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Creativity is the ability to come up with or recognize ideas to solve problems, communicate with others, or entertain.Creativityis all about finding new ways of solving problems and approaching situations. This isn’t a skill restricted to artists, musicians, writers, or"right-brained"thinkers; it is a useful skill forpeople from all walks of life. If you’ve ever wanted toboost your creativity, these tips can help.
Creativity is the ability to come up with or recognize ideas to solve problems, communicate with others, or entertain.
Creativityis all about finding new ways of solving problems and approaching situations. This isn’t a skill restricted to artists, musicians, writers, or"right-brained"thinkers; it is a useful skill forpeople from all walks of life. If you’ve ever wanted toboost your creativity, these tips can help.
1Commit Yourself to CreativityRobert Deutschman / Getty ImagesThe first step to increasing creativity is to devote yourself to developing your creative abilities. Do not put off your efforts. Set goals, enlist the help of others, and put aside time each day to develop your skills. For example, if you are interested in painting, schedule time regularly to learn and practice your skills.
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Commit Yourself to CreativityRobert Deutschman / Getty ImagesThe first step to increasing creativity is to devote yourself to developing your creative abilities. Do not put off your efforts. Set goals, enlist the help of others, and put aside time each day to develop your skills. For example, if you are interested in painting, schedule time regularly to learn and practice your skills.
Commit Yourself to Creativity
Robert Deutschman / Getty Images
The first step to increasing creativity is to devote yourself to developing your creative abilities. Do not put off your efforts. Set goals, enlist the help of others, and put aside time each day to develop your skills. For example, if you are interested in painting, schedule time regularly to learn and practice your skills.
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3Reward Your CuriosityOne common roadblock to developing creativity is the sense that curiosity is an indulgence. Rather than reprimanding yourself for following an internet rabbit hole, reward yourself when you are curious about something. Give yourself the opportunity and the time to explore new topics.Rewarding yourself is important, but developing intrinsicmotivationis also crucial. Sometimes, the true reward of creativity is the process itself, not the product.
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Reward Your CuriosityOne common roadblock to developing creativity is the sense that curiosity is an indulgence. Rather than reprimanding yourself for following an internet rabbit hole, reward yourself when you are curious about something. Give yourself the opportunity and the time to explore new topics.Rewarding yourself is important, but developing intrinsicmotivationis also crucial. Sometimes, the true reward of creativity is the process itself, not the product.
Reward Your Curiosity
One common roadblock to developing creativity is the sense that curiosity is an indulgence. Rather than reprimanding yourself for following an internet rabbit hole, reward yourself when you are curious about something. Give yourself the opportunity and the time to explore new topics.
Rewarding yourself is important, but developing intrinsicmotivationis also crucial. Sometimes, the true reward of creativity is the process itself, not the product.
4Take Risks to Build CreativityWhen it comes to building your creative skills, you must be willing to take risks to advance your abilities. Although your efforts may not lead to success every time, you will still be boosting your creative talents and building skills that will serve you well in the future.For example, sharing your work in a creative writing course might feel intimidating. But the critique you receive from classmates and teachers can be invaluable.
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Take Risks to Build CreativityWhen it comes to building your creative skills, you must be willing to take risks to advance your abilities. Although your efforts may not lead to success every time, you will still be boosting your creative talents and building skills that will serve you well in the future.For example, sharing your work in a creative writing course might feel intimidating. But the critique you receive from classmates and teachers can be invaluable.
Take Risks to Build Creativity
When it comes to building your creative skills, you must be willing to take risks to advance your abilities. Although your efforts may not lead to success every time, you will still be boosting your creative talents and building skills that will serve you well in the future.
For example, sharing your work in a creative writing course might feel intimidating. But the critique you receive from classmates and teachers can be invaluable.
5Build Your ConfidenceInsecurity in your abilities can suppress creativity, which is why it is important to build confidence. Note your progress, commend your efforts, and always be on the lookout for ways to reward your creativity.How to Be More Confident
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Build Your ConfidenceInsecurity in your abilities can suppress creativity, which is why it is important to build confidence. Note your progress, commend your efforts, and always be on the lookout for ways to reward your creativity.How to Be More Confident
Build Your Confidence
Insecurity in your abilities can suppress creativity, which is why it is important to build confidence. Note your progress, commend your efforts, and always be on the lookout for ways to reward your creativity.
