How to Improve Creativity

Some people seem to take a creative approach to life no matter what they do, and others have to work at it a little. There are so many ways to express creativity--some people write, others paint and others start new businesses or introduce creative solutions at the office. Being creative is fun, and it's something that anyone can do. Just follow these steps to get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take good care of yourself. Good nutrition, a regular exercise plan and taking time to relax are all important to the creative process. When we feel good, our senses heighten, and we can be at our best creatively.

2. Mix things up a little. Read a book on a topic that you know nothing about. Take a new route to work, even if it takes a little longer. Most of us get into a rut because we tend to do the same types of things all the time; mixing things up a little helps our minds to work in new and creative ways.

3. Try something new. By the time we are adults, most of us pursue activities we are good at. If you are a writer, take a painting class. If you are a musician, try poetry. Don't worry about being good at what you do--your creativity will come shining through if you let yourself enjoy what you are doing.

4. Expand your circle of friends. Most of us tend to associate with people who are about the same age as us and have the same life interests. If you spend some time with different types of people, you will start to see things from different points of view, which is one aspect of creativity.

5. Complete a creativity program. "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron is a good choice; it features exercises that you can complete at your own pace. Other authors like Sark (Susan Kennedy) have written books with creativity-expanding exercises.

6. Take time for yourself each day. Overscheduling is an enemy of creativity, so make sure you give yourself some down time and allow your creativity to break through.

Tips & Warnings

• One way to jump-start your creativity is to attend a creativity workshop. The Creativity Workshop website will give you some ideas.

Resources

• Find a workshop at the Creativity Workshop site.
• The Artist's Way website is a good resource for improving creativity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

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on 6/11/2009 I like this post, since I am always working on adding creativity to my work mix. Those who innovate insulate against recession. ;)