You, yes you, that person staring back you in the mirror, are creative. And you are creative in your own way so don’t even start saying, “I can’t write,” or “I can’t draw,” or “I can’t(fill in the blank).”
Creativeness gives you energy. It gives you zing. It gives you zang. It makes you feel alive. That’s why I wanted to share these 7 ways to stay creative around the clock by John Forde.
John Forde says, “the real secret to conquering creative burnout and keeping your edge is to prevent your imagination from stagnating in the first place.” Try one or more of the following:
- Keep a journal. Write three pages every morning. Doesn’t matter what. And carry it with you during the day, just in case.
- Add “change” to your routine. Move your desk across the room. Walk a different street. Read someone else’s magazines (but ask first).
- Study a new technique every week. Change brainstorming techniques the way some people ought to change their toothbrushes – often.
- Chill. Ever get an idea while driving? Taking a walk? In the shower? The subconscious does a lot of work while you’re relaxing.
- Paint, draw, play music. Skills that force you to think creatively – but to do things alien to your routine – can jumpstart a slumbering mind.
- Practice problem solving. Musical people often learn languages faster. People who do crossword puzzles live longer and stay sharper. The mind, it turns out, is a muscle.
- Read. I don’t see it, but Walt Disney called Reader’s Digest a “gymnasium for training the mind.” Even better might be to read the front page of the WSJ every morning – and history and science books.
That is a solid list to bring out the creative monster in you. All while getting better at some things and improving your life. Every thing in the list will either make you sharper, help you relax or teach you something.
Now start using it to your advantage.