The Secret Behind Habitual Creativity

Over this weekend, I was really thinking a lot about creativity. I have met some seriously "uncreative-creatives". What I mean by that is they do creative work i.e. graphic design, UX/UI design, photography but they're not creative with it at all. As they have gained more experience and found what works for them, they now have all of these systems and processes in place that they just repeat over and over again like a robot. There's no room for change. They will regurgitate the same style every single time without fail. The creative spark that once had, has all but vanished. Now, they are much closer to those quote-on-quote "corporate machines" that pushed them to exploring their creative side in the first place!

I take no issue with having systems. Heck, I'm a huge advocate for them. Without them, I would not be able to function. But, always leave room for experimentation- for what your gut is saying.

If you've lost the creative in your day-to-day here's how you can go about getting it back:

👉🏾 Imagination

Remember when you were a child and you questioned if the ceilings were really as high as they looked? When you were convinced that the monster underneath your bed was going to get you unless you had your nightlight on? When you treated your living room as the fort of the mermaid princess, Rosa? No- just me? Well, boys and girls, that was because you had imagination. Before you start a project, just take time to imagine what the outcome could be. Forget the rules for a moment and just let your mind wonder.

👉🏾 Attention

I always say that creativity requires your very best brain cells. Some of us are so stuck looking at the bigger picture that we miss the smaller finer details that will actually invoke creativity. Take the time to fully indulge in whatever it is that you're doing, so you can actually experience it. Zoom right in and give it your full attention.

👉🏾 Memory

When you have given it adequate attention, then you can begin to consider your past attempts. What has worked and what hasn't worked. Remember though, previous failures have only shown you the ways it may not work, but with creativity, there is no right way. That's the fun part of all this, so keep experimenting!

Don't just be a 'creative' on paper, be a creative for real by being creative with your approach.