Empowering you to lead a joyful and creative life

Is it possible to learn to be more creative?  Some people feel that you either have it or you don’t.  They feel like some people are born with creativity and some people weren’t so lucky.

In my opinion, some people are more naturally creative and it may come to them easily but the good news is yes, you can learn to be more creative.  Just like anything, the more you practice, the easier it gets.  Each time you use your creativity, it is strengthened.

You can use these tips whether you are trying to come up with a new product, create a new design, figure out how to get paid to travel , or find more time to do the things you love.

1. Define the problem.  Sometimes we are trying to come up with solutions for the wrong problem because we haven’t gotten clear on what we are trying to solve.

2. Write down all your ideas.  This may seem obvious but you may forget your ideas or you may be tempted to only write down “the good ones.”  See tip #3.

3. Turn off your inner critic. If you try to only come up with good ideas, you will cut off the flow of your creativity.  The more open you are to receiving it, without judging it, the more ideas will come.

If you are in a group situation, everyone needs to turn theirs off too.

4. Get Silly.  The more absurd and ridiculous the idea is, the more it may have the seed of a really creative idea.  Have fun with it.

5. Combine your ideas for possibly new and improved versions. Combine things that may not even seem related.

6. Keep them coming. You may be tempted to stop when you have come up with 5 or 10 ideas one of them seems good.  Continuing to generate more ideas, and remember that includes the good, bad, and the ugly can uncover some real gems if you go deeper.

7. Put it in view but set it aside.  Allow your subconscious to continue working on the problem.  Keep adding to it.  Go for a walk or drive or fix dinner and add things as you think of them.

8. Share it and collaborate.  Two heads or more are better than one. If you are working alone, allow others to add to your ideas and see what they come up with.

If you work in an office, encourage other departments and coworkers to add to your ideas.  Or if you work from home, ask your spouse and kids to add their two cents.  Maybe even your dog.

9. See if those ideas give you more ideas.  Are you seeing a trend here?

10. Judge the ideas.  Once you have a lot to work with, you can start paring it down and sort the ones that you don’t like.

11. Take a 2nd look.  Before you throw out the “bad” ideas that you’ve decided won’t work, see if there is a part of them that has promise.

12. Evaluate. Based on your criteria of what you want and need, begin to choose the best ideas or combinations of ideas to either further research or implement.

Check out Dean Rieck’s article on Copyblogger to see if you have the 11 traits of a highly creative person.

I’ll admit that for me brainstorming ideas is fun and energizing.  But even if you don’t share that view, try it, you might like it.  Especially when it gets you closer to what you really want.

If you need help brainstorming ideas, contact me about a consultation.   It could be fun!

Filed under: Brainstorming, Ideas, creative, creative process, creativity