Be Creative!

How many of you would describe yourself as creative? For those of you who think you’re not, do you believe you’re made in the image and likeness of God? The first thing that the first verse of the first chapter of the first book of the Bible says is, “In the beginning God created.” How can someone create if they’re not creative? So, if God is creative and we’re made in His likeness, doesn’t that mean we were made to be creative?

Now, what you create may be different than what I create. And how I create it may be different than how the next person creates it. But that’s the beauty of creativity. It’s unique. It’s imaginative. It’s different. You cannot be content being a clone and be creative at the same time.

So, what are some simple things you can do to help get your creative juices flowing again?

Clear your head. We adults have a tendency to overthink everything. When our brains are constantly processing, constantly planning, constantly preparing, and constantly performing; it has no time to be creative. Sit down, write down everything that’s currently cluttering your brain so you can get it out of your mind, and just look outside for about fifteen or twenty minutes. If you gasped at the thought of staring out the window for fifteen minutes, then you need to clear you mind way more than you realize.

Rest. If our bodies aren’t at their best when we’re tired, then neither are our brains. I believe when we do fun things, it’s a welcomed break for our brains. But how many of us go day after day without having any fun? It’s okay for adults to play. I’ve already encouraged you to Bring Recess Back. Give your brain a day off. Go ahead. It’s allowed.

Eat a good meal. You don’t have to be a psychologist to figure out that you’re not going to be very creative when you’re hangry. When you’re hungry to the point of being angry, everyone and everything in your path suffers – including your creativity. So, you need to eat. And I’m not talking about consuming some sugary, calorie dense, nutritionless, something just to keep your stomach from growling. I’m talking about actual nourishment that will fuel your body, your brain, and your creativity.

Ask for help. If you’re always concerned about who’s going to get the credit, it will hinder your creativity. Some creative concepts simply cannot be brought to fruition alone. We must ask for help. You never know… You asking someone else for help just might be what they need to spark the creativity in them.

Talk to other creatives. Creativity is contagious! Sometimes just being around other creative people can be a catalyst to your own creativity. Allow yourself to imagine out loud. If you’re around other innovators, they won’t see that as weird. They’ll see it as inspirational.

Invest in a few tools. Whatever you are made to create, it’s highly likely there are some supplies or resources you may need to invest in at some point. An artist with no canvas, a writer with no pen, a fashion designer with no fabric will all, to some degree, feel hindered. You don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with what you have and grow as you go.

Visualize the outcome. Sometimes the most creative thing we can do is to see something before it ever is. Taking the time to envision the end from the beginning will help spark the creative process. Maybe what you create are ideas, and then you hand those off to someone else to implement. The only way you can effectively cast a vision is if you yourself can see it clearly.

Enjoy every minute. Creating should be fun. Sure, it can be hard work sometimes, but you should still enjoy every minute of it. I believe God enjoyed creating you, so you should enjoy being creative!

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy Everyday Wisdom Podcast Episode001.