We’ve all been in a situation where our creativity seems to have hit a wall. You’re not alone and, if anything, it’s a sign that you might need to take some time out for you. Whether you’re considering a Bachelor of Arts or something in line with education or business, you need creativity for every industry. Believe it or not, it’s just as important as critical thinking skills.
How do you end a creative drought? As it turns out, there’s an element of psychology behind it that allows us to get it flowing again. From students in the process of their Bachelor of Arts in communication science studies, to those already in the working field, there are a few things you can do.
Before we can get into what it takes to jumpstart that creativity, it’s important to understand where our ideas come from. As long as we live and as long as there is innovation in the world, it is possible for us to think up new ideas. Our primary sources of inspiration will differ from person to person depending on what interests us most. For some it is technology, whilst others feel more creative when they encounter nature. There are also those who thrive when they’re amongst a community, as opposed to those who come up with their best creative ideas when they are alone.
This means that there are many sources for us to draw on when we’re in search of creativity. The good news is, you can stock your pantry of ideas inside your mind by using these tips.
- Take in as much information as you can
This might seem like adding to your already overloaded senses, but the more you take in the more likely you are to encounter something that sparks your creativity again. Find what inspires you and turn to it when you feel like you’re out of ideas. Is it books, poetry, videos or the great outdoors? Make a list and fill your space and mind with those things. - Keep your thoughts positive
It’s too easy to become negative when we can’t seem to find our groove again. By remaining positive and by telling ourselves that we have it in us to be creative, we won’t get caught up in those negative mindsets that hold us back time and time again. Whether you tell yourself that you can or can’t, you’re always right. Your mind is like a bank and your thoughts are the transactions. Positive thoughts add to the balance whilst negative ones drain it until it is empty. Make sure that you are always depositing more than you are withdrawing. - Leave inspiration where you can see it
Once you know what you are inspired by, make sure that you leave traces around the house and your workspace. If nature helps, use indoor plants and if you love art, why not place some in your home and in common areas you use most, like your fridge? By exposing ourselves to our creative sources daily, creative thoughts will become a daily occurrence.
Get #NewWorldThinking that promotes all the right skills
At The IIE’s Varsity College we foster the creative thinking and problem solving necessary for success in the New World. If you’re interested in learning how graduates leave The IIE’s Varsity College ready for the challenges of the working world, why not get in touch with us today? For more on The IIE BA and how it provides the creative #NewWorldThinking that every employer wants, please contact The IIE’s Varsity College today.
Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). South Africa’s leading private higher education provider that’s registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC).