10 Ways to Boost Your Creativity
If you are a freelancer or small business, of course, you’ll know how important creativity is to your daily tasks.
You could be a graphic designer creating eye-catching visuals, a marketer devising those Social Media strategies, a copywriter creating that all-important content, or a podcaster producing those episodes and assets; your work demands creative thinking and if you don’t tap into your creative zone — who’s going to do it for you?
Unfortunately, creative business owners can’t be running at 100% all the time! So, it’s understandable if you need a little inspiration once in a while.
To keep those creative juices flowing, here are ten ways to boost your creativity…
Grow a supportive network
Do you know any other business owners or freelancers working in a similar field? Reach out to other creatives online either at networking sessions or maybe memberships like 'Being Freelance', at local meetings or even larger events like Atomicon or Digital Women. Having other like-minded people to share ideas with can give you valuable insights and constructive feedback. Who knows, these connections could help your creativity in ways you never imagined.
2. Carve out time for yourself
Make time in your schedule for things you enjoy. If you’re struggling to come up with new ideas, you could be experiencing fatigue or burnout. Try to focus on something you love (that isn’t work) for a while, like that hobby you wished you had more time for. Put yourself first.
3. Give yourself space
Likewise, a stressed mind doesn’t have the capacity for creativity. Make sure you give yourself time and space to recover from your workload and focus on other areas of your life. Don’t worry, your creativity will soon flood back.
4. Pay attention to your health
Being creative is challenging at the best of times, but it’s even more challenging when you’re sleep-deprived, not eating well, or not getting enough exercise. Make sure your body is getting what it needs!
5. Find new sources of inspiration
Are you going to the same old sources for inspiration? I know, old habits die hard, but try to branch out a little. Mix up your routine and you may find ideas where you’d least expect them. Read new sources and speak to new people. You could even listen to new music! A mental shift can unlock a world of potential.
6. What gets you in the zone?
Find what works for you, and don’t worry if that’s different to what works for other people. If three cups of coffee a day helps you feel creative, so be it! If morning yoga and lots of walks are what you need, use that personal insight to your advantage.
7. Bounce ideas around
Sometimes, all it takes is talking an idea or problem out loud. Hearing a different perspective or learning how someone else might tackle the goal can spark fresh creative ideas or inspiration. Virtual assistants like Bizzybee Virtual & Social Media Assistant have helped clients work through their ideas and break through creative blocks.
8. Daydream
This is my favourite tip, and use it often. We tend to associate daydreaming with procrastinating, but it’s actually an important part to creativity. You can’t summon great ideas as and when you please, you need to give yourself thinking space to make connections, develop novel thoughts, and dream about your next big plan.
9. Exercise
I mentioned this a little earlier but if you’re stuck in rut with the same old thoughts going around your head, you might need to alter your state of mind. One of the best ways to do this is through exercise. Get your blood pumping at the gym, on a run, or at a dance class if you are able. Now, as a disabled person, I don't want to only include the able bodied activities so if you unable to participate in them why not try just getting outside and breathe or go for a stroll, a bit of chair aerobics or even just a little bit of basic stretching. Any exercise is good exercise.
10. Delegate other responsibilities
Lastly, you can struggle to be creative if you’re juggling a million other tasks — there just isn’t the time or brain space. If you can, outsource some responsibilities to other members of your team. Or, if you work alone, consider hiring a virtual assistant to relieve some of that pressure. This will give you the opportunity and mental clarity to come up with your next inspired idea.
Get Virtual Assistance from Bizzybee, a Virtual & Social Media Assistant, to boost your creativity.
Hiring a virtual assistant could be the perfect way to help you focus more on the creative aspects of your business and less on the admin.
Erin at Bizzybee is an experienced virtual assistant who specialises in working with Creative freelancers, entrepreneurs and Small businesses.
Feel free to get in touch today.
