How to be Creative?

Madhula
Aug 6
4 min read

Have you ever read a novel and wondered how the author could have framed the plot that interestingly?

Or you were reading a story where the storyline suddenly changes direction completely, and you thought how the writer got such an idea!

Or perhaps you were in a museum looking into a painting and wondered how such a masterpiece was created!

A piece of music that makes you forget everything, an artwork that immerses you in it, or a creation that your co-worker or friend did that made you say 'wow'! All are a part of creativity.

This article is designed to give you some useful tips and tricks on how to keep those creative juices flowing.

What is Creativity

What does the term 'creativity' mean?

As per the dictionary, the word creativity means "the ability to make or produce new things using skill or imagination."

Don't be fooled by definition. The definition itself is very vague. For me, most things are NO more new under the sun. What is being discovered or produced new today is based on past learnings and what was already done earlier. A new solution comes up when something else is not working. All the new discoveries/inventions are more of a refinement and they are packaged in different forms.

So what is creativity actually? Is it producing a new masterpiece of art or composing music no one has heard of yet?!

Not both. As soon as we hear the term creativity, it seems more related to art, music - or something in the artistic field. However it's not true.

Creativity is not only to generate ideas, but also to recognize them, and/or come up with possibilities, or alternatives that may be useful for yourself or for others.

Creativity can be intangible - like an idea or solution. Creativity can also be tangible - like a physical product or object.

How to be creative?

START WRITING

Start with free writing. You just need a paper and pen.

Write whatever you want to get out of your mind. It need not even make any sense to anyone around you. To start with just block off 15 minutes of your time every morning or night. Write and keep writing. You can increase the time as you feel comfortable.

Thinking too much? Does nothing come to your mind? Here are some lines to get you started...

Today, I like to...
I am proud of...
Today, I am struggling with...
Hear me! This was fantastic...
I am so lucky because...
I should avoid...
I am satisfied with...
I am anxious about...
The three things that I like about..
This place is...

Once you start writing regularly, you can get more creative by writing from your imagination. Like,

One day, suddenly your pet started talking. What it would say to you? Elloborate the conversation between your pet and you.
From the magazine or newspaper get a random picture. Write 150 words about it. You can also create a story around the picture.
Who is your real life hero? Write about them.
Which is your favourite book? Write about it.
If you were an animal, what animal you would be? Why?
Write a poem about your favourite hero or character or object.
You are looking at the sky and suddenly see an alien ship. What happens next?
You found a time machine. Which year you would want to go and why?
Write a thank you letter to someone in your life. Who will it be? What will you write to them?
What things that make you stressed out? Also, write about the things that could make you happy, calm and less stressed out. Make a complete list.

Once you got comfortable with writing your thoughts, you can also try journaling. There are different types of journaling - daily log, food log, gratitude journal, travel journal, dream journal, reading journal etc. You can choose the format of the journal according to your interest area - writing, collaging or art journaling.

Just 15 mins a day is what you need to get started. Just get started with your writing process.

CREATIVE COURSES

If you are a person who wants little support or guidance, taking a creative course will be the best choice for you.

There are a number of creative courses designed by people in the creative industries like,

Creative writing
Drawing
Painting
Photography
Videography
Animation
Craft making
Baking
Cooking
Music
Designing

Painting is one of the best ways to stay creative

Social media gives you the power to connect with people who are teaching these specific skills. Talk to them. Work out your comfortable timings. And get started.

Working with a mentor gives you a push to do what you like to do. If you are lacking a direction, this is one of the best ways to try.

BRAINSTORMING

Not always creativity is a lonely journey.

You can sit together with friends/family/colleagues/co-workers and brainstorm ideas.

This is so popular as there are no right or wrong answers. Everyone has equal space to share their own ideas on particular topics. Keep noting all the points shared and select the ones that set you up for success.

Brainstorm with friends or family or co-workers

Brainstorming while exercising is another best way if you don't like group setup. Go for a 30 min run or walk. Come back and jot down your thoughts. Having a clear mind always gives you the best creative ideas.

EXERCISING

Exercising is one of the best ways to stay creative. Scientists have found exercising to not only increase health benefits, but it also increases your cognitive abilities.

What type of exercise you should do? Any exercise depending on your age and fitness level...

Jogging
Brisk walking
Swimming
Aerobics
Yoga
Cycling
Trekking
Dancing
Any sports - Tennis/Badminton/Basketball etc
Floor exercises

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about a particular exercise. No matter how old you are, there are specific exercises that can be catered to your regime, age, needs and fitness levels.

WALKING

Taking long walks with the sole purpose of mindfulness definitely increases your creativity multifold.

A study done by Stanford University documented real-time data of long walking with creative abilities. The study found that 81% of the people showed an increase in their creativity levels in opposition to sitting. Not only that, these people had a tremendous improvement of 60% increase in their creativity.

So when you are feeling stuck or feel that you are no more creative, try a long walk!