This post includes nine kick-ass tips to make creativity your superpower and three actionable steps you can take right away to maximise your creativity.

Creativity isn’t just for artists. No matter where you are in life, or what you do, creativity comes in handy.

Creatively thinking of solutions to your problems is something we need to do every day.

Take a moment to think about it.

Is there anything in your life right now that could use a creative solution? I am willing to bet there is.

The good news is, all of us can become more creative in our lives by using the following tips:

1. Stop, collaborate …and listen? 

One of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing is to reach out to a colleague or friend.

Working with someone else adds an entirely new perspective to the task at hand. 

They may have an idea you hadn’t thought of, and that idea may spur on your great idea.

Collaborating with someone you respect is a great way to find a creative solution to a problem. 

2. Just do nothing

Stop slamming your head into the wall, trying to be creative.

If you find yourself struggling to think outside of the box, then move on to something else. 

Chances are it won’t be long until you are hit with a creative spark.

Often, when we actively stop thinking about something, our mind disengages enough to think creatively. 

3. Take a stroll

This is related to the ‘Just Do Nothing’ point. If you want to disengage your mind, go for a walk.

Taking a leisurely walk in nature is akin to entering a meditative state. 

Many famous ‘creatives’ used mid-day walks to break up the doldrums of the day, and at the same time, inspire some creativity. 

4. Change your surroundings

If you consistently struggle with creativity, then maybe there is something in your environment holding you back.

Try to mix things up in the office, or at home, by rearranging the furniture or reorganising your desk. 

If distractions surround you, do your best to limit those as well. 

5. Track your ideas

Make some effort to track your ideas.

You never know where inspiration might strike, so be prepared to jot something down when you have your next great idea. 

You can go old school and carry around an actual notebook if you want.

Even more convenient, use a note-taking app on your phone. 

This way, you can also dictate your ideas on the go. 

6. Work on your confidence

Do you know what kills creativity the most? Telling yourself that you aren’t creative. 

If you don’t have a stable level of self-esteem, then it will be nearly impossible for you to be creative.

You will shut down all of your ideas before you even try them. 

If you have a severe lack of self-belief, then this must be tackled before you can become more creative. 

7. Make some time (schedule it in)

You have to work creativity like it’s a muscle.

You can’t just hope to drum up creativity out of nowhere if you never put in the work. 

Make sure you do something creative as often as possible.

You should schedule a creative time to ensure you do it. 

8. Forget perfection

Perfectionism is your inner voice telling you nothing you do is good enough.

This type of thinking will drain all the creativity you can muster. 

Perfectionism will ensure you take fewer creative risks, and it will turn your “great ideas” into “not good enough”.

You will be so worried about getting everything just right that it will sap your spontaneity, fun and creative energy. 

9. Try new things 

When you are trying (or learning) new things, you consistently spark your creativity.

Trying new pursuits will challenge your mind in new and unique ways. 

These new challenges will force you to think and act creatively. 

Commit to trying something new each and every week.

You will be surprised how much more creative you feel.

Action Step 1: Create a creativity journal. 

You can buy a notebook if you want, or use an app like Evernote on your phone.

Whenever inspiration strikes and you have a creative idea, be prepared to jot it down.

Action Step 2: Schedule some creativity into your week. 

Take a look at the next few weeks and find something creative to do in each of them. Schedule these into your calendar, so you don’t forget. 

Action Step 3: Just one new hobby or pursuit and get involved. 

You don’t have to jump in the deep end at first, go to Amazon or your local library and get a book about a topic you are interested in.

When you combine these nine kick-ass tips and three action steps you will maximise your creativity and make creativity, your new superpower.

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