Creativity acts as the driving force and breathes life into words transforming them into a compelling story. Whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, including business writing and business books, writers are constantly in the pursuit of fueling their imagination.
As Albert Einstein said: „Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
I recently read a book called The Power of Fun in which the author suggests that having true fun means being in playful connected flow whatever we are doing.
When we are in this state, we let go of the restrictions in our thoughts and let the mind wander and wonder, exploring with curiosity what we discover.
I often get ideas when I am walking in nature, have a shower, or in the middle of the night (that’s why I have a notepad in my bedside table drawer).
Image by RhondaK via Unsplash
Here are five ideas to fuel your imagination:
- Explore art
Daniel J. Levitin, the author of The Organized Mind explains that our world is becoming increasingly linear. “It seems we take less time for art. In doing so, we may be missing out on something deeply valuable … Artists contextualise reality and offer visions that were previously invisible. Creativity engages the brain’s daydreaming mode directly and stimulates the free flow and association of ideas, forging links between concepts and neural nodes that might not otherwise be made.”
Book an art class (there are online classes as well) or visit a gallery. To engage in art pushes the reset button in your brain and will give you a break from your daily routine. Try it and feel inspired.
- Connect with mother nature
Walking in fresh air is one of the best creativity boosters. Go for a morning walk or use your lunch break for a walk around the block and soak in some Vitamin D.
Letting your mind wander and wonder – while appreciating the beauty, sounds, and smells of nature – will often bring up a new approach to a challenge or project you are dealing with. Transform your exercise into a walking meditation to find new inspiration.
- Establish a daily routine
Routines are the most powerful levers to get things done. A morning routine is a wonderful way to set yourself up for the day.
I start my day with a Tizzy (herbal tea with a Fizz Energy stick) and meditation. Then, I journal on gratitude, at least five things I am grateful for, my five key intentions for the day and my goals for the year. Repetition and daily practise will train your brain to attract more of what you want.
Flow writing, aka the Morning Pages, is a wonderful creative exercise. Let your thoughts flow out of your brain and onto the paper, no matter how strange or unstructured they may be. This exercise will empty your mind and allow you to start the day with a de-cluttered brain.
Image Toa Heftiba via Unsplash
4. Exercise daily
Regular exercise is vital to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Make time for daily exercise, which can be as easy as going out for a walk, join a Fitness studio or an online yoga/Pilates class at home. Mindful activities, such as yoga, increase the dopamine level in our brain and help us start the day in a positive mood.
The happier and more content you feel, the better your creative outcome will be and the more you can inspire those around you.
5. Work with lists
Research has shown that information overload leads to decision-making overload, which can result in procrastination and not being productive, let alone creative.
To relieve your brain from the burden of trying to remember everything, it is helpful to establish systems in the physical world.
Often, the most creative ideas come to me while meditating, walking, or having a shower. A friend told me that she gets most inspired while cooking. In order not to forget your flashes of genius, I recommend capturing them somehow. A simple thing is having notebooks scattered around your house or using the notes app on your smartphone to jot down whatever you feel important to remember.
Working with notes and lists is a clever way to stay organised and in control of our daily tasks and creative ventures.
Interested in getting started with your book project?
Feature image: Juan Marin via Unsplash
