Being able to think creatively is not something that has to be innate – it is a skill that anyone can learn and improve on. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your creative thinking skills.
Use It or Lose It
As with many things, you have to keep working on it to be good at it. Dedicate some time in your day to actively exercise your creative muscle. Remove distractions such as social media and email notifications. The more you train your brain, the easier the process will be next time.
Change It Up
Sometimes, what you need is a change in scenery. Instead of staring at your computer, go the park and use a notebook. If you’re in the office, try sitting in different areas, or just redecorating your desk. Even minimal changes to your surroundings can help boost your creativity.
Learn Something New
Being creative is about finding new ways to approach a situation. Try to explore new and unfamiliar topics. You will be surprised how your knowledge in one area can be applied in another, even if it may not be apparent straight away.
Write It Down
Now and then, you may suddenly have a creative idea come to you – it may be interesting, funny, or enlightening at the time – but then you would simply carry on your day, and maybe forget about it. Pay attention. Write it down.
Let Your Mind Wander
People sometimes get their best ideas when they ‘switch off’. Letting your mind take a break gives it time to absorb the information that it’s been given and to make connections.
Don’t Limit Yourself
Sometimes people stop themselves from bringing forth an idea because they think it’s unachievable, out of their budget, etc. This can kill the creative process before it even starts! Try brainstorming every idea you can think of first, and worry about how feasible it is later.
And Alternatively, Do Limit Yourself
On the other hand, so much choice can leave you stressed and directionless. Placing limits on a project might provide that much needed challenge to force you to think of creative ways to overcome them.