How to Boost Creativity: Explained with 10 Daily Habits

Creativity is not something you wait for to happen - It's something you cultivate, day by day, through small but powerful habits. In other words, creativity isn't just a spark; it's the flame that needs to be fanned. Whether you're crafting stories, solving problems, or simply dreaming big, the right habits can lead you to a world of endless possibilities.  

This blog will guide you on How to Boost Creativity with 10 proven daily habits. So read on, break away from the ordinary routine and let your creativity thrive! 

Table of Content 

1. What is Creative Thinking? 

2. How to Boost Creativity 

3. 10 Daily Habits You Should Try to Boost Creativity 

4. Essential Skills for Creative Thinking 

5. Conclusion 

What is Creative Thinking? 

While creativity is an abstract concept, the simplest way to describe it is-Creativity is what happens when your imagination takes a tangible form that exists in the world. When you are creating or being creative, you are introducing something new that didn’t exist before you started.  

This can show up in numerous ways, from tangible forms like painting, crafting or writing to in-the-moment activities such as cooking, dancing, or humming a tune. 

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How to Boost Creativity 

Creativity is about discovering fresh ways to solve problems and tackle challenges. It’s not just a trait for artists, musicians, writers, or "right-brained" individuals; it’s a valuable skill for everyone, no matter their background. If you’re looking to improve your creativity, these tips can guide you. 

Best Ways of Boosting Creativity 

Boost Creativity by Nurturing Expertise 

One of the best ways to develop creativity is to grow expertise in this area. By having a deep understanding of the topic, you'll be able to think of innovative solutions to problems. One way to develop your expertise is by learning about creative people and listening to them speak. 

Take Risks to Build Creativity 

When it comes to building creative skills, you must be willing to take risks to elevate your abilities. Although such efforts may not lead to success right away, you'll still be boosting your creative talents and nurturing skills that will serve you well in the future. For instance, sharing your work in a Creative Writing course can feel intimidating, but the critique you receive can be invaluable. 

Brainstorm New Ideas 

Brainstorming is a common technique in academic and professional settings, and it can also be a powerful tool for improving creativity. Begin by suspending your judgement and self-criticism and write down related ideas and possible solutions.  

The goal is to create as many ideas as possible in a relatively short span of time. Then, focus on clarifying and refining your ideas to arrive at the best possible choice. 

Think Inside the Box 

Thinking out of the ordinary can be a fruitful endeavour. Give your brainstorm a set of limitations, which could include shortening the timeline, cutting the budget in half, or limiting your communication strategy to just one channel. Much like how it’s easier to decide your dinner when you only have a few key ingredients, you may find it easier to generate ideas when you have strict boundaries to work within. 

Use Mind Maps and Flow Charts 

A mind map is a good way to connect ideas and seek innovative answers to questions. Consider the following points: 

1. Create a mind map by writing down the central topic or word and linking related terms or ideas around it. This technique offers a visual way to see how ideas are connected.  

2. As you begin a new project, develop a flow chart to track it from start to finish. This helps visualise the process, identify potential issues, and discover unique solutions. 

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Try the Six Hats Technique 

The six hats technique involves viewing a problem from six differing perspectives. This way, you can produce more ideas than you might have had when you looked at the situation from only one or two points of view. 

1. Black Hat: It's a negative perspective that questions which elements of the solution won’t work. 

2. Blue Hat: This perspective is about thinking broadly and narrowing down the best overall solution?" 

3. Green Hat: This is about questioning if there are some alternative ideas. 

4. Red Hat: It's about looking at the situation emotionally and finding out what your feelings tell you. 

5. White Hat: This is about looking at the situation objectively and finding the facts. 

6. Yellow Hat: It's a positive perspective that questions which elements of the solution will work. 

Consider Alternative Scenarios 

When tackling a problem, ask "what if..." questions to explore different scenarios. Consider the potential outcomes of each approach. By evaluating these alternatives in advance, you'll be more equipped to come up with creative solutions to challenges. 

