Increase your creativity in business is a hard-to-define thing that eludes many of us just when we need it most. So where did it come from? The great and good have tried to answer this very question, as the following quotes show:
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Increase Your Creativity in Business
“Creativity arises from the conflict of ideas.”
DonatellaVersace (fashion designer)
“But out of limitations comes creativity.”
DebbieAllen (dancer and choreographer)
“Anxiety is the servant of creativity.”
T. With. Eliot (writer)
It seems that conflicts, restrictions and anxiety can be a starting point. But that doesn’t sound very nice. So, if you want to access your inner creative genius without the hustle and bustle that Versace, Allen and Eliot prescribe, then read on for five ideas that might work…
1) Encourage Creativity
Whether you make a commitment to learning a new fact or word every day or picking up a whole new hobby, shaking is a great way to stimulate creativity. Make the most of your downtime by reading a magazine or book you don’t normally read, and make the most of traffic jams with stimulating radio programs, audiobooks, or podcasts. Before you know it, you will become a fountain of knowledge, literally overflowing with fresh perspectives and ideas.
It’s important that you capitalize on the moments that are your “down time” and use that time to do things you wouldn’t normally get a chance to do. To stay creative, you should dedicate an hour a week to a new sport, activity, anything that inspires and motivates you.
2) Take Note
The most annoying thing about creativity is that it tends to strike at the most inopportune moments. Always keep a pen and paper (or equivalent smartphone app) with you, as the best ideas don’t come to you when you’re chained to your desk. Once you develop the habit of writing down your ideas, new ones will come up more often. And don’t forget, your notes don’t have to be in writing, they can be spider diagrams or even scribbles, depending on your mood!
3) Go away!
A fresh perspective can be achieved mentally – by learning about new things – but also literally by leaving home. Take a walk somewhere when you normally drive (provided it’s not too far away) or change the couch and TV to take a walk around the neighborhood. Fresh air is sure to work wonders. Then, for real adventurers, why not take the bus without knowing where it goes? It can be a cheap and easy way to immerse yourself in a new and interesting place, and when you’re done exploring, you can always return home on the same bus!
4) Exercise and H2O
Creativity depends on a strong physical condition, as well as mental. As such, you will need to exercise regularly to keep those creative juices flowing. A brisk jog or bike ride will deliver fresh air, as well as a rush of priceless endorphins. Likewise, make sure your brain is well hydrated to avoid mental sluggishness; dehydration can be a real killer of creativity.
5) Imagine that you are 10 years old.
Books like Winnie the Pooh, The Gruffalo, and The Little Prince are extremely generous doses of creativity. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you should forget about your inner child. Remember when you were little, you had imaginary friends, fought imaginary dragons, and assumed that a camel’s hump was filled with water? Touch this feeling and you will suddenly find yourself approaching creative challenges and life itself in a new way!
In conclusion, a quote from musician George Shearing:
“Can anyone be given a greater degree of creativity? No.
They can be given the hardware to develop it, if they have it at all.”
I hope this article has given you some ideas for designing this equipment!
