The Top 10 Practical Ways to Be More Creative

Originally Submitted on 10/28/97.

1. Exercise creativity through your own self-expression.

For instance, decorate your house the way YOU want (not the way someone, or something, tells you it should be). Dress how YOU like to dress. Express your personal style in all the things you have in your life, and in all the things you do and say.

2. Do things that stimulate your creative mind in an effortless, non-taxing way.

See movies, read books, talk to complete strangers whom you find interesting, shop! Things that take us out of our routine (no matter how stimulating our work or our homes can be) create new thoughts and perspectives or ways of thinking.

3. Related to Number 2, actively look for ideas everywhere, and don't be afraid to borrow (NOT plagiarize!) shamelessly!

Being creative does not necessarily mean reinventing the wheel -- it can simply mean tweaking it a little. Give credit where due to stay in integrity.

4. When faced with a challenge, problem or situation, WRITE a list of possible solutions.

Sometimes the act of writing literally forces creativity in a way that thinking or mulling things over does not.

5. In every situation you're in, consciously ask yourself how to handle it creatively.

The point here is to make operating creatively a HABIT you do automatically, not just when you need to.

6. Don't worry about whether your ideas will work or not.

Worrying prevents the flow of creativity. Get and accept that not all of your ideas will be winners! The thing that matters is to have lots of ideas.

7. Make creativity a practice (Zen style).

Draw, paint, write songs, play with clay -- without aiming at a particular result. Let the result happen from the practice itself. It's the practice that's important.

8. Be aware of the distinction between being creative and being artistic or artistically talented.

Some people have more artistic talent, in one or several or many areas, than others. Although artistic talent is helpful in creative expression, it is not a necessity. Creativity stands on its own.

9. If you're sensitive to others' opinions, don't tell people your ideas, especially when they're in the germination stage.

Other people by definition have their own perspectives and judgments about everything. If this doesn't bother you, go ahead and share your ideas, and see if they can add to and enhance your ideas. The point is to be aware of the results you want from sharing your ideas, and the probable results you'll get. For instance, if what you want is total endorsement and acceptance, share only with those who you know will give you that (not someone you know whose tendency is to be critical). Many creative people and ideas are nipped in the bud by someone else's judgment. Be careful of your ideas and nurture them a while before throwing them out into the world!

10. Enlist help!

Being creative doesn't mean coming up with everything on your own. If you're stuck, solicit ideas from others! (Through the culling and refining process, you'll make them your own, anyway.)

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