Creative Catalysts
We are all originals and have the software to be creative. Yet,
sometimes we feel blocked or uninspired and can't get our
creativity to click. As creativity is about making new
connections, try these 25 easy ways to stimulate your process or
project:
1)Keep a daily excitement list about WHY you are passionate and
committed to your exploration or project
2) Change your location-work on your project in bed, outside in
nature, in a coffee shop, or a different room
3) Take a trip relating to your project to explore a facet of it
4) Go on vacation or take a day or two off and let it go and
take a fresh look when you return
5) Or make a date with your project and go away for a period of
time with it as your companion
6) Go to a toy store and find a toy like your project and play
with it
7) Set up a series of experiments related to your project
8) Experience your project using the three learning styles of
visual, auditory, and kinesthetic experiences. Draw a picture of
it, make a mind-map of it, take a photo of it and play on
photo-shop. Talk about your project to a tape recorder or a
video recorder or teach a real/pretend class on the topic. Act
it out with props and sets and maybe even other characters
9) Find a symbol or prop that represents your project and carry
it around with you
10) Exercise regularly to clear your head
11) Create a water experience-sit in a hob tub, go swimming,
take a shower, visit a spa
12) Record and follow intuitive clues
13) Meditate or pray about it
14) Select music that reminds you of your project and play it at
the beginning of your work sessions
15) Initiate creative rituals such as lighting a candle or
reading first, etc.
16) Find someone who is an opposite thinker (a devil's advocate)
and tell them about your project and let them
challenge/stimulate your thinking
17) Put your inner critic in isolation for now
18) Visualize your end result and make a collage of images that
support that vision
19) Collect objects like your project and keep them in a basket
to ponder
20) Keep a file card packet in your office, car, etc. to jot
down all related ideas and connections
21) Read related books, articles, etc. and take notes
22) Look for the metaphors-i.e.,how is your project like a pine
tree?
23) Keep a separate journal/computer file for each project and
keep track of all ideas and feelings
24) At the right time, share your project with trusted others
and gather new insights
25) Use your fascinations to propel you ahead to take risks
everyday
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Challenge:
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Try 3 of the above strategies to jump-start your creativity!
Enjoy what you learn!