I think of creativity a lot like strength training. Investing 15 minutes in lifting weights here and there adds up over time, until eventually you can lift more, or do more sets, and it feels more natural. Same for running, playing an instrument, writing. Practice, practice, practice.
To be more creative, you must exercise those muscles. That doesn’t mean you need to sink hours every day or commit to creating master works of art (that’s for perfecting, not proficiency). I think even a small practice can make a big difference over time.
That is the key. Over time. 5 minutes one day might make you feel energized for that day, but the effect will wane. If you can invest 5 minutes a few times per day or week, that has the potential to make a difference in your mindset and how you approach problems.
A few things to try:
Carve out 5 minutes in the morning for a creative activity. I don’t mean something important, like trying to come up with your next great business idea or solve a big problem. Go for something that doesn’t matter if you complete it or not. Something that you never have to share with another human being. We’re looking for low stakes. It could be making something simple, like a paper hat or airplane. Or using a sketch or writing prompts to make a quick doodle or poem.
Add movement somewhere in your day. Especially if you sit much of the day for work. Sometimes the path to creativity is taking a break to get your blood flowing. There’s a reason people often get their best ideas while in the shower or out for a run. 5 minutes, 10 minutes—whatever you can manage is better than nothing. Make it a habit to take a walk during your lunch break. Or, after completing a task do some easy stretches, like series of sun salutations and forward folds. You might even try a mini-dance party. Don’t worry. No one else needs to know!
How else could I look at this? Use this question like a mantra. Notice when you are stumped. Notice when you jump to a conclusion or make quick decisions. Notice when you think you should go with the first idea that pops into your head. In all those situations, it can be good to challenge yourself to consider alternatives. This is a really useful trick to becoming a better problem solver. Sometimes the first idea is good, but the tenth idea is even better and unexpected. You might be surprised where spending five extra minutes to think through something can take you!
Day one, let’s say we’ve made a paper hat, done some stretches, and applied “How else…” to one problem. 15 minutes. It’s not much time out of the day. It could make a small difference for your mood and energy level. It might make a decent impact on the problem you were working through.
But the real magic happens when you make the commitment long term. Not just one creative day. A person who embraces and supports their inner creativity.