29+ WAYS TO FUEL CREATIVITY

Creativity is something I personally value highly. It's also something that, as a church leader, I want to instill into the culture of our church. Of course, I have a natural bias because of my background, experience, and education, but creativity isn't relegated to just the arts: Creativity is EVERYWHERE.

Creativity is at work when we find a way to get to that "hard-to-reach" spot.
Creativity is at work when we develop a system that speeds up the process.
Creativity is at work when we discover a way to put fun in the mundane. (fundane?)
Creativity is at work when we create new words by combining two existing words. :)

Of course, as a believer, I recognize the author of creativity to be Jesus Christ, the physical manifestation of God, who spoke the cosmos into existence. It only takes a cursory glance at the natural world to find both creativity, genius, and humor communicated through the design of the master of creativity.

So, it stands to reason that if we are truly created in the image of God, then we all possess the innate quality of being creative!

Check out this video on ways to fuel creativity:

I would add a couple of my own:

1. FIND THE BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING
I grew up in a region that is characterized by large expanses of seemingly flat, un-interesting, and homogeneous landscapes. But, if you take the time to look, you start to see hidden beauty & complexity.

It's easy to see beauty when it jumps up and hits you in the nose. It's harder to stop, analyze, and discover beauty in the less obvious. But, it is a skill worth developing and can spur creativity in the midst of a seeming creative drought.


2. STOP DOING
Take 10 or 15 minutes out of the day and turn EVERYTHING off (even your iPhone) and take some time to clear your brain. Just like you need to clean your physical workspace, it is good to clean your mental workspace, too. 

I have discovered that by intentionally clearing out my thoughts, to-do lists, deadlines, etc., my brain naturally starts distilling down to the most critical elements that need attention. And, often, this is where some of my best ideas are birthed.

I know, this may sound kind of new-age-y or Dr. Phil-y; But I don't think it is. Almost every time I do this, my brain takes a different path. Sometimes it's highly productive, other times it's not, but it's ALWAYS beneficial, and goes a long way to clearing out mental clutter.

3. CHASE RABBITS
While this is something that needs to be approached with caution, I find benefit in following the occasional rabbit trail. This would be that idea that is highly improbable (if not impossible), but also highly intriguing. Even though you will never pursue the idea, flesh it out in your brain as if you will. Do some quick research, compile a list of what (and who) you would need to make it happen, sketch out a basic plan and timeline, think through the marketing pitch, and fill in as many details as you can without getting bogged down. And remember, it is a crazy idea: Don't be afraid to come up with crazy solutions!

My ideas are usually crazy business ideas (like a gourmet hot-dog stand, coffee mugs with sarcastic sayings, or a semi-pro wrestling organization with intentionally bad wrestlers) So, I'll create a quick "business plan" and figure out needed supplies, personnel, start-up costs, and even pricing structure. I'll spend about 10 minutes doing some market research, and another 10 minutes pricing out overhead, and about 10 minutes just thinking through every logistical issue I can think of.

It's amazing how much I've broadened my perspective and learned about various industries through this simple exercise. Again: Use caution. Set a definite time limit on yourself, and don't make this a regular habit that draws from the job that actually pays the bills: But let your mind stretch a little and learn to make a plan "on the fly". It's a skill that has served me well.

I'd love to hear about ways YOU have discovered to fuel your creativity!