These days it feels like there are all sorts of opportunities to be more creative. With the explosion of TikTok, ordinary people have the chance to become content creators. Online blogs allow you to write stories that have an audience reach larger than only 20 years ago. Maybe you’ve thought of trying out a creative hobby but have felt a bit discouraged by your ability to make unique content. With all these choices it can be difficult to decide where or how to start. The following is a list of how to get your creative juices flowing, whether you want to make music, videos, or any other form of art.
- Lose the Internal Judge
Stop telling yourself you aren’t good enough. It just isn’t true. When you do this, ultimately you are comparing yourself to other people. Maybe other people who have been creating much longer than you. They are going to be better than you at first and that’s totally normal. The truth is, they started out just like you at some point in their life. The best place to start is with positive self-talk! Lifehack.org has some great tips for doing just this. Please give up that voice in your head that is stopping you from starting, it’s the biggest and the hardest hurtle. Which leads me to the next tip. - Just Start
Whatever you want to do, just do it! Practice makes perfect after all. Start writing the book you always wanted to. Pick up a guitar and learn some chords. Use the phone you already own to make some funny videos. You don’t need to share your creations with other people right away, make it for you. If you want to be creative but don’t know in what way, the next tip will help you out.
- Take Up a New Creative Hobby
Don’t know how to play guitar or never took a writing class before? There are tons of online options to teach your exactly what you want to learn. Youtube is a great place to start for free how to videos, but if you want something more structured websites like Coursera or Udemy offer paid classes for you to get the knowledge you need. If you aren’t looking to pay money, check out skill share which has some free courses with the option to upgrade to a premium account.
https://www.skillshare.com/browse/creative-writing?via=header
- Be Adventurous
You don’t need to leave your hometown or country to be adventurous, it could be as simple as trying a different dish at your favorite restaurant. Go for walk on a path you’ve never been to. Try a new board game, talk to strangers. Whatever takes you our of your comfort zone a little bit. You never know what kind of interaction is going to inspire you. Try out this app on your phone for some inspiration.
https://appgrooves.com/app/harbour-3-daily-challenges-by-james-gadsby
- Make To-Do Lists
Sometimes getting everything that you need to do out of your head and on to a piece of paper can clear up mind space. That way you are free to think about only song writing or that new wooden statue you’re working on. Write it down on paper and put it on your fridge. Buy a journal to make lists in. Use one of many phone apps for tracking daily tasks. Whatever works best for you.
- Get Inspiration from Other Creative Minds
Borrow from other people. I’m not saying to copy them word for word or steal there idea completely, but maybe take two ideas from others and combine them to come up with something brand new. Podcasters and vloggers often do this. Like making a youtube channel where you talk about sports while you create a painting. Unique ideas are what bring people to your content. So start watching youtubers, reading books, heading to art exhibits, or exploring TikTok challenges
- Take Time to Relax
Relaxing gives our brain the rest it needs to come up with new ideas. Have you ever noticed yourself getting frustrated with something, leaving it, and coming back with a clearer mind? I have, and it’s refreshing. Artist’s and creators come up with there best idea’s in the shower, or in the middle of the night. These are times when they have the freedom to think freely. Too often the world we live in is full of distractions. And sometimes our thoughts are freaky. But let yourself think them. Write them down. Some of my favorite ways to relax are taking a bath, meditating, or looking out the window and just appreciating life. Here’s a quick little meditation for you to try right now!
- Listen To Music
Another great tip for being more creative is listening to music. There are so many forms so you can listen to, so pick your favourite. Whether it be pop, rap, indie or instrumental. I love to listen to Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Mangan when I am feeling like I need a boost of creativity, but there is tons of stuff out there. Take this spotify playlist for example!
- Live A Healthy Lifestyle
My final tip is to be healthy. This mean getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water and eating good foods regularly. I you aren’t feeling well it’s had to be at your best creatively. I know when I am tired, I really don’t function the same way. There are also foods that you can incorporate into meals that will boost your brain power. Just follow this link.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
These are just a few tips I like to incorporate into my life for being more creative. There are tons of inspiring messages on the web to get you started, you just need to look. I hope these tips motivate you to start a new creative adventure. Are you already creating content? Share links to your works below or lend some tips that you use when you’re in a slump. I can’t wait to hear from you!