3 Behaviors to Increase Creativity

Would you like to see your career grow?

Do you wish for your organization to stand out from the crowd? Are you looking to reach the next pinnacle of your craft? Start by broadening your creative skill set.

We are not born possessing the skill to be creative. Instead, creativity is a skill that is developed by embracing certain habits. Having creativity is one of the most sought after and valuable skill sets an employee can have.

Here are three actions that can help kick start creativity in your work and personal life.

One would think that those with a creative mindset must need flexibility and freedom, rather than a structured schedule. However, having structure helps. When maintaining a schedule, you eventually remove the small task decision making process from your day. A structured schedule means you do not spend time pondering menial tasks like when to go grocery shopping, what to make for dinner, or even setting up a Zoom meeting with your co-workers, because it has already been scheduled. Relieving yourself from these responsibilities frees up more of your resources to concentrate on ideas and solutions.

Removing minute daily decisions can make an enormous impact regarding what truly matters. Be available to build a daily, weekly, and even monthly schedule for yourself, then implement it to save your momentum and ingenuity for the big picture items that make all the difference.

Find time into your schedule to consume content that ignites interest within you. Discover yourself by getting into the creative process from surrounding your environment with books, magazines, journals, people, and art.

Consuming creative content provides value by uncovering cracks or flaws that the creators have omitted. This allows you to bring your own experience through their content. Some would say there are no current ideas, it is about identifying differences and crafting your own spin on a creation. To accomplish this, you must consume content never seen before. Build in time to research media content, appreciate content from others, or viewing art or displays separate from your own. Viewing creativity from other individuals and organizations will generate something exceptional only you can see.

We cannot grow without reflection. Reflecting on what you consume allows you to be creative. Be curious about your surroundings as doing so will provoke creativity. Seek to understand and in the process do not be afraid to question what works and what does not. This consideration will help foreshadow the outcome and allow for a smooth process.

I have a habit, at the end of each day, to review what I have learned and experienced. This type of reflection prompts your mind to watch what is happening each day. When you are tactfully curious about your surroundings, you will discover opportunities and ideas everywhere.

Do not allow yourself to get discouraged about creativity. Use the creative process that exists within your environment from others to make your own. Be deliberate about structuring creative habits into your life to help your quest for success.