How to Make Creativity a Habit

“Oh, I am not that creative, I couldn’t do it like you”.  I have heard this said so many times but creativity is a skill that you build with practice.  It is like a muscle that we all possess, that we can build with exercise.  Creativity is defined as the use of imagination or original ideas.   So, creativity is evidenced by the doing of the idea or the thing you imagine you can do.  

Whether you are a seasoned creative, a curious beginner, or doubtful that you can be creative, cultivating and practicing a creative habit can transform your outlook and bring fresh energy to your life.  Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities lowers stress, boosts mood and improves problem solving skills. So finding a creative outlet for self-expression and mindfulness is crucial to our wellbeing.  But how do you start to be creative or even make it a habit?  How do you find what you really like to do or even the time to do it?  To help you get started, I have created a free Creative Goals Planner - your guide to making creativity a daily practice.  As we enter this new year, why not make creativity the tool we use to find our center, maintain our balance and become more of our best selves?

The most effortless way to begin your creative journey is to start with what you love to do and expand from there.  If you need help identifying your start point, try these creative outlets:

Journal.  This will help you to be more self aware, encourage good mental health, help you track your progress in whatever goals you are working towards. Journal answers to questions like “what activities make me lose track of time?” and “what hobbies and interests have I always been curious about?”

Brainstorm.  Very rewarding activity that brings amazing results.  Even better when you do it with someone who knows you well.  You’ll be amazed at what others see in you that you overlook or take for granted.

Try different creative projects.  Find ones that have a low or affordable entry point in terms of cost, time and level of complexity.  This will not only be a great deal of fun, but will give you the clearest indication of what you love to do.

Even if you already know what you love to do, keep an open mind and try new things to see what else sparks your interest.

Now you know what your creative outlet is, how do you take action?  We are all guilty of making plans but never putting those plans into action.  Remember, creativity is in the doing of the thing. Think about what helps you stay on task.  Here are some helpful suggestions:

Community.  We live in the time when most communities are virtual or hybrid and are easy to find.  What community means is that you will find a place where you are “surrounded” by others with the same or similar interest.

Accountability.  Big, frightening word?  In this scenario, it is simply you telling someone or others what you are doing.  It is a powerful motivator when done with positivity.  Telling someone will make you more motivated to take action and it also comes with the added bonus of support and excitement for you from the people who care most.

Meaningful.  Create projects that mean something to you; that result in pride and pleasure of seeing the fruits of your creative endeavors.

Creative blocks will come.  Don’t fight them, work through them.  You will feel doubt, fear and overwhelm.  Doubt about yourself and your ability to practice your chosen creative outlet.  Fear of what others will think of you.  Overwhelm over getting started, how much commitment it takes and even whether you have the time or not.  These are normal and everyone, no matter how disciplined, faces these creative blocks.  Follow these key steps to work through these blocks when you are overcome:

Plan time to be creative.  Whether you lock this time into your calendar or make looser plans, make sure to be consistent. Make it recurring and consistent in order to develop the habit of creating.

Do bite size tasks.  Especially when you feel overwhelmed, take small actions.  If you are painting, maybe just decide on your color scheme today.  The next day, you may just get your creative space ready for your project.  These small things add up and keep you in the “doing something” phase that keep you moving forward.

Find inspiration.  If you find yourself in a total slump, consider doing an activity that would inspire your creativity.  You may try journaling your thoughts, making a vision board or even flipping through a favorite magazine. 

Create imperfectly.  Be creative for the fun of being creative.  Don’t put so much effort in doing the thing so perfectly that you forget to enjoy doing it.  Create imperfectly.  Sometimes it is the flaws that make us stand out from the noise.

 Don’t forget the most rewarding aspect of fostering a creative habit is seeing how far you’ve come.  Track your progress.  It is a huge motivator to keep going.  Use our free Creative Goals Planner to set your intentions and track your progress.  Write down your creative wins, no matter how small, and celebrate them.  Creativity is not a one-time goal, it is a journey.  Keep it exciting, by experimenting with new techniques, attending workshops, or connecting with like-minded individuals.

 Start your year creatively.  This is your year to make creativity a habit and unlock your creative potential.  With a little commitment and the right tools, you will discover a world of possibilities waiting to be explored.  Download your free Creative Goals Planner today and take the first step toward a more vibrant year.