Try the Snowball Technique 

One great idea can often lead directly to another. You can take advantage of this by employing a snowball technique when you are developing ideas for a project. If the idea isn't appropriate for your current work, put it aside to work on later or incorporate it into a future project. 

Blue Sky Brainstorming 

Consider the "The sky is the limit" philosophy. Pick a problem to solve or a goal to achieve, and jot down every idea that comes to mind, no matter how big or small. Set aside your inner critic and allow yourself a specific amount of time to let your imagination flow. Think beyond your current resources and consider what you could accomplish with a bigger budget, more time, or a bigger platform. 

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10 Daily Habits You Should Try to Boost Creativity  

Creativity is more than just an attractive quality; it's an essential skill that benefits from daily habits. Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or simply someone looking for fresh perspectives in your daily life, cultivating creativity is vital. Just like a muscle, our creative faculties can be strengthened through regular practice. Let's explore the best 10 habits to keep your creative juices flowing: 

Relation Between Creativity and Dopamine 

1. Start with Morning Pages 

The concept of 'morning pages' involves writing three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing first thing in the morning. It's like a brain dump, a way to clear out the clutter and create room for creativity. Over time, this practice can result in unexpected insights and ideas. 

2. Cultivate Curiosity 

Make it a point to learn something new every day. Whether it's watching a documentary, reading an article or simply observing the world around you, a curious mind is the most fertile ground for creativity. 

3. Allocate Time for Daydreaming 

In a society driven by constant productivity, daydreaming is often undervalued. However, allowing your mind to wander can result in some of the most profound creative insights. You can schedule short daydreaming breaks throughout the day and let your mind roam without judgment. 

4. Engage in Physical Activity 

Physical activity is beneficial for the body as well as the brain. Whether it's yoga, a morning jog, or just stretching, such movement can stimulate brain function and spur creativity. Dance is a beautiful blend of physical activity and artistic expression and can be a good way to kindle creativity. 

5. Create a “Sacred” Space 

Having a designated space for your creative endeavours can make a big difference. This doesn't mean you need a sprawling studio. Even a small corner of your home, filled with items that inspire you, can function as your creative sanctuary. 

6. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation 

Meditation and mindfulness exercises can make it easier to access your inherent creativity. By calming the mind, you can better hear the whispers of your creative intuition. 

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7. Explore Diverse Experiences 

While it's good to have a daily routine, be sure to break out of it from time to time. Travel, meet new people, sink into a new hobby, or even take a different path to work. These new experiences can unexpectedly spark innovative thoughts. 

8. Minimise Digital Distractions 

While technology is an asset, it can also be a big distraction. Set specific times in the day to check your email or social media and stick to them. Additionally, consider using apps that block distracting sites during your creative time. 

9. Learn from Failure 

Understanding that it's okay to fail can improve your creativity. After all, many people inhibit their creative potential out of fear of failure or judgment. By embracing a mindset that sees failures as learning opportunities, you free yourself to take creative risks. 

10. Prioritise Quality Sleep 

Lack of sleep can hamper cognitive functions. Prioritise getting a good night's sleep to ensure your brain is in the best shape to come up with fresh ideas. After all, many great ideas have been born from dreams. 

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Essential Skills for Creative Thinking 

There are many aspects that factor into each stage of creative thinking. Often, it begins with identifying an opportunity or problem and coming up with ideas on what to do next. Creative thinking comes into play when devising a strategy to implement these ideas. At every stage of this process, there are key skills which help drive creative thinking. 

Research and Analytical Skills 

1. Research 

2. Data Analytics 

3. Forecasting and reporting 

4. Presentation and communication 

Idea Generation and Innovation 

1. Brainstorming 

2. Critical thinking 

3. Inventiveness 

Strategic Planning and Execution 

1. Collaboration 

2. Planning 

3. Organisation 

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Conclusion 

In conclusion, creativity isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. It thrives on consistent effort and curiosity. Learning How to Boost Creativity as outlined in this blog, you can train your mind to think more freely and pick inspiration at unexpected places. It’s about starting small, staying consistent, and letting your imagination transform into a force for innovation. 

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