How to Be More Confident
6Make Time for CreativityYou won’t be able to develop your creative talents if you don’t make time for them. Schedule some time each week to concentrate on some type of creative project.Making time for creativity might involve saying no to some things that are draining your available time, or even choosing to let go of things in your schedule that are not bringing you joy. Sometimes, it might even involve asking others to help with tasks or take care of childcare and other household duties so you have some free time for your creative pursuits.
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Make Time for CreativityYou won’t be able to develop your creative talents if you don’t make time for them. Schedule some time each week to concentrate on some type of creative project.Making time for creativity might involve saying no to some things that are draining your available time, or even choosing to let go of things in your schedule that are not bringing you joy. Sometimes, it might even involve asking others to help with tasks or take care of childcare and other household duties so you have some free time for your creative pursuits.
Make Time for Creativity
You won’t be able to develop your creative talents if you don’t make time for them. Schedule some time each week to concentrate on some type of creative project.
Making time for creativity might involve saying no to some things that are draining your available time, or even choosing to let go of things in your schedule that are not bringing you joy. Sometimes, it might even involve asking others to help with tasks or take care of childcare and other household duties so you have some free time for your creative pursuits.
7Overcome a Negative AttitudeFocus oneliminating negative thoughtsor self-criticisms that may impair your ability to develop strong creative skills. Recognize these as roadblocks and work to overcome them.When you find yourself dwelling on negative thinking, make an active effort to challenge those faulty ideas and replace them with more realistic or positive ones.
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Overcome a Negative AttitudeFocus oneliminating negative thoughtsor self-criticisms that may impair your ability to develop strong creative skills. Recognize these as roadblocks and work to overcome them.When you find yourself dwelling on negative thinking, make an active effort to challenge those faulty ideas and replace them with more realistic or positive ones.
Overcome a Negative Attitude
Focus oneliminating negative thoughtsor self-criticisms that may impair your ability to develop strong creative skills. Recognize these as roadblocks and work to overcome them.
When you find yourself dwelling on negative thinking, make an active effort to challenge those faulty ideas and replace them with more realistic or positive ones.
8Fight Fear of FailureThefear that you might make a mistake or failin your efforts can paralyze progress. Whenever you find yourself harboring such feelings, remind yourself that mistakes are simply part of the process. While you may occasionally stumble on your path to creativity, you will eventually reach your goals.
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Fight Fear of FailureThefear that you might make a mistake or failin your efforts can paralyze progress. Whenever you find yourself harboring such feelings, remind yourself that mistakes are simply part of the process. While you may occasionally stumble on your path to creativity, you will eventually reach your goals.
Fight Fear of Failure
Thefear that you might make a mistake or failin your efforts can paralyze progress. Whenever you find yourself harboring such feelings, remind yourself that mistakes are simply part of the process. While you may occasionally stumble on your path to creativity, you will eventually reach your goals.
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Brainstorm New Ideas
Brainstorming is a common technique in both academic and professional settings, but it can also be a powerful tool for increasing creativity.
Go DarkAs unlikely as this may seem, recent research points to dim light as a trigger for creativity. Darkness may free you from perceived constraints and encourage you to take creative risks that may seem intimidating in bright lighting.
Go Dark
As unlikely as this may seem, recent research points to dim light as a trigger for creativity. Darkness may free you from perceived constraints and encourage you to take creative risks that may seem intimidating in bright lighting.
10Explore Multiple SolutionsThe next time youapproach a problem, try looking for a variety of solutions. Instead of simply going with the first idea you have, take the time to think of other possible ways to approach the situation. This simple activity is a great way to build both problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
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Explore Multiple SolutionsThe next time youapproach a problem, try looking for a variety of solutions. Instead of simply going with the first idea you have, take the time to think of other possible ways to approach the situation. This simple activity is a great way to build both problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
Explore Multiple Solutions
The next time youapproach a problem, try looking for a variety of solutions. Instead of simply going with the first idea you have, take the time to think of other possible ways to approach the situation. This simple activity is a great way to build both problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
11Keep a Creativity JournalStartkeeping a journalto follow your creative process and track the ideas you produce. A journal is a great way to reflect back on what you have accomplished and look for other possible solutions. This journal can be used to save ideas that can later serve as future inspiration.
