How to Become a Creative (Part Two)
This is the second part to my first post here. I kept thinking of new ideas about how to start or improve your creative thinking and problem-solving. So here are my other little tricks…
Get all your ideas down in writing. Many of us have heard of Julia Cameron's 'morning pages'. In a nutshell, her idea is to get up earlier each morning and write three journal pages, without editing a thing. I did this continuously for five years and have found that every creative project I have completed during this time has come from those three pages. I had two rules I stuck with. I didn't write any negative stuff (I think negativity is the opposite of creativity) and I tried to focus on writing down my ideas. These pages are magical. Really, try them! Get up half an hour earlier and just make it a new habit.
Start a visual board. When you have a big idea, like wanting to rent a villa in Tuscany in the summer for your family, start by buying a small notice board. Then begin sticking anything to do with this idea into the board. For example, if you see a photo of a villa, stick it on. If you have an idea, writei it down on a post-it note then stick it to the board. Website addresses, visa applications, bank account balances of your saving account. Stick anything on the board which supports your plan. When you do this it's amazing how many things you will read associated with your idea and how many things you will find to do with it. It is the first step of giving your idea space to create itself!
Create your own think tank. If you want to start a new business, why not organise a dinner party to discuss and brainstorm the idea in a group. Invite your most interesting, enthusiastic and creative friends to be part. Provide delicious food and wine, huge pieces of butcher paper and colourful markers and start the discussion. Let your friends know the topic of the night. If your friends are anything like me they will think this is serious fun and their ideas are free! Make sure you are glad to return the favour.
Take a holiday. Holidays are the best time to have ideas pour into your head. There is something about clearing your headspace and relaxing, that allows ideas to flow freely. When you go on holiday, leave everything behind. If you have a new direction that you want to travel in, go on a holiday before you make any decisions. Your brain will probably create loads of options for you, while sitting under a palm tree on a tropical island somewhere…..
Try these ideas out and see if they work for you. If you have any other way to start thinking more creatively, let me know.
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