative wheels in motion.
Make Time For Creativity
This has been one of my biggest challenges of 2020. Normally, I pencil in creative field trips every month: museums, beaches, parks, a coffee date with someone in the industry. These outings stimulate me, and they always leave me feeling inspired. However, this year I’ve not been able to do them. I’ve found that taking short walks every day or calling a friend I haven’t spoken to in months helps. The main thing is to keep your creativity front of mind.
Paying Attention
This is the most important tip I can give you. It’s the things I practice and appreciate most when it comes to creativity and generating ideas. You have to become a noticer — both internally and externally. Take note of everything that excites you, makes you mad, makes you happy, etc. You will be amazed how much these things will influence your work as long as you have paid attention!
