How to be More Creative (and be Better at Your Job)
Humans are naturally curious and creative. The desire to explore, innovate, and create is embedded within us. Individuals thrive when given the chance to tap into their creativity, and business success is almost always linked to some sort of innovation. While organizations need creative thinkers, most corporate work cultures are quick to stifle innovation and creativity.
Well intended “creative brainstorming” meetings get planned, but the problem is that it’s hard to conjure creativity on demand. Even the most original thinkers find when they’re under pressure, ideas elude them. Creativity and ideas cannot be forced, and they often pop up when least expected. If you've ever stared at a computer screen while struggling to trying to come up with the latest strategy, design, or marketing plan, then you know this first-hand.
In this blog post, we will discuss why creativity is beneficial for focus and how to give ourselves the space needed for ideas to flow naturally.
Creativity enhances focus and attention
In today's fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. Advertisements, emails, social media, and meetings are constantly competing for our attention. Our ability to focus has only declined.
When we're constantly consumed with messages and noise, our brains don't have space to think outside the box. If you want to be more focused, allow yourself time and space for creativity. It lets our brains rest, helps us see things with fresh perspectives, and encourages new ideas.
White space is essential
We are trained to fill our schedules to the brim. We purposefully pack every moment, leaving little time for anything else. And in doing so, we stifle any creative spark we may have had. It’s nearly impossible to transition directly from running on adrenaline trying to meet the next deadline, to being in a creative state where new ideas are generated. White space is a buffer.
White space is dedicated time for a mental pause from work and other commitments. It’s a time to slow down, to contemplate and ruminate instead of always moving on to the next item on the to-do list. During white space time, the mind is allowed to travel in whatever direction it sees fit. White space is necessary to unlock creativity. This mental rest and recuperation gives the brain an organic opportunity to think constructively and creatively about big pictures and the future.
It's important to note that white space doesn’t just mean free time. It also means making and taking time to do things that are not directly related to work. Take a walk, listen to music, read a book, plant a garden, pursue an artistic hobby — these are all great ways to give our minds the rest they need. And let white space time be free of guilt. Taking breaks or doing things that are not directly related to work can be some of the most valuable.
Artistic hobbies enhance growth
Engaging in artistic pursuits can not only enhance personal growth, but can also lead to breakthroughs in other areas. Neuroscience reveals that art can improve brain functioning by impacting wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system — and it can also raise serotonin levels. Creating or interacting with art lowers stress, promotes deep thinking, and provides an outlet for emotional processing.
Albert Einstein turned to playing the violin when he encountered obstacles in his work, which enabled him to clear his mind and arrive at solutions with ease. Also, studies have shown that Nobel Prize-winning scientists are up to nine times more likely to have a creative hobby than their peers in the scientific community. While not all of us can achieve such a high level of genius, we can all still benefit from artistic hobbies.
Protect and prioritize creative time
When we allow ourselves to pursue creativity, we are more engaged in our work, and we find more fulfillment in what we do. The challenge is protecting the time we set aside for creativity. Let’s not sacrifice our creative time to the false gods of productivity. We need to remember that being productive doesn't always mean doing more. Sometimes, it means doing less and allowing ourselves the time we need to be creative.
Where to start
Here are seven steps to embracing creativity in your life:
Block off "white space time" in your calendar. If this feels daunting, start with just ten minutes per day. Initially, you may not know what to do with this time or what to think about. Create a list of activities that you can default to when you feel stuck. Examples include taking a walk, listening to music, reading, or sketching. Don't try to force ideas during this time; instead, let your mind wander naturally.
Choose one artistic hobby to explore. There's an endless list of creative pursuits; try playing the cello, making jewelry, fine woodworking, cooking, gardening, or photography (just to name a few!). No one gets an "I'm not creative" pass here.
Attend a creative workshop or class. This can give you the opportunity to learn the basics of new skills or techniques and collaborate with others in a supportive environment.
Protect and prioritize your creative time. Creative time can be the easiest to give up when schedules get busy (as they always seem to do). Don't let it slip away!
Engage with other creatives. Join a group, participate in a forum online, or attend a meetup. This can provide you with inspiration, feedback, and accountability.
Surround yourself with inspiration. This could be in the form of art, music, books, or nature. Take a moment to immerse yourself in something beautiful or stimulating.
Practice gratitude. Take time to appreciate the small successes and moments of joy in your creative journey. This can help you stay motivated and focused on the process of creating, rather than just the end result.
Wrap up
Creativity doesn’t just lend itself to clearer thinking and better strategizing at work. It’s important in all aspects of our lives. Being creative can help us solve problems, come up with new ideas, and see the world in new ways. But since creativity cannot be forced, we need to give ourselves time and space. Schedule "white space” time — protect it and make it a priority.
Even when you schedule white space time and take steps on the track toward creativity, it can still be a challenge. Sometimes, you just don’t feel creative. Sometime the new ideas won’t come. It takes time and effort unlock our creative potential. Keep trying and experimenting, it’s worth fighting for.
Finally, it's important to surround ourselves with a community that supports our creativity. We should intentionally seek relationships with people who encourage us to think outside the box and challenge us to come up with new ideas. Take classes, join groups, attend a local meet up. By finding others who support creativity, we give ourselves the best chance of unlocking our best potential.