How to boost your creativity?

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
Sylvia Plath

Much has been written and said about creativity. To be creative is not only about being an artist or performer. It is about finding new and innovative ways to solve a problem and being creative in your day to day living. Like what to make for dinner with leftovers or how to create a costume for Halloween using old clothes.

Everyone can be creative in their own way. But how to be more creative, to boost that creativity?

Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

Having done many writing and art courses over the years myself, I know that one thing that stifles creativity is worry or stress. If you are worried about something, you have to learn to put that aside. Learn to relax. If you are writing a book or short story really focus on the job in hand and move the other thoughts out of your mind. This way you will be more creative. In a weird roundabout way you actually help the stress levels reduce when you are being creative.
If you want to be more creative in a certain area build your confidence. Set goals, devote yourself to this creative outlet and set time apart to work on this creative outlet. Join a class where you can to learn more about writing, painting, sculpting, or whatever your creative outlet it. As with everything else in life it will take time.
Very important: Ask help and advice of those in the field. Don’t be afraid to do just that. Let people who are masters in the field criticise your work, not people who don’t really know what they’re talking about. That’s why it is so important to join a network of people in the same situation as you.
Remember it is not a competition, you just want to enjoy your own creations and do the best you can.
Have a notebook at hand (or your phone) to jot down any ideas that come to mind. These ideas won’t always come when you want them to arrive in your head. I find many arrive when I am really relaxed, just reading or enjoying the view. Then something will pop in my mind. Don’t tell yourself I’ll write it down later, it doesn’t work you will forget!
Take risks. You will never know if you have a talent for say writing or painting if you don’t open yourself up to it. Create something and let people who know criticise your work.
You will make mistakes and you will feel negative towards this creative outlet. But don’t let those fears paralyse you, don’t give up. Just be realistic and continue to be the best you can be.
Keep a creativity journal to see how you become more creative. You can also keep it for ideas but mainly to look back and see how your creativity has blossomed.
Look for inspiration. Visit a museum, an art gallery, go for a walk through a forest or park and really become aware of the things surrounding you.
Think outside the box. Come to the problem with an alternative angle, think differently about the solution. Doesn’t matter how wacky or weird it sounds try and think through it.
Feeling stuck in a rut and no new ideas are coming to you? Go for a walk, a swim, a cycle or do something physical. Many artists feel by being physically active it helps their creative side stay sharp. Dutch artist, Guido van der Verve says; “Going for a run makes me sharper, it helps me stay focused, to concentrate”.
Whatever you do, don’t give up. If it is something you love, just enjoy it to the fullest.

Oh and if you feel like doing some crafts for Christmas, have a look at my blog about Christmas crafts for all. They’re easy relaxing ideas to do together.

Enough talk. GO and be creative. Until the next time.