how to be more creative

Are you ready to unleash your creativity? If so, you’ll need to embrace creativity as a mindset, let go of limitations and adapt to change to reveal your full potential. Learning how to be more creative is not limited to a select few—it’s something everyone can cultivate by developing the right habits and exploring new ideas. So, start your journey today and use the power of creative thinking to drive your personal growth and career success in six ways!

What is Creativity Anyway?

Creativity isn’t just artistic expression. It’s common to think about musicians, fine artists or performers as creatives, but the truth is we all have creative abilities. Creativity is what powers personal and professional growth, regardless of your occupation or industry. It’s particularly powerful in our constantly changing, digitally enhanced world because those who embrace it easily navigate challenges, exceed expectations, and solve problems with a fresh perspective. So, whether you’re looking for new solutions at work or tackling personal goals, creativity will help you see possibilities instead of problems.

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

If you thought creativity was limited to artists or the art world, you are missing out on one of the most powerful personal and professional growth tools. With a little effort and practice, you can develop your creative side simply by redefining creativity and adopting a growth mindset.

Are you looking for inspiration? The following are examples of Australians in business, tech, and education who have harnessed creativity to solve problems and redefine how their industries operate, driving success on a global scale!

Business – Melanie Perkins (Canva)

Melanie Perkins co-founded Canva, a graphic design platform with the vision of making design accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Her creative approach to simplifying complex design tools has made Canva a global success, empowering millions of users to create professional-quality designs without extensive design knowledge!

Tech – Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar (Atlassian)

These co-founders of Atlassian used creative problem-solving to develop software solutions for team collaboration and project management. Their products, like Jira and Confluence, have become essential tools for tech teams worldwide, showcasing how creative thinking can lead to game-changing innovations in the tech industry.

Education – Eddie Woo (Wootube)

Eddie Woo, an Australian high school math teacher, gained international recognition for his creative approach to teaching math through YouTube. His channel, “Wootube,” simplifies complex math concepts and makes them engaging for students. Eddie leverages online platforms creatively, making learning maths more accessible and enjoyable for students worldwide.

2. Embrace Curiosity

Curiosity sparks creativity. It pushes you to question, explore new ideas, and challenge the status quo. You can discover fresh perspectives that fuel creativity by stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing curiosity.

So, how do we get curious? Try new activities like painting, writing, or learning a language, which can inspire creative thinking. Likewise, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, travelling or exploring new places can inspire your creativity through curiosity.

3. Practice Reflection and Mindfulness

Mindfulness and reflection are essential in developing creativity because these activities allow you to quiet the noise and tune into your inner thoughts. When you slow down and become more present, you create space for new ideas to emerge. Mindfulness helps clear mental clutter, while reflection encourages deeper thinking, both crucial for creativity.

• Journalling – Write down thoughts, ideas, or experiences daily to unlock creative insights and help organise your thinking.
• Meditation – Regular meditation encourages mental clarity, allowing creative thoughts to flow more freely.
• Quiet Time – Setting aside moments of silence each day can give your mind the space to think creatively.

In a world of distractions (think social media, email and instant messaging), it’s important to intentionally slow down, reflect, and create space for your creativity to thrive.

4. Break Routine to Spark New Ideas

Shaking up routines can lead to creative breakthroughs by breaking the monotony and encouraging new ways of thinking. When we do the same things in the same way every day, our brains fall into autopilot mode, limiting our creativity. Simple changes can spark fresh ideas.

• Rearrange your workspace to create a new environment.
• Work from a different location, like a café or park, to stimulate your mind.
• Try a new approach to familiar tasks, such as brainstorming in a different format or using various tools.

These shifts can benefit you by giving you a fresh perspective on your work, leading to new ideas and ways to tackle challenges. Breaking a routine is a simple yet powerful way to boost creativity.

5. Collaborate and Share Ideas

Collaboration is a powerful tool for boosting creativity. When you engage with others, especially those with diverse perspectives, you are exposed to helpful new ideas and ways of thinking. Brainstorming sessions and creative discussions with colleagues or friends can spark fresh insights. You’ll find that sharing and receiving feedback expands your creative thinking, leading to innovative ideas. So, embrace collaboration to grow creatively and find better solutions together.

6. Overcome Your Fear of Failure

When you embrace failure, you open yourself up to the creative journey. The fear of failure often hinders creativity, holding you back from taking bold risks or trying new ideas. But shift your perspective, and you’ll see failure for what it is – a stepping stone to success, not a setback. It’s then that you’ll discover new opportunities for growth and innovation. Even if you fail, every attempt to achieve your goals brings you closer to creative breakthroughs! It’s important to remember that every failure is a lesson, and every step forward is progress. Trust the process and let your creativity shine through persistence and risk-taking.

Find Your Creative New Direction Today!

Creativity is a catalyst for personal and professional development. You can boost your creative potential by taking small steps every day, like exploring new ideas and taking on challenges. Remember, everyone has the power of creative thought. You just need to embrace it and let it guide you toward your new direction.

If you’d like help finding a personal or professional development course that guides you to embrace your creative side, talk to one of our friendly Course Consultants on 1300 762 221, via Live Chat or enrol directly online. It’s never too late to find a creative new direction!