Here are the main points of this short video, Five Ways to Increase Your Creativity:
1. Become curious.
The main reason creativity lacks is because we have forgotten to be curious about life and stopped caring about doing life better than what we are already. Break out of your rut by reminding yourself what it means to live creatively.
2. Break out.
I believe in a schedule because time is our most valuable commodity, but we have taught ourselves to stick to it too often. Sometimes we have to throw our schedules out the window and remember to be creative, even if it means we don’t feel that we have time to do so. So, schedule creative time on a weekly basis where you just get to make a mess and make a mess freely. Don’t color inside the lines and feel what it is like to be free again. – It’s what writers do. It’s what artists do. It’s what is called the “brain dumping” stage. The creative side and the editing side are two completely different sides. Do one and then do the other step later. Don’t mix the two. Teach yourself to make mistakes on purpose.
3. Find the ways that work for you to capture your ideas.
Whether it is evernote or pen and paper or video, find what works for you so you can come back to your content on a consistent basis and make it better as a result. Produce your best work and save time when you find ways to capture those memorable moments in time that make you a better creative.
4. Accept change well.
Life is all about change. As much as I love “stability” I have had to teach myself that change will come and I will accept it. I will be ok if it comes.
5. Change your surroundings.
Read and listen to things that challenge your views and ideas. Not only does this increase your creativity, but it challenges you to become better at what you do and it reminds you the why behind what you do.
Adam, you speak and write with a wisdom beyond your years. I am applying principles that you have captured here, in helping me to write again, after having experienced a block for quite some time. You are right – there are valid steps that can be taken to flow again. Many thanks for sharing your insights here.
Glad you liked it. 🙂
Good stuff Adam. “From the Desk” … nice touch.
Thanks Leo.
I can say in my role as a professional artist, Adam, your advice is good and sound. Having experienced blocks before in my career, things as simple as changing your surroundings, such as going on a trip, reading a book or taking a break, can all be helpful in moving forward. During these times, the message you want to express seems to build up in you until it can not be denied any longer. I remember something my father said, and he was a writer like you – the most important ingredient in writing is to have something to say. I find this is applicable to all the arts…and how you figure out what you have to say is digging deeper as to what is important to you, and determining the best way to communicate that. You have captured that message here, which is refreshing to hear from a young man such as yourself. You are a talented, bright writer with something important to say.
Thank you, Kip. Glad I was on the same page with an artist such as yourself.
Kip,
Your response hit home. I loved reading it. Explanations of my inability to achieve at certain points. Thank you for showing me an opening.
Love the change in format Adam! Great content as well, I’m always up for pushing myself in new ways!
AND GREAT BEARD!
Thanks Daniel. 🙂