Did you know that you can literally train your brain to be more creative? You don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike, either.
Understand that creativity can be designed
If you are in a creative profession, or want to be, the idea that you may be “blocked” comes up a lot. You’ve seen movies and stories about people with writer’s block or artists going through a dry spell. The problem with this is that most professionals are not allowed to have lockouts or dry spells, so why are creatives?
The truth is, just as a doctor can perform surgery on time, so can any creative person. You can write on a schedule. You can paint on a schedule. You can do whatever you want on a schedule. You don’t need to have the desire, passion or inspiration to do it, just the skill and dedication to do it.
learn something new
If you start to feel bored, or like you’re having a dry spell or block, learn something new. You can learn more about your profession that is new, or you can learn about something new that stimulates the other side of your brain. Either way, when you learn something new, it will help train your brain to be more creative.
Practice being creative on demand
Don’t buy into the idea that you can’t be creative on demand. Instead, buy into the idea that you can. Then practice doing it. Create the schedule that is right for you when you are going to be creative. Have a plan and do it.
Activities that help activate your creative side
It can also help if you find a transition activity to do well before switching the things you’re doing to something creative. For example, you might want to take a walk between activities, do a crossword puzzle, or read for a few minutes between creative activities.
Spend time on different creative activities
Don’t just do one thing that is creative. Try other things too. The more ways you enjoy your creative nature, the more ways you can do it.
Exercise both sides of your brain
Find a way to stimulate both sides of your brain. Things like origami, throwing and catching a big ball, juggling, jumping rope, and things that require you to use both hands and feet, as well as your other senses, will help stimulate both sides of your brain.
Write down your thoughts and ideas
When you have creative thoughts at any time of the day, be sure to write them down. It can be forgotten if you don’t write down your ideas and thoughts right away. You can use your smartphone to help you collect this information.
Use your imagination like children do
One amazing thing about children is their ability to imagine things. If you’re not sure how to do this, take your own kids or your friends’ kids out to try it out. They let their imagination run wild in exciting ways. You can still do it.