Are you stuck with a project and would you like to give it a different touch? You are in the right place because I am going to show you 17 ways to encourage your creativity (how to be more creative and innovative). But before getting into the matter, I invite you to watch this video by Elsa Punset in which she explains how we can develop our creativity if we follow the 4 tips she gives us.
Elsa punset explains to us in a didactic and clear way, 4 tips that we can apply if we want to awaken the genius of creativity:
[You may be interested «10 qualities of famous people to be more creative»]
According to cognitive psychologist Robert J. Sternberg, creativity can be broadly defined as "... the process of producing something that is both original and worthwhile." Creativity is about finding new ways to solve problems and perform an activity. This is not a skill limited to artists, musicians or writers but rather it is a skill that can be developed in people from all walks of life.
17 ways to boost your creativity
1) Brainstorm ideas to inspire you.
Get in the habit of writing down your ideas as soon as you receive them. In this way you can train your brain to continue generating ideas.
Once written down, you will no longer have to worry about remembering them and this allows more space for new ideas that will continue to form in your mind.
Brainstorming is a common technique in academic and professional settings, but it can also be a powerful tool for developing your creativity. Put aside self-criticism and then begin to write related ideas about the problem and its possible solutions. The goal is to generate as many ideas as possible. Next, do a sieve in order to arrive at the best possible decision.
2) Relax for new creative ideas to emerge.
Good ideas and creativity don't usually appear under stress. Creative ideas often appear when you are relaxed.
Take a walk, take a nap, play sports, or do whatever relaxes you so your brain can be more creative when you get back to work.
3) Reading stimulates the mind.
The more you read, the more you will open your mind to new ways of thinking and therefore you will be more creative. It is important that you choose books that you like so that you spend most of your time reading.
If you choose a theme that you like, you can devour books without great effort. This will undoubtedly lead you to be much more creative.
4) Meditate.
There are certain techniques that allow your mind to find peace and silence the hundreds of thoughts that constantly run through your mind all day.
When you reach this inner calm, you have all kinds of benefits such as being more creative and having better ideas.
5) Exercise.
The effects of exercise on the mind have been studied for centuries.
There is no doubt that people feel much better after exercising as our brain releases endorphins, the hormones responsible for making us feel good.
6) Ask for help.
Don't be afraid to ask someone for help or to give you their opinion. The input of a friend or a stranger could be enough to launch a whole series of creative ideas. Expand your horizons.
7) Do something you've never done before in your life.
Look for new sources of inspiration. Go skydiving or bungee jumping, sign up for dance classes ... Living a new experience may be enough to multiply your creativity by 10.
8) Eat blueberries.
Blueberries are the richest in antioxidants and this is good for your brain and to increase your thinking capacity.
9) Do not consume drugs or junk food.
I am talking about sugars, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes. When you stop consuming these kinds of things, you will feel much more energetic and much more inspired.
10) Make Puzzles.
Puzzles stimulate the brain as we learn to face a problem from different angles, something very beneficial from a creative point of view.
11) Play an instrument.
Create opportunities to develop your creativity. This may involve tackling a new project or searching for new tools to use in your current projects.
Playing an instrument is relaxing and allows you to experiment with new tones, melodies, and ideas. You can start with an organ (piano) or a guitar.
12) Practice makes perfect.
Yes, it is a cliché, but it is true. Do you want to be a great writer? Write every day, even those you don't feel like writing about.
Do you want to be a good designer? So design something new every day, even if it's just a logo for your favorite food.
13) Become an expert.
One of the best ways to develop creativity is to become an expert in a certain area. By having a rich understanding of the topic, you will be able to think of new or innovative solutions to problems.
14) Have confidence in yourself.
If you don't believe in your abilities, you can never be creative. Think every day about the progress you have made, value your achievements and reward yourself for them.
15) Overcome negative attitudes that block creativity.
According to a 2006 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, positive moods can increase your ability to think creatively. Focus on eliminating negative or self-critical thoughts that impair your ability to develop strong creative skills.
16) Fight your fear of failure.
The fear of making a mistake can paralyze your progress. Remember, whenever you are faced with such a fear, mistakes are just part of the process.
17) Realize that most problems have multiple solutions.
The next time you tackle a problem, try to find a variety of solutions instead of sticking to the first idea that comes up. Take the time to think of other possible ways to approach the situation. This simple habit is very effective in solving problems and developing creative thinking skills.
Consider alternative scenarios. When you face a problem, use the phrase "what if ..." to pose a new scenario.