Stumbling block # 1- Fear of seeming outlandish-
Being unique is one of the key factors of creativity and by trying to conceal your differences in order to appear "normal" you are limiting the amount of quality ideas you can generate. the best way to release your creative side is to dare to be different. There are endless possibilities so take a chance and show your differences.

Stumbling block # 2- Fear of rule breaking-
Although rules are in place for a reason sometimes breaking the rules can be beneficial to you and your employer. Most employers need knowledge workers whom they do not need to monitor every minute, so by breaking the simplest rule or finding a faster and more efficient way to do things, you are showing your employer that you are an independent and creative thinker. Now this doesn't mean completely disregard your employee handbook or show utter disrespect for the rules, it simply means be an independent thinker and do what you think is best.

Stumbling block # 3- Fear of messing up-
We are all human and as such we are entitled to make mistakes. Forget about always trying to be right. One of the keys to being a successful manager is to learn from your mistakes as well as the mistakes of others, but how can you do that if you have nothing to learn from. Being a perfectionist is not always good. Making mistakes entitles you to gain new perspectives and there is no growth without mistakes.

Stumbling block # 4- Low self-esteem-
From time to time we tend to view ourselves in a negative light and that tends to inhibit the creative process. In order to generate creative ideas we need to believe in ourselves. If you don't believe in your ideas how can you expect your teammates or your manager to. Remember beliefs are not always facts so just because you believe something negative about yourself doesn't necessarily mean that it is true.

Stumbling block # 5- Backed up thinking-
When we have so many thing to do our minds get bogged down and we become too busy to think creatively. We get so wrapped up with the things we feel are drastically important that we forget to take time for ourselves to think and reflect. By allowing yourself that time to think you free up space in your mind for creativity, and who knows, you just might find a creative more efficient way to get everything done.

Stumbling block # 6- Ruts-
Ruts occur in your brain when you are in a repetitive cycle. Have you ever woke up in the morning, gotten dressed and the next thing you know your at work. You have no recollection of how you got there or even how you got in your car. that is because going to work is so imbedded in your mind that you don't even have to think about it. Try taking an alternative route to work or do something different in the morning. this will get the creativity flowing.

Lauren Hunter is an Alumni of Johnson & Wales University. She has several years of management experience and has participated in numerous leadership courses and discussions.