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Keep a Creativity JournalStartkeeping a journalto follow your creative process and track the ideas you produce. A journal is a great way to reflect back on what you have accomplished and look for other possible solutions. This journal can be used to save ideas that can later serve as future inspiration.
Keep a Creativity Journal
Startkeeping a journalto follow your creative process and track the ideas you produce. A journal is a great way to reflect back on what you have accomplished and look for other possible solutions. This journal can be used to save ideas that can later serve as future inspiration.
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Use Mind Maps and Flow Charts
As you start to develop a new project, create a flow chart to track the project from start to finish. Look for various paths or sequences of events that might occur. A flow chart can help you visualize the final product, eliminate potential problems, and create unique solutions.
13Challenge Yourself and Create OpportunitiesOnce you have developed some basic creative skills, it is important to continually challenge yourself to further advance your abilities. Look for more difficult approaches, try out new things, and avoid always returning to the same solutions you have used in the past.In addition to challenging yourself, you also need to create your own opportunities for creativity. This might involve tackling a new project or finding new tools to use in your current projects.
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Challenge Yourself and Create OpportunitiesOnce you have developed some basic creative skills, it is important to continually challenge yourself to further advance your abilities. Look for more difficult approaches, try out new things, and avoid always returning to the same solutions you have used in the past.In addition to challenging yourself, you also need to create your own opportunities for creativity. This might involve tackling a new project or finding new tools to use in your current projects.
Challenge Yourself and Create Opportunities
Once you have developed some basic creative skills, it is important to continually challenge yourself to further advance your abilities. Look for more difficult approaches, try out new things, and avoid always returning to the same solutions you have used in the past.
In addition to challenging yourself, you also need to create your own opportunities for creativity. This might involve tackling a new project or finding new tools to use in your current projects.
14Try the Six Hats TechniqueThe “six hats” technique involves looking at a problem from six differing perspectives.By doing this, you can produce more ideas than you might have had you only looked at the situation from one or two points of view.Black hat: Use a negative perspective. Which elements of the solution won’t work?Blue hat: Think broadly. What is the best overall solution?Green hat: Think creatively. What are some alternative ideas?Red hat: Look at the situation emotionally. What do your feelings tell you?White hat: Look at the situation objectively. What are the facts?Yellow hat: Use a positive perspective. Which elements of the solution will work?
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Try the Six Hats TechniqueThe “six hats” technique involves looking at a problem from six differing perspectives.By doing this, you can produce more ideas than you might have had you only looked at the situation from one or two points of view.Black hat: Use a negative perspective. Which elements of the solution won’t work?Blue hat: Think broadly. What is the best overall solution?Green hat: Think creatively. What are some alternative ideas?Red hat: Look at the situation emotionally. What do your feelings tell you?White hat: Look at the situation objectively. What are the facts?Yellow hat: Use a positive perspective. Which elements of the solution will work?
Try the Six Hats Technique
The “six hats” technique involves looking at a problem from six differing perspectives.By doing this, you can produce more ideas than you might have had you only looked at the situation from one or two points of view.
15Find Inspiration to Boost CreativityNever expect creativity to just happen. Look for new sources of inspiration that will give you fresh ideas and motivate you to generate unique answers to questions. Read a book, visit a museum, listen to your favorite music or engage in a lively debate with a friend.Use whatever strategy or technique works best for you. Do you enjoy video games? Research indicates that playing video games can help increase your creativity.
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Find Inspiration to Boost CreativityNever expect creativity to just happen. Look for new sources of inspiration that will give you fresh ideas and motivate you to generate unique answers to questions. Read a book, visit a museum, listen to your favorite music or engage in a lively debate with a friend.Use whatever strategy or technique works best for you. Do you enjoy video games? Research indicates that playing video games can help increase your creativity.
Find Inspiration to Boost Creativity
Never expect creativity to just happen. Look for new sources of inspiration that will give you fresh ideas and motivate you to generate unique answers to questions. Read a book, visit a museum, listen to your favorite music or engage in a lively debate with a friend.
Use whatever strategy or technique works best for you. Do you enjoy video games? Research indicates that playing video games can help increase your creativity.
