8 Easy Ways to Train Your Brain to Be More Creative: Unlock Your Innovative Spark
Introduction: Creativity Can Be Trained
Lately, I’ve run into lots of people in a creative rut. Some are incredibly talented artists, musicians, and chefs, but they seem to have lost their mojo. I’ve also noticed that I work harder with clients to keep their creative juices flowing. Thankfully, I found practical, rapid tools that work. You might be surprised to hear that you can actually train your brain to be more creative.
Oftentimes, people think creativity is a mystical, innate skill—you either have it or don’t. But research has shown that there are specific strategies that stimulate creativity in your everyday life. You can benefit from new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Here are a few effective strategies I use on myself and with clients to spark innovation.
Way #1: Spend Time in Nature
The closer you get to Nature, the closer you get to your true nature.
When you are out in the fresh air witnessing the beauty of life, you open your senses to what is possible. Notice the sacred geometry around you—the perfect petals of a flower and the fluctuating clouds—and you can’t help but be inspired. Your creative mind awakens in nature’s presence. Nature provides endless inspiration and resets your mental landscape.
Way #2: Snap Out of It and Switch Up Your Routine
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of doing things the same way every day. But the more you stimulate your brain with change and novelty, the more flexible and creative your brain gets. Your neural pathways strengthen when exposed to new experiences and stimuli. Breaking patterns opens your mind to fresh possibilities.
Way #3: Keep Your Creative Mind on Its Toes
Read some new epic inspirational books. Try different foods and places to eat, and even try different routes through your neighborhood. Get a different perspective and climb a tree. Switching up your routines will stimulate your mind and get you thinking about new possibilities and approaches to life.
Ways to keep your mind sharp:
- Visit new restaurants or cuisines
- Take alternate routes on daily commutes
- Shop at different stores
- Explore new neighborhoods
- Learn about unfamiliar subjects
Way #4: Relax the Rules
So much of what you do is bound by shoulds and oughts. From the eight glasses of water you’re supposed to drink to the right foods to eat, much of your life is restricted by how you think you should behave. Try breaking some of the rules today:
- Smile and say hi to the waiter or bus driver
- Crack a joke in that silent elevator
- Take the stairs instead of the escalator
- Wear something unconventional
- Start a conversation with a stranger
Open up and allow your creative brain to flourish. Permission to break rules gives your mind freedom to explore unconventional solutions.
Way #5: Look Around You
Another good way of relaxing your mind and allowing creativity to grow is simply sitting in the present and observing what’s happening around you. Work your way through each of your senses and really notice your environment. What can you hear, see, smell, feel, even taste? Notice everything, then write down what comes into your head.
When you walk down the street, look up and around. Don’t miss the signs of the seasons, flowers blooming, the mating sounds of birds, and the wind rustling through treetops. Look and see how many colors and textures are right there in front of you. Chances are you’ll be the only person not looking at their phone or frowning into the distance. Mindful observation is a powerful creative catalyst.
Way #6: Talk with Sincerity to Others
How much of your conversation is either you talking or being talked at? Step back a little and engage with other people. Don’t just talk or think about what you’ll say next—practice active listening and give the other person space to speak. Real conversation can open up all sorts of possibilities and creative solutions you might never have thought were possible.
When you truly listen, you hear ideas and perspectives that spark new connections in your brain. Authentic dialogue feeds creativity by exposing you to different ways of thinking and being.
Way #7: Turn What You Love to Do Into a Side Hustle
Turn your hobby into a side hustle and make some extra cash to buy supplies. Hell, you might be able to turn that side hustle into a successful entrepreneurial venture—ditch the 9-5 and be your own boss. Spend more time doing the things you love.
What hobbies do you enjoy? When was the last time you picked up that guitar, busked on the street, pulled out your sewing machine, wove a basket, wrote a poem or short story, painted a mural, played with clay, or planted a garden and made herbal tinctures from your harvest? When passion becomes your work, creativity flourishes naturally.
Way #8: Boogie and Hang Out with Creative People
If you are in a creative funk, put on your favorite music. Sing, dance, shake that booty. Remember, laughter and crying are the same relief—so let it all hang out. Be sure to hang out with people who are in the creative flow.
When was the last time you were in an art gallery or took an art class? When was the last time you played music, sang, or took a music lesson? Hanging with creative people doing creative things is highly contagious—in a good way. Immerse yourself in creative environments and watch your own creativity ignite.
Conclusion: Your Creative Brain is Waiting
Your creativity is not a fixed trait—it’s a muscle you can exercise and strengthen. By implementing even a few of these strategies, you can break out of any creative funk and rediscover your innovative spark. The tools are within you; you just need to activate them.
Your Call to Action
This week, pick two of these eight strategies and commit to them. Maybe it’s spending time in nature and trying one new experience, or breaking a small rule and having a genuine conversation with someone. Share in the comments: What’s your favorite way to spark creativity? Let’s inspire each other to create boldly!
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