Let’s face it, some of us are more creative than others. But can you become creative if you’re not? And how can you keep your creative juices flowing at all times?
Even if you think you’re as creative as a rock, all of us carry a tiny creative genius inside us. There are a few ways you can set them free and maintain their creative talent.
1. Read
Reading regularly has many benefits. One of them is helping you think more creatively.
Fiction or non-fiction. Reading also reduces stress, strengthens your brain, and can even help you live longer.
When you read, your brain is absorbing a bunch of new information. How does reading influence creativity when you are in digital marketing? You can find yourself:
- creating better content.
- writing more compelling copy.
- coming up with more original ideas.
You may be someone who often enjoys a good book.
Yet, many people think that they are not the “reading type.” And this is where they are wrong. Today, it’s easy to get trapped in the Netflix lifestyle. But the love for reading comes with reading.
Once you turn it into a habit, it has the potential to become a favorite part of your day.
Don’t worry if you consider yourself a slow reader. A good alternative listening to books. This is my favorite way of multitasking.
I use Audible and I love it. You get 1 credit for a free book every month.
You can listen to books while cleaning, cooking, or walking the dog. Efficiency is the answer when 24 hours are not enough.
Do you know that there is an impressive amount of reading exercises and techniques? Some of them include:
- Using your peripheral vision to optimize your reading speed
- Stop subvocalization
- Do brain exercises
- Ask questions before and while you read
All can help you improve your reading speed.
So Make a list of the books you’ve always wanted to read and start there.
2. Watch quality movies
Many of us, the people with big dreams and working for ourselves have the “hustle” mindset. I know I’m guilty of it. For the longest time, I’ve felt that I need to use every minute to work. But, the phrase “Work smarter, not harder” is in full effect here.
Taking time to unwind and relax your brain and body is crucial for your productivity. Watching a nice movie is an enjoyable activity that can reduce stress levels and boost your mood.
It’s up to you what movies you will pick. Choose quality movies like:
- Biographies
- Documentaries
- Fiction with deep meaning
The goal is to challenge your mind. Good movies will increase your motivation. Other perfect topics they focus on are the meaning of life or what makes you happy.
Cinema is an art. Art touches people’s hearts. A good film can help you reflect or explore different cultures.
Having a movie night with your loved ones is a great way to bond and share an experience. It can be a great conversation starter and a way to get to know each other on a deeper level.
I have Netflix and Prime Video on demand and I tackle my watchlist one movie at a time. I often do it on a Saturday night. It’s a treat but also a great weekend experience.
3. Trying New Experiences
Do you have a bucket list of the things you always wanted to do? If not, make a list and start looking for opportunities to make them a reality.
Experiencing new things makes you see life from a different perspective. It won’t be surprising if you start coming up with new ideas in every aspect of your life.
That’s how new things in your life influence your brain. You will feel more refreshed and full of life.
New activities can become part of your lifestyle. It can promote meeting new like-minded people and expanding your circle. This can lead to your personal growth and development.
Do you want to learn a new language? You may want to take a cooking class or try a new sport. It all counts.
Leave a comment below with what is on your bucket list?
Mine includes learning Spanish, how to swim, and bringing my family to Disneyland.
Mixing smaller new activities with bigger ones is a great approach.
For example, a trip can be expensive and may need more complicated planning. But going to a local new exhibit is much more doable.
Whatever it is, new desired experiences can change your life for the better and keep your creative juices flowing.
4. Journal daily
I started journaling every day a few months ago. The clarification I get sometimes is unbelievable.
Journaling means writing your thoughts on a piece of paper. Studies show that handwriting has many benefits:
- Enhances our critical thinking.
- Stimulates our brains.
- Lets us remember things better.
To me, it also feels soothing. I process my emotions and reflect on them when journaling.
There is no right or wrong way. You can write whatever is on your mind.
One thing I often write about is my goals. Because as the quote goes…
“If you have a goal, write it down. If you do not write it down, you do not have a goal – you have a wish.” Steve Maraboli.
Journaling can help you track your growth and progress.
Incorporating it into your daily life is a great way to boost your creativity. It’s stress-relieving and can be very inspiring
For me, it brought clarity about the things that I would like to change in my life and the ways I can do this.
When I journal, I also visualize my future. And the way I do it is by writing in the present tense, as it has already happened.
5. Learn New Things and Skills
We should be learning at least one new thing every day. Continued learning makes you stand out from the rest.
You can learn something new in all sorts of ways. In an everyday situation, through an online course, or workshop, you name it.
The good news is that learning new things is easier than ever.
Free information is at our fingertips.
When I started learning about digital marketing, it was overwhelming. Stick with me and I’ll show you how to use it in the best possible ways.
Expanding your know knowledge can improve your critical thinking and your habits. It can increase your creativity tremendously.
