31 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
31 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

What do you do to stimulate your creativity?

by rbates
27 replies
There are a number of methods that are taught in schools to help people create new ideas.
In my graphic design classes I was taught the OFPISA problem-solving approach.

1. Objective - what is it?
2. Facts - get them
3. Problem - restate the problem (targeted)
4. Ideas - anything and everything
5. Solution - pick the best of the best
6. Accept - now you have to put this thing into practice

This is only one of a number of methods that have acronyms for easy remembering. Most are quite similar.

I use this sometimes, but I find that by actually writing out (paper and pencil) I can actually stimulate my brain into action. I make drawings too, so my computer is actually a hinderance.

Also, this Warrior Forum is really great for idea stimulation. There are some amazing minds in here! So, back to the question - How do you stimulate your creativity?
#creativity #ideas #problem-solving #stimulate
  • Profile picture of the author naruq
    Rbates thank you for sharing your strategies