6 Steps to Improving Your Creativity
Step 1: Focus your thoughtsWork on onething at a time. This is difficult for some individuals because of the amount of tasks they have on their plate. However, if you are able to focus your creative energy on one project at a time, you will find greater productivity in the long run. It also helps to stay away from distractions while you are in the process of developing new ideas!Step 2: Avoid being JudgmentalTaking a gamble and giving new ideas an opportunity can truly demonstrate your creativity. Some of the most creative and innovative ideas began by a simple “out of the ordinary” thought. New ideas need a chance to develop and grow to their full potential before they are thrown away.
Step 3: Step Out of Your Comfort ZoneThis can be a frightening idea, but usually ends up being well worth your time in regards to developing creativity. By exploring new and exciting elements of life that you are not overly comfortable with, you will be able to broaden your horizons and open a whole new book of creative ideas. Being comfortable with taking risks can be very rewarding. If you fear failure, it will be evident in your results.
Step 4: MISTAKES HAPPEN!The definition of creativity is: the use of imagination or original ideas. The definition itself exclaims that creative ideas are primary products of an individuals mind. There isn’t a textbook or website that can make you creative. Therefore, mistakes are bound to happen in the process of creating and exploring. It is important not to get frustrated when encountering an error, but instead to learn from it and use the experience to your advantage.
Step 5: BrainstormBrainstorming is one of the simplest and oldest forms of generating creativity. All it necessitates is your own thoughts. No Google or boring research required! This process can help you to become more comfortable with new suggestions and an efficient thinking process. Brainstorming is effective in allowing the mind to have freedom. Freedom is in the recipe for creativity.
Step 6: Have a “Beginners Mindset”
Even if you are familiar with a topic, try to imagine that you are completely new to the idea. This will allow you to have an open mindset. One of my favorite quotes by Shunryu Suzuki states: “In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few.” This is absolutely true in the world of creativity. Children are a prime example of the beginner’s mindset. Since their minds are so fresh and new to everything, they are often very creative with their ideas and thoughts. This is the type of outlook that people should have if they desire creativity. If you approach a new task with the willingness to be a student and learn, it will allow you to develop something incredible. For more insight and examples of how to bring out your inner creativity, be sure to follow Gumption Entertainment on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook!