No matter what line of work you're in, or what you do in your free time, we all need to rely on creative solutions. Have you ever been in a creative void- the kind of slump you can't get out of, like writer's block? Ever just stare at a blank canvas, word processor, desktop, or work space with a seemingly hollow skull?
Of course you have. It happens to all of us. You may be an artist stumped for ideas for paintings, illustrations, or drawings. Perhaps you're a designer tired of churning out the same old things with your clients sharing the same sentiments. You could be a freelance [fill in the blank] and need to really knock 'em dead with some fresh ideas. Maybe you're like me and you just need to spice things up and are looking to increase your creative output.
We all have our bad times, but hope is not lost. No matter who you are or what your motivations, there are remedies to your lack of mental pizzazz so you can get your gears turning again, and the creativity oozing.
1. Make a list- A BIG one
You'll be absolutely amazed by the results you'll get from this one. The rules are simple: You make a list of not less than 100 things, and you do it in one sitting. Don't break the rules! Go ahead and let yourself be intimidated by the magnitude of the list- this is healthy nervousness. The only fear you must face with this is the fear of succeeding. Know that when you are done you will have a list of 100 solutions.
The list can be about anything you need to come up with. The first time I did it, I made a list of 100 things to do with a useless steel drum that was taking up space in my basement. Be sure to write down all the silly ideas (put wheels on it and turn it into a motorcycle sidecar?!). The point is, your brain will be forced to think way outside of the box. By number 70 or so, you'll have some real gems. Your brainpower will thank you for this priceless creativity boosting method.
2. Cranial Gale Force
Brainstorming is similar to list making, only that it's not so linear. This is effective when working with a team. Have a scribe write on paper or dry erase board and have people call out ideas. Once again DO NOT shun the silly ideas. This is not the time to nit pick and nay say. When you're done, you will have a few good ideas for a good start.
A good method for brainstorming is to start with a problem or point of interest in the center of the page and circle it. Then branch out to solutions or ideas and continue until they are branched out as well. If you prefer not to write on dead trees, a freeware program called Free Mind is available, which gives you resources to brainstorm on your computer.
3. Have Some More Coffee
After all, caffeine is a stimulant, right? Don't underestimate the power of external stimulants to give your internal resources a budge. When used in conjunction to the list of 100, you can almost sit back and watch your own hand writing at the speed of sound as you jot your ideas down.
Maybe coffee isn't your cup of tea (sorry). Whatever perks you up, be it chocolate, tea, green tea, iced tea, soda- don't spare it. Let it help you create.
4. Make A Drawing
This is not just for artists. Start with a big blank sheet of paper and jot down a quick picture of a landscape or a city street. Now begin making small random figures- in essence doodling. Don't be afraid to crowd the scene with everything you can think of- animals, pedestrians, animals in clothing, people riding birds in the sky, a giant giving a person a ride on his shoulder, and so on. Let if flow, and be silly with it. Your mind will begin working automatically, coming up with new and interesting additions to the drawing. The crazier, the better. This method can unlock deep creative potential.
Don't worry about quality, you're not sending it to the museum. The idea is to allow free forms, associations, and ideas flow without laboring. Start pairing characters and objects with things they normally wouldn't go with- combining two unlikely objects is an ageless recipe for entrepreneurial success.
5. Use It Or Lose It!
Your brain is a powerful force on this planet. Cogito ergo sum (I think therefore I am). The human mind has been known to heal the body just from powerful thinking and meditation. It would be a terrible thing to waste.
Unfortunately we can indeed waste our brains if we don't constantly challenge them. By feeding your mind with the right input, we can greatly increase the quality of our output. Do simple daily brain exercises to strengthen your mental muscle.
Change your scenery every now and then so your mind doesn't stagnate in the same sight day in and day out. Take a different route to work some days. Take the scenic route. Use your non-dominant hand to do everything- brush your teeth, etc. Shave without a mirror, shower in the dark, navigate your house in the dark. By strengthening your mind using simple brain exercises like these, you may be surprised by the cognitive improvements.
6. Food For Thought- You Are What You Eat
We wouldn't exercise our bodies without giving it the proper fuel, right? The same is true for the brain. Now that we exercise our brains, we must feed it right. What's likely good for the rest of the body is good for the brain- as our brains take in 20% of our fuel and oxygen. So don't feed it junk.
Eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as fish- particularly fatty fish like salmon and tuna. Unsaturated fat is also good. When you look at the facts on a can of peanuts it looks bad because it is high in fat, but only saturated fat is really bad for you. If it has un-, poly-un, or mono-un- in front of it, it's good for you.
7. Sleep On It
Sometimes when we're scratching our heads in front of a blank notebook or computer desktop, with steam coming out of our ears from frustration, we just want to pull our hair out. As long as the deadline permits, stop what you're doing and walk away from it. If you give yourself a break every once in a while you'll be far more productive than if you worked through your break.
Some of the most creative minds in history have used sleep to assist their efforts. Take a nap and be sure to keep a notebook handy. As you're falling asleep pay attention to the wacky images floating by in your head. Your dreamy thoughts just may be the key.
Our subconsciousness is hard at work while we slumber. Recently I've been trying to catch up with old acquaintances on social sites but couldn't remember most last names. Sitting in front of the computer scratching my head proved fruitless. However, for the last 4 days I woke with 4 names in my head. Sleep can work wonders.
8. Don't Miss Those Opportunities
We've all been there: we come up with some brilliant idea in the shower or on the road or elsewhere and later couldn't think of it for the life of us. We know we had a eureka! moment but couldn't drudge up the details. It pays bundles to keep a small notebook handy wherever you go for that reason.
Random thoughts aside, you never know when you might feel a wave of inspiration. At the museum, the sight of great art may inspire you in many ways and a deluge of ideas will come in. Always be open to new possibilities. Don't miss out!
9. Think Outside of the Box
Easier said than done, right? By using some of these other methods I hope you can come up with some new and exciting ideas. The main thing is to allow the nonsensical ideas to come out. You can deal with or delete them later. Some of the most innovative companies have research and development teams which are separate from the rest of the company so bureaucracy and negative nellies won't get in the way of their genius.
So some times you must ignore those around you who say, "that won't work," or "sorry to burst your bubble." They mean well, but their doubts and insecurities are their own, and need not affect you and your creative solutions and project ideas. The idea is to come up with things which the majority of other people have not or could not.
10. Just Do It
The best way to tackle a problem is to dive right in. When I write, I don't think much when I first put pen to paper. As long as I get started, the rest will present itself. Give yourself a boost and make yourself begin. Starting is more than half the battle. As ideas flow, use them up and allow the energy to surge, thus multiplying your own efforts.
Sometimes planning can seriously impede your potential. Your project may never get off the ground if you continue to be a perfectionist. Let your project take flight, and see where it goes. It may morph into something you never could have dreamed of. You control the reins and you can adjust, edit, or steer where you need to.
This is true with artistic endeavors as much as anything else. Even if you have no idea of what your painting will be, just start putting paint on the canvas- it'll work itself out. Most of the time I'm pleasantly surprised with how different my end product looks from what I had envisioned.
Now use your creativity well, and never stop. Create beautiful paintings and poems, mind-boggling inventions, and the next great novel. The sky's the limit, but time is of the essence. Celebrate your potential but know that you will not be here forever.
You better get crackin'.
Dan Kretschmer keeps a daily blog at http://www.vincesear.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Kretschmer
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
How to Raise Your Creativity
I have discovered that many people do not understand what creativity is and therefore are not aware that this is a characteristic we all have. After years of working creatively with people of all ages I have strengthened my belief that we are all born with creative abilities. Some people were fortunate to have adults in their lives who encouraged their creative growth when they were children. Others were not as fortunate, but that does not mean that those people are not creative. All that means is that they were not encouraged to use their creative abilities. It is still there and simply needs to be encouraged now.
Being creative increases our ability to solve problems and to enjoy life. We have more choices in our lives due to our ability to recognize more solutions to problems. Every day we encounter problems, that's part of life. With a highly developed creative ability we can come up with all kinds of solutions, some of which might seem to be crazy. As Albert Einstein once said "If at first the idea is not absurd then there is no hope for it". Being creative is not just for people who have chosen to be artists; it is an ability everyone can use to enhance their life.
There have been many books and articles written about how to increase one's creativity. I believe the most important step has been overlooked and that is to believe that you are creative. Believing in your ability to be creative is the very first step. So, change your thinking and know that you are creative.
Some other ideas to help you awaken and increase your creativity include:
(1) Break unnecessary rules. No I don't mean breaking the law. However, we have many rules that we follow without thinking about them. Rules such as; all the cups have to go in the same place in the cabinet or the forks always have to go on the left of the plate. Although I agree that some rules concerning table settings are important in particular times and places, they are not always that important. Give yourself a break, do something different. Instead of using a tablecloth or mats set the table with towels or fall leaves. Try a new way of going to work rather than following the same route every day. Have pancakes for supper!
(2) If you have a hobby, such as needlework, make up your own design. Following kit designs is like using a coloring book; you are filling in someone else's creation. Making up your own designs is being creative. If you garden, when you decide where to put a plant you are being creative. If you change your mind and decide that spot is not a good spot for it after all and choose another spot you are being creative. Learn how to follow a pattern and then make up your own pattern.
(3) Decorate your home yourself. There are millions of books, TV shows and websites on how to decorate a home. Read them, watch them, do your research, find out what you like. It is okay to mix and match design styles and strategies. Your home does not have to look like it came out of Better Homes & Gardens. Your home needs to be a place you enjoy and feel comfortable in. Play around with the design elements. Put your favorite vase in one spot one day and try it in another spot another day.
(4) Play is vital for creativity and vice versa. Make sure that every day you do something that you enjoy. It's best if you take breaks throughout the day to play. Play is how you define it. It can be an enjoyable conversation with a coworker or friend. It can be going to your favorite website, watching your favorite TV show, listening to your favorite music etc. etc.
(5) Exercise should be playful. In order to keep yourself engaged in exercise, make sure it is the type of exercise that you enjoy. Exercise does not have to be relegated to a gym. You can exercise almost anywhere; dancing in place is a great example of playful, creative exercise.
(6) Get involved with the arts. You do not have to be an artist to enjoy being creative or to appreciate the creativity of others. Keep visual art supplies and musical instruments in your home and play with them just for the pleasure of it. Try to illustrate a feeling using art supplies. Do the same with a keyboard or drum! Go to art shows and musical events and absorb the creativity of others.
(7) Reduce perfectionistic thinking. Unfortunately we are overwhelmed with too many rules concerning how to do things perfectly at work. Most jobs involve writing notes and keeping "perfect" records. This type of thinking can severely reduce a person's ability to be creative. When we do not have to be perfect, we can be happy with "good enough". As human beings we make mistakes on a daily basis and learning how to accept our mistakes is vital to our mental health. Allowing mistakes to happen is an important part of creative thinking. Many artists have found that the work of art they feel is their best came from making a mistake.
(9) Embrace change. Change is the most constant aspect of life. Everything is always changing. Some changes are slow and subtle while others are fast and obvious. We have an effect on the changes around and within ourselves. When we recognize and embrace this we can have a more conscious and deliberate effect on those changes. As we raise our ability to think creatively, we become more flexible and able to consciously influence changes within and around ourselves.
(10) Try a new way of thinking, be your own "Devil's Advocate". If you are aware that you have a strong opinion about something, try on the opposite opinion. Argue with yourself. Look at the issue from someone else's perspective. While a certain amount of judgment and criticism are valuable, too much can lead to a closed mind and reduce creative thinking.
(11) Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness helps us cope better with stress. The result is that our mind is more relaxed more of the time. When our minds are relaxed, open and accepting we are able to perceive more possibilities and increase creative thinking.
Anne is a Board Certified Registered art therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Anne has been studying human development and relationships for over 45 years. She has been successfully working with families, in various capacities, for over 20 years. Her private practice is in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia PA. She specializes in helping people recover from various types of trauma, difficult changes and loss. Anne has an unusual ability to connect with children and adolescents, along with their parents. Parenting is the most important job we ever do, yet no one shows us how to do it or gives us the support we need. Anne has successfully coached many parents through a variety of critical stages in their children's lives. Anne's greatest joy is helping people understand themselves and each other.
http://www.annescreativetherapy.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Ream
Being creative increases our ability to solve problems and to enjoy life. We have more choices in our lives due to our ability to recognize more solutions to problems. Every day we encounter problems, that's part of life. With a highly developed creative ability we can come up with all kinds of solutions, some of which might seem to be crazy. As Albert Einstein once said "If at first the idea is not absurd then there is no hope for it". Being creative is not just for people who have chosen to be artists; it is an ability everyone can use to enhance their life.
There have been many books and articles written about how to increase one's creativity. I believe the most important step has been overlooked and that is to believe that you are creative. Believing in your ability to be creative is the very first step. So, change your thinking and know that you are creative.
Some other ideas to help you awaken and increase your creativity include:
(1) Break unnecessary rules. No I don't mean breaking the law. However, we have many rules that we follow without thinking about them. Rules such as; all the cups have to go in the same place in the cabinet or the forks always have to go on the left of the plate. Although I agree that some rules concerning table settings are important in particular times and places, they are not always that important. Give yourself a break, do something different. Instead of using a tablecloth or mats set the table with towels or fall leaves. Try a new way of going to work rather than following the same route every day. Have pancakes for supper!
(2) If you have a hobby, such as needlework, make up your own design. Following kit designs is like using a coloring book; you are filling in someone else's creation. Making up your own designs is being creative. If you garden, when you decide where to put a plant you are being creative. If you change your mind and decide that spot is not a good spot for it after all and choose another spot you are being creative. Learn how to follow a pattern and then make up your own pattern.
(3) Decorate your home yourself. There are millions of books, TV shows and websites on how to decorate a home. Read them, watch them, do your research, find out what you like. It is okay to mix and match design styles and strategies. Your home does not have to look like it came out of Better Homes & Gardens. Your home needs to be a place you enjoy and feel comfortable in. Play around with the design elements. Put your favorite vase in one spot one day and try it in another spot another day.
(4) Play is vital for creativity and vice versa. Make sure that every day you do something that you enjoy. It's best if you take breaks throughout the day to play. Play is how you define it. It can be an enjoyable conversation with a coworker or friend. It can be going to your favorite website, watching your favorite TV show, listening to your favorite music etc. etc.
(5) Exercise should be playful. In order to keep yourself engaged in exercise, make sure it is the type of exercise that you enjoy. Exercise does not have to be relegated to a gym. You can exercise almost anywhere; dancing in place is a great example of playful, creative exercise.
(6) Get involved with the arts. You do not have to be an artist to enjoy being creative or to appreciate the creativity of others. Keep visual art supplies and musical instruments in your home and play with them just for the pleasure of it. Try to illustrate a feeling using art supplies. Do the same with a keyboard or drum! Go to art shows and musical events and absorb the creativity of others.
(7) Reduce perfectionistic thinking. Unfortunately we are overwhelmed with too many rules concerning how to do things perfectly at work. Most jobs involve writing notes and keeping "perfect" records. This type of thinking can severely reduce a person's ability to be creative. When we do not have to be perfect, we can be happy with "good enough". As human beings we make mistakes on a daily basis and learning how to accept our mistakes is vital to our mental health. Allowing mistakes to happen is an important part of creative thinking. Many artists have found that the work of art they feel is their best came from making a mistake.
(9) Embrace change. Change is the most constant aspect of life. Everything is always changing. Some changes are slow and subtle while others are fast and obvious. We have an effect on the changes around and within ourselves. When we recognize and embrace this we can have a more conscious and deliberate effect on those changes. As we raise our ability to think creatively, we become more flexible and able to consciously influence changes within and around ourselves.
(10) Try a new way of thinking, be your own "Devil's Advocate". If you are aware that you have a strong opinion about something, try on the opposite opinion. Argue with yourself. Look at the issue from someone else's perspective. While a certain amount of judgment and criticism are valuable, too much can lead to a closed mind and reduce creative thinking.
(11) Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness helps us cope better with stress. The result is that our mind is more relaxed more of the time. When our minds are relaxed, open and accepting we are able to perceive more possibilities and increase creative thinking.
Anne is a Board Certified Registered art therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Anne has been studying human development and relationships for over 45 years. She has been successfully working with families, in various capacities, for over 20 years. Her private practice is in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia PA. She specializes in helping people recover from various types of trauma, difficult changes and loss. Anne has an unusual ability to connect with children and adolescents, along with their parents. Parenting is the most important job we ever do, yet no one shows us how to do it or gives us the support we need. Anne has successfully coached many parents through a variety of critical stages in their children's lives. Anne's greatest joy is helping people understand themselves and each other.
http://www.annescreativetherapy.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Ream
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Creativity of Beads
Aside from food, shelter and health, the next need of a man is to look good whether knowingly or unconsciously, we spend a good part of our income on items that will enhance our confidence and make us presentable amongst other people.
And especially, for the women folk their make up for an outing will not be complete if there was no jewelry to adorn their beautiful skin. From earnings, necklaces, to bangles, the relationship between a woman and her jewelries is like what glue is to paper they are simply inseparable, and it is sure to remain this way till eternity.
