Don’t constrict your creativity

As a creative person, how I treat my creativity is so important.

My own experience suggests that creativity needs to be tended to lovingly like you would a house plant you want to keep alive. So in no particular order, here is how I keep my creativity alive.

Notes anywhere - anytime

Good ideas can come at any time, any place, so it’s key to always have a way to jot them down because you will forget. I have pads of paper all around the house, by the bed, lounge, and kitchen. I also use the notes in my phone, because what if inspiration strikes at the gym?*

Task switching 

Creativity cannot be forced. Some days I sit at my desk during office hours and write all day. Some days I cannot. So I like task shift, if I can’t write or create, I’ll do the cleaning, prep dinner ahead of time, or go and get inspired somewhere else. Then the time when you’d do household admin can be used for creativity, or not, doing something, keeping your mind active, is always better than trying to force creativity.

No right time

Talking of office hours, creativity isn’t always a 9-5 endeavour. Sometimes I struggle with writer's block, and then wake up at 3 am and bash out 4000 words. Creativity can’t be constrained. Learning that is one of the biggest benefits I can offer you. 

Location, location, location

I’ve always loved the idea of being someone who rents a cottage to go and write a book. In reality, I like to be at home, at my desk, with loud music. I can write in other places, and I’m not precious, but I’m best when there is less distraction, in my office. Finding that somewhere that works for you can be a great help.

Idea generation  

As we’ve explored, creativity can be fickle and tricky. I put all the ideas that I’ve jotted down after a shower, train journey, or conversation into a list I can access on every device and sift through them when I need an idea.  When I have tight deadlines but less than one good idea, I go to my list.

Creativity takes a lot of tending to, but you don’t need to make it harder for yourself. I hope these tips help you maintain your creativity.

*writing this on a treadmill going 4.9kph at a 2% incline.