8 Ways to Boost Your Imagination and Creativity
What does it mean to be creative, imaginative, and curious? We believe these qualities create WONDER and AWE… creating innovation and a fresh approach to address challenges.
Yet, when we ask people how creative they often respond, “Not me…. call me logical”, or “I’ve never been a really creative person.” Probing deeper it seems these folks regard creativity in terms of art, writing, or design, and they quickly acknowledge that there are many, many people who have more of a creative streak than they do.
We maintain, however, that creativity is not a specific aptitude in the “Arts”. Rather creativity is sparked by imagination and a willingness to let go of the way things have always been done. These are attributes anyone can cultivate.
One of our favorite birds is the NUTHATCH, who walks down the tree head first, upside down. We are so intrigued with this friendly bird that visits our feeders, as they seem to be a metaphor for looking at the world from a different perspective... a perspective that is not based on the norm but breaks the norm.
Creativity also means ease and comfort in questioning the status quo. -- stepping out of our comfort zone. This often happens when a person feels safe in an environment where there is no bad idea and all are respected. On a personal level, this also means stilling the internal critic that frowns on things that are different and maybe even strange. Just remember often the best solutions result from a potentially quirky, imaginative, or off-beat idea.
Researchers from McGill University, Harvard University, and the University of Melbourne have focused on a specific type of creativity called divergent thinking. The authors state, “This is the capacity to generate diverse and imaginative solutions to challenges and problems’’. It means daydreaming, doodling, and looking with a fresh lens without judging. This is creativity! Like the nuthatch, there is more than one way to go down a tree!
As part of another study, a group of young adults in Cork, Ireland were asked to describe their feelings about creativity and why it is important in the world. Here are a few of the thoughts they shared:
· Creativity frees the mind.
· It unblocks old patterns or habits of thinking. It allows for non-linear thinking.
· Creativity enables empathy and connection to others and to ourselves.
· It opens doors to our minds. It brings forward hidden unique parts of ourselves and our identity.
· It helps draw out what is already there – hidden talents and inner capacities can emerge.
· It connects us with our passions.
· It encourages creative participation and nurtures a sense of togetherness.
· It brings people together and can enhance teamwork and cooperation.
· Creativity challenges us to think differently.
· Creativity builds intercultural connections with others unlike ourselves.
· Creativity nurtures confidence and so people are less easily influenced by others.
· Creative expression gives all people a voice.
· It can help capture ideas, thoughts, and visions about the world.
· Creativity is participatory and interactive.
In a world where logic and analytics are revered, more intuitive, circular out of the box thinking needs an honored seat at the table, along with linear thinking.
So, how can we push ourselves to be more imaginative, curious, and excited to raise “crazy” ideas? Here are 8 things that work for us:
1. Read more fiction, poetry, and philosophy, outside of your normal scope of reading.
2. Take a walk in nature and notice the patterns and details of trees, birds, and flowers.
3. Mother Nature can teach us many things. Be observant and curious about the natural world.
3. Keep a journal next to you and write down those random, crazy ideas and thoughts.
4. Practice mindfulness… quiet the busy mind that worries about the past and future.
5. Meet and talk with people who aren’t like you and then listen and learn.
6. Tame that inner critic. Don’t be afraid of trying something new… baking, painting, creative writing?
7. Travel when you can, to a place unfamiliar to you, even if to a nearby town you have never visited.
8. And finally, laugh, play, and let go.