Interestingly, taking a peep into woman's jewelry box will reveal an appreciable increase in the number of bead jewelries than it used to be, and still counting. This is a strong indication of the acceptability and popularity of beads in our society today.
Actually, beads have been in existence for a very long time, but l found out that from 2003 it became very much in vogue. May be it's because all the previous year people didn't add creativity to it. Fortunately around 2003 some people brought in creativity and took beading to another level.
With this creativity, beading or beads making allows you to design and create unique products with beads for a targeted market. According to beads makers said there is no limit to what you can create using beads, you can use beads to create anything that bead can go into or be attached to, also make simple thing like hair ribbon, you can use it to make pin on dresses, children's hair clip, Slippers, purse, bags, e.g.
Anyone can learn beading housewives, students, youth, the unemployed, professionals etc. just anyone can learn it whether for business or for personal use. It don' requires much from you. What you need are simply fishing line, which is the rope used to put the beads together, a small needle, to do the passing, some beads and of course a notebook to put down the steps involved in the art and the different styles your will be taught by the instructor. You will have to ensure your products are very well done and presented, giving consideration to your color mixture, so that people will appreciate it anywhere and they could ask you to make one for them.
Your success in this industry depends mainly on your creativity and passion for the craft. As I said anyone can learn beads and is a golden opportunity to make a fortune without investing any money. This is a strong indication of the acceptability and popularity in our society today.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Creativity is the Key
Man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness. This is a statement I read from the book "See You at The Top" by Zig Ziglar, that I like so much. Yes we have limitations. For example we cannot fly like the eagles due to lack of wings. We can't run as fast as the cheetah. And we can't survive under water like the fishes do. These seeming limitations have made many to relax and blame every other person but themselves, for their situation. Many are clinging to this fact and using it as a warm cocoon in their mind to hide.
But have stopped for a second to think that our limitations could be our greatest strength. If we had wings like the birds, would the Wright brothers think of anything like aeroplanes? If we could race distances in seconds, would there be anything like cars, power bikes and bicycles? And if we could swim through the oceans as swiftly as the fishes, there would be no need for such things as ships, canoes and submarines.
The truth is that ambition does not find a room in a place governed by contentment and comfort. If we have no needs and wants we would not move for new things. Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. In the true light of reasoning, it is our limitations that drive us to find alternatives, escape routes and new methods. Therefore, limitations are not burdens we bear, rather they are pointers that help us discover our strength, springboards into new initiatives, incentives for discoveries and fuel that keep us going.
Many youths are presently battling unemployment. There are no jobs out there. The only person that can help you is YOU. So stop wishing that you came out with first class or second class upper, or for some rich uncle to employ you in his or his friends company. No man is a failure until he admits it to himself. You have to do something to forestall failure. The fact is your tomorrow will place you has nothing to do with what today offers you. It is what is inside you that will make you go up. Anybody who does not believe in himself and fully utilize his ability is literally stealing from himself, from his loved ones and in the process, because of reduced productivity, he also steals from society. Creativity is the key. Be an employer of people instead of looking for people to employ you. There are many businesses you can start . Keep a date with this blog and all these businesses will be shown to you step-by-step.
But have stopped for a second to think that our limitations could be our greatest strength. If we had wings like the birds, would the Wright brothers think of anything like aeroplanes? If we could race distances in seconds, would there be anything like cars, power bikes and bicycles? And if we could swim through the oceans as swiftly as the fishes, there would be no need for such things as ships, canoes and submarines.
The truth is that ambition does not find a room in a place governed by contentment and comfort. If we have no needs and wants we would not move for new things. Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. In the true light of reasoning, it is our limitations that drive us to find alternatives, escape routes and new methods. Therefore, limitations are not burdens we bear, rather they are pointers that help us discover our strength, springboards into new initiatives, incentives for discoveries and fuel that keep us going.
Many youths are presently battling unemployment. There are no jobs out there. The only person that can help you is YOU. So stop wishing that you came out with first class or second class upper, or for some rich uncle to employ you in his or his friends company. No man is a failure until he admits it to himself. You have to do something to forestall failure. The fact is your tomorrow will place you has nothing to do with what today offers you. It is what is inside you that will make you go up. Anybody who does not believe in himself and fully utilize his ability is literally stealing from himself, from his loved ones and in the process, because of reduced productivity, he also steals from society. Creativity is the key. Be an employer of people instead of looking for people to employ you. There are many businesses you can start . Keep a date with this blog and all these businesses will be shown to you step-by-step.
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