16Consider Alternative ScenariosWhen approaching a problem, ask “what if…” questions to consider each possible scenario. If you take a specific approach, what will the outcome be?By looking at these alternatives beforehand, you’ll be better able to develop creative solutions to problems.
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Consider Alternative ScenariosWhen approaching a problem, ask “what if…” questions to consider each possible scenario. If you take a specific approach, what will the outcome be?By looking at these alternatives beforehand, you’ll be better able to develop creative solutions to problems.
Consider Alternative Scenarios
When approaching a problem, ask “what if…” questions to consider each possible scenario. If you take a specific approach, what will the outcome be?
By looking at these alternatives beforehand, you’ll be better able to develop creative solutions to problems.
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Try the Snowball Technique
Frequently Asked QuestionsStrategies that can help stimulate creative thinking include challenging yourself to think about things differently, engaging in leisure activities that reduce stress, having social interactions with other people, and taking a break from a task to go for a walk.Give yourself time to be creative. Engage in hobbies and pursue the things that spark your interests. Allow yourself to daydream or imagine different scenarios. Perhaps most important, allow yourself the freedom to pursue different ideas and take risks. Not every idea will pan out, but the process and practice will help you boost creativity and develop a stronger imagination.What Can You Do to Get Out of a Rut?
Frequently Asked QuestionsStrategies that can help stimulate creative thinking include challenging yourself to think about things differently, engaging in leisure activities that reduce stress, having social interactions with other people, and taking a break from a task to go for a walk.Give yourself time to be creative. Engage in hobbies and pursue the things that spark your interests. Allow yourself to daydream or imagine different scenarios. Perhaps most important, allow yourself the freedom to pursue different ideas and take risks. Not every idea will pan out, but the process and practice will help you boost creativity and develop a stronger imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strategies that can help stimulate creative thinking include challenging yourself to think about things differently, engaging in leisure activities that reduce stress, having social interactions with other people, and taking a break from a task to go for a walk.
Give yourself time to be creative. Engage in hobbies and pursue the things that spark your interests. Allow yourself to daydream or imagine different scenarios. Perhaps most important, allow yourself the freedom to pursue different ideas and take risks. Not every idea will pan out, but the process and practice will help you boost creativity and develop a stronger imagination.
What Can You Do to Get Out of a Rut?
5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Franken RE.Human Motivation. 3rd ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.Steidle A, Werth L.Freedom from constraints: Darkness and dim illumination promote creativity.J Environ Psychol. 2013;35:67-80. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.05.003Tilly M.How to create a mind map (+examples). The Institute of You.De Bono E.Six Thinking Hats. Penguin, Limited.Blanco-Herrera JA, Gentile DA, Rokkum JN.Video games can increase creativity, but with caveats.Creat Res J. 2019;31(2):119-131. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1594524
5 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Franken RE.Human Motivation. 3rd ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.Steidle A, Werth L.Freedom from constraints: Darkness and dim illumination promote creativity.J Environ Psychol. 2013;35:67-80. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.05.003Tilly M.How to create a mind map (+examples). The Institute of You.De Bono E.Six Thinking Hats. Penguin, Limited.Blanco-Herrera JA, Gentile DA, Rokkum JN.Video games can increase creativity, but with caveats.Creat Res J. 2019;31(2):119-131. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1594524
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Franken RE.Human Motivation. 3rd ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.Steidle A, Werth L.Freedom from constraints: Darkness and dim illumination promote creativity.J Environ Psychol. 2013;35:67-80. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.05.003Tilly M.How to create a mind map (+examples). The Institute of You.De Bono E.Six Thinking Hats. Penguin, Limited.Blanco-Herrera JA, Gentile DA, Rokkum JN.Video games can increase creativity, but with caveats.Creat Res J. 2019;31(2):119-131. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1594524
Franken RE.Human Motivation. 3rd ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
Steidle A, Werth L.Freedom from constraints: Darkness and dim illumination promote creativity.J Environ Psychol. 2013;35:67-80. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.05.003
Tilly M.How to create a mind map (+examples). The Institute of You.
De Bono E.Six Thinking Hats. Penguin, Limited.
Blanco-Herrera JA, Gentile DA, Rokkum JN.Video games can increase creativity, but with caveats.Creat Res J. 2019;31(2):119-131. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1594524
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