What do you do to generate creative ideas?
Three things work best for me in fostering creative ideas. Think of these three areas as a cyclic process that repeats over and over throughout the day.
Stage One – Open Mindset
Be open to wonder in the world. Have an open mindset of awareness. Widen your peripheral vision to everything you see and encounter. Give yourself permission to be curious about all things. Dabble in wonder – it is all around us.
Stage Two – Write it Down
Carry a small notebook and pen with you throughout the day. I carry one with me at all times. It is small enough to fit in my purse, backpack, or coat pocket.
Document your thoughts, what you see, your ideas, words, phrases, the grocery list, or other ruminations that pop into your mind. Keep a running list of your creative musings. Document the curiosities.
Stage Three – Options for Creative Expression
In this stage, give yourself time for the ideas to steep and to simmer toward something new. When that happens, keep documenting the synthesized thoughts, and then decide on the possibilities of your creative expression.
Generating creativity is done across a vast landscape of methods:
- Writing – e.g., poem, a blog post, music lyrics, etc.
- Create a work of art – e.g., painting, pottery, glass works, etc.
- Have a meaningful conversation with a soul friend or loved one
- Finish the presentation or email communication that you need to complete a deliverable
Decide on the possibilities of your creative expression. Then continue with stage one again, an open mindset, and repeat the process as often as possible.
What works best for you in generating and expressing creative ideas?
Dabble in wonder. Document the curiosities. Decide on the possibilities.
I welcome your comments.
Leave a Reply