A truly creative idea can be priceless. But how to be more creative? Here are three simple strategies you can start using today.
Write Those Ideas Down!
What if we told you that all you have to do to amp up your creativity is to put pen to paper?
While some people see creativity as a mysterious Holy Grail, the truth is that we have ideas all the time. Sometimes the difficulty is that some of our best insights come in situations when we can’t commit our thoughts to paper.
To solve this problem, take a cue from writers and carry a small pocket notebook with you at all times. This way, you will be able to capture fleeting ideas to hone them or remix them later.
If carrying a pocket notebook feels awkward, then use your smartphone. Note-taking apps such as Evernote or Google Keep make it easy for you to take notes and organize them on-the-go.
Give Yourself Permission to Procrastinate (Within Reason)
Nobody likes procrastination, really.
We all know that procrastination is nothing more than an avoidance strategy that often leads to stress and anxiety. But turns out that a reasonable amount of procrastination may be essential to the creative process.
At least that’s the opinion of psychologist Adam Grant, who explored creativity and non-conformist thought in his book Originals.
While Grant defines himself as a “pre-crastinator,” or someone who makes it a point to do things as soon as possible, he has come around on the issue of procrastination as a creativity-booster.
Grant believes that certain phases of the creative process require thinking at a slower pace, and procrastination helps us achieve just that.
So whenever you feel stuck or short on ideas, give yourself permission to procrastinate a little. Take a walk, organize
Learn New Stuff
Very often, creativity involves connecting old and new ideas. For example, Uber came about when software engineer and entrepreneur Garret Camp combined the idea of a taxi service with the potential offered by smartphones.
The meeting of old and new stuff usually sparks creative, ground-breaking change. This simple truth begs the question: How can you be creative if you stick with the same set of old concepts?
Stimulate your creativity by learning new things and being open to new experiences. Doing this can be a simple as using social media to follow experts from fields you don’t know much about.
Cross-pollination creates a fertile ground for innovation, and may as well pave the way for your next big business idea.
More Business Tips and Ideas
Read these previous posts for more business tips that cover every aspect of the management of your organization.
- Want to be more secure online? Begin with your password
- 4 New Year’s resolutions for your business
- How to Manage a Hybrid Team
- Time Management: 3 Essential Skills.
About the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
At the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GRHCC), our core mission is supporting small businesses and economic development with advocacy, business referrals, marketing opportunities, training programs, student internships, and scholarships.
Contact us today by email at info@grhcc.com, telephone (951-965-9115), through our social media accounts, or click here to join and start enjoying the benefits of membership today!