For example, if you are a Social Media Manager, learning new things can help your career. You will be able to connect with different audiences much more genuinely. Or write better posts.
Mastering new skills can help you improve your life’s quality and your business. Not only that, it can expand the way you perceive the world.
It can increase your income and make your relationships stronger.
There are all kinds of directions you can take your learning.
In this blog, I show you strategies to jump-start your digital marketing career. With a big pinch of spiritual and personal development practices. You cannot do one without the other.
Think about what is important to you at this point in your life. Look for sources to help develop your skills and knowledge in the same direction.
6. Meditate
I know you’ve heard that meditation is a great practice but do you meditate regularly?
I’ve heard many people say that it’s not their thing. Or that they can’t do it because their mind wanders off. This is completely WRONG.
Meditation is about practice. The more you meditate, the better you get. In other words, it becomes easier to relax and focus on your breathing.
What is the real purpose of meditation?
The purpose of meditation is to slow down your mind and take the time and space to look within. Once you do that you will be able to let go of the sense of self and align with the inner being that you are.
Meditation relaxes your brain and body. It refreshes you, so you can reboot and make room for fresh new ideas.
Most successful people have implemented a meditation practice in their daily routines.
You will receive bonus points if you’re into the Law of attraction and are familiar with the topic.
We can receive anything we want by knowing how to work with our thoughts and emotions.
Happy meditating!
7. Silence the negativity
I know it sounds easier said than done. But, you become what you focus on.
I understand if there are things in your life that are making you feel so frustrated and powerless. I have been there. It can be difficult.
- Start with making a list of the things that bring negativity in your life. Does it include certain people? Maybe it’s your job or even a TV show that you’re hooked on?
- Then think about what you can do to limit those things until you completely remove them from your life.
- Stop spending so much time talking to people you think add negative thoughts to your life. Replace them with being busy and selfish (in a good way) with your own goals and hobbies.
- Make a good list – of things that make you feel good, inspired, and happy. Figure out ways to have more of them. Have a plan about how to include them in your life. Be very specific.
It is scientifically proven that where your focus goes, your energy flows.
Having more pleasant experiences and feeling good is contagious too. The people around you will notice it and may want to hop on the bandwagon.
Happy people share ideas and experiences. And that’s how growth happens.
8. Meet new people
Meeting all kinds of people enriches us. We learn new things and explore different ways of thinking and life perspective. That all sounds great.
But what if you work from home?
With everything that’s been going on in the last few years meeting new people is challenging to say the least.
And if you’re a full-time SAHM working from home (like me), you need to be extra proactive.
Throw in being an introvert too. That just sounds like a joke at this point. A joke on me 😭
Here are a few ideas of how to implement this step if meeting new people isn’t part of your normal routine:
- Hire a desk at a co-working place near you. Most of them have a free trial and you may even find one with a pay-as-you-go option depending on where you live.
- Talk to the parents in school.I feel super out of place talking to moms in my son’s school sometimes. Most of them are local (and I’m not) and they know each other. But I started talking to more people. And guess what? I realized I can always find people that I have more in common with than I think.
- Sign up for a class that you have to attend in person. Any class – language, cooking, whatever you think you’ll enjoy. You will meet some people with that you share something you’re passionate about.
- Be active and play a sport. Being active makes you feel good. And what is better than people coming together to feel good about themselves?
- Volunteer. True happiness comes with the act of giving. Giving a part of yourself to a charitable cause is one of the best ways you can spend your free time. And a brilliant way to meet new people with big hearts.
9. Change a bad habit
Have you ever thought about your habits?
Do you have more good or bad habits?
We always want to change a bad habit but it can be difficult. Turning a negative habit into a positive one can influence your creativity levels.
Make a list of your daily habits – positive, negative, and neutral. Which ones would you like to change and how do you think they can positively influence your life?
There is a book on the topic that I currently live by. It’s called Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s full of practical advice that you can start implementing today.
You will be amazed how much small daily practices can influence our lives in the long run. Improving them one by one will result in improving every aspect of your life.
Try to also mix things up. Have your coffee from a different and better mug, or take a new route on your way home. These are little changes that influence your brain to make it more creative.
10. Reflect
Take time to be by yourself and think about everything and nothing. Disconnect as often as possible. I leave the way to do it to your creativity 🙂
Taking the time to reflect on the things in your life, the people, and the goals is super important for your personal growth and well-being.
There are different approaches you can take. It depends on your preference.
I like to do it in private, quietly with my own thoughts. You can also do it by writing, talking to someone close, running, walking, etc.
So make some time and start. I promise you will feel much better!
Conclusion
You can surely come up with more ways to always keep your creative juices flowing. If you are after a career in digital marketing, this would be one of the most valuable skills. I hope these ten tips were helpful and you will try them out. Share in the comments what worked for you and if you have other ideas to stay creative.
Till next time, be magnificent!
