Creativity - Keeping The Ideas Flowing

By Author: Richard van Beek
Total Articles: 26
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The best ideas are ones that emerge organically, without a person having to try very hard. When you are in a harmonious rhythm, working on a project that brings you both challenge and enjoyment, your creative potential can reach its zenith. As you find yourself gliding from one gem of an idea to the next, you want to continue in the bliss of this creative state indefinitely. Yet at some point, fatigue or an interruption will cause deceleration until your inspiration slows and finally ends. Resuming the creative process will take more energy and the possible addition of a catalyst to set things in motion again.

There are times and there are occupations where you don't just want to experience a rush of creative ideas, you need them in order to move forward. To spur yourself onward to more creative moments, try the following suggestions:

Discover your most creative times of day. Every person has one or more points in the day when their creativity tends to be at its highest. Try arranging your schedule so that you can capitalize on your peak hours.

Carve out a defined space for yourself to work creatively. ...
... Winnie the Pooh had a thinking spot and so can you. After a while, going to that place should help activate your creative mode

Obtain the perfect pen or paintbrush (or whatever device you need) to assist your flow of creativity. Having tools that you relish can often help inspire you.

Set aside your stalled mental engine and return to it later. Releasing your mind from the roadblock may leave you refreshed and ready to surmount the challenge at a later point.

Reflect on past success. In looking back you may be able to renew your hope and even pick up a forgotten thread of an idea that will set your mind in motion again, resulting in fresh thoughts.

Carry a notepad. Taking the time and opportunity to write down your ideas whenever and wherever they come to you can serve as an excellent springboard for future creativity.

Do something mundane so your mind can wander. Washing dishes, mowing the lawn, or some other activity that is not mentally taxing can give your mind space to work.

Try a change of pace. Get outdoors or go somewhere new to give your brain different input from the usual.

Most people find that their creativity is enhanced when they are well-rested and feeling energetic. If you have exhausted all of your jumpstart options and are still unable to find your groove, it might be something as simple as rest that you need. Fatigue dulls the mind, while sleep can sharpen it. The sleeping brain doesn't stop working; when you awake you may discover that your mind has been working on the problem all along.