Boost your creativity by switching up your daily routine and creating space to see things in a new ... [+]
Every four years, the calendar gives us a bonus day on February 29. My cousin was a leap year baby and had an extra-special celebration every four years because we celebrated on his actual birth date. Lately I think of leap day as a bonus day to try new things that will boost my creative thinking.
I’ve got science behind me. Fresh thinking leads to neuroplasticity, which essentially is forging new patterns in your brain that will lead to new ideas, innovative solutions and overall higher quality of life. If you’d like to join an effort for a sharper, more vibrant brain, here are some tips.
Your bonus day doesn’t have to take the full day, but earmarking one day to try new things can set the scene for long-lasting changes. Note that these ideas are completely analog, which is great for your creative juices if you’re glued to a screen for most of the time. During this bonus day, try to limit your phone usage to urgent matters only (I know, it makes me itchy too). This will expand your attention span to welcome new ideas.
Begin With A Reframe
At my communications workshops where I help people express ideas with more clarity, I frequently get a response “I’m not creative.” This even comes from scientists, some of the most creative minds on the planet. Regardless of whether you think creativity plays into your work, you will benefit from better thinking and more energy if you prioritize creativity.
So first set aside those limiting beliefs. Creativity is not only for film makers and art directors. Even the call center worker will have a better work experience by serving up new solutions to challenges.
Create Space And Time
Creative adventure doesn’t need cash. It only needs space and time. Yes, those are the most scarce elements of our modern culture, but with a new mindset it won’t need much.
I experienced this myself during a visit to my hometown for a family matter, I made a few extra stops on my route to see works in a public art installation, made a quick tour of the historic post-office-turned-museum and discovered a couple development projects in a gentrifying area of town. My siblings hadn’t done these things because they were going about their fixed routines. We are so busy rushing that we forget that we have more control than we think.
Optimize For Fun
British physician turned YouTuber Ali Abdaal is one of the most-followed experts on productivity. His book “Feel Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You” lays out the case that the key to productivity isn’t discipline, it’s joy. In fact, the first chapter is all about play and making work more fun. Embrace this mindset as you design your day. Maybe create a play list.
Go On An “Artist’s Date”
Julia Cameron of The Artist’s Way, first published in 1992 and still regarded as a top book for unlocking your creativity, suggests getting out to explore is key to the creative process.
One of her core precepts is to go on an artist’s date, a solo excursion to experience new things. Here are a few ideas of what you can do in an hour.
- Stop by the kids’ area of the library and browse to find your favorite childhood book.
- Go to a section of the supermarket you usually skip and find a new ingredient for dinner.
- Visit an office supply store and buy colored pencils. While you’re there, grab a few spiral notebooks for your morning pages.
Switch Up Your Route
Fascinating fact: London cab drivers have larger brains than we normal folk. Studies indicate that their brains get bigger from learning all the different routes. Studies of this group even might lead to breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research and other brain science. Although the challenge of navigating London’s complex geography, you can try new routes to help your brain development and spot new ideas:
If you usually turn left when you leave your front door, turn right and see where it takes you.
- Vary your standard errand route, and go more slowly to see what you notice. Identify a shop or landmark worth checking out.
- Make a hand-drawn sketch of your route. Include little stick figures or icons to represent your favorite stops.
- Create a photo essay of your day. Yes, you can use your phone for this.
Reflect On Your Day
If you don’t have a regular reflection practice, take a couple minutes to reflect on what made you feel most uplifted during your day and what was most challenging. Use these data points for future creative adventures.
Remember that this type of bonus activity doesn’t need to happen every four years. Trying these tools more frequently, perhaps a Fresh Idea Friday where you integrate one idea to try. Or ask your favorite generative AI tool to give you some ideas. Whatever you decide, your brain will function better and you’ll feel more satisfied with the new thinking your bring to work.
