Is your schedule missing time for creative inspiration? In today’s digital society found in Australia and New Zealand, you may find yourself online often, checking email, work updates, and news stories constantly. This doesn’t leave much time to unplug from technology and connect with your personal creativity.
This may seem difficult because our smart phones and computers deliver information to us while we must actively seek creative inspiration. Not only do we need to be consistent in efforts to inspire creative thinking, we must combat popular culture established in Australia by escaping the noise and restrictions that technology, work, and life place on our creative freedom.
You’re in good company if this topic resonates with you. There are numerous people throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the world who struggle with making time to think, create, and invent. On the flip side, there are many others who schedule time for creative thinking and make great things happen as a result.
How to be creative in thinking begins with unplugging from technology, connecting with like-minded individuals, and setting aside time to think, create, and invent.
Unplug from technology
The Internet displays the vastness of creativity that exists in our world. Such a showcase can be great for inspiring creative thinking. However, it can also be a deterrent. Too much time in front of a screen can deaden your energy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2015196/Too-internet-use-damage-teenagers-brains.html). When you feel lethargic because of this, consider going outside for fresh air, play with your children or animals, have a conversation with your spouse or neighbor. These are recharging activities that may spark creativity.
Connect with creative thinkers
Whether you operate best offline or online, it is important to connect with other creative people who can encourage your ideas while offering critical feedback. If you do not have a creative circle where you live, you may want to find like-minded people online through social media networks like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Brainzooming.com recommends gathering the following personalities to complete a creative and critical think tank: The Skeptic, The Theater Fan, An Argumentative, A Dense Person, and A Narrow Minded Associate (http://brainzooming.com/creative-thinking-skills-5-people-vital-to-critical-thinking-literally/14836/).
Schedule time to think, create, and invent
The Fast Company Leadership Blog (http://www.fastcompany.com/1748184/5-creativity-challenge) praises the idea of dedicating 5 percent of your week to “reflect, think, and create.” This means you would spend 2 hours of a 40 hour work week with your creative thoughts. If you can pack one week’s worth of work into 38 hours, this time frame may work well for you. According to @FastCoLeaders, organizations that tried this method experienced no drop in productivity and gained a fresh wave of energy and ideas. If infusing creativity in organizations yields dramatic results, imagine what it can do for you.
As you move forward, consider making opportunities to think, create, and invent. By turning off your technological devices, collaborating with other creative thinkers, and scheduling time to exercise your mind and ideas, you will establish an environment conducive to freedom in thought. Your future may be unknown but your path is set. You create time to be creative.
Edmond Otis is a motivator, communicator, and coach. He draws on his career and life skills to come up with memorable conversation topics that speak to a variety of people throughout Australia, New Zealand and the US. If you like his article Create Time to be Creative, consider Edmond for your next speaking event or purposeful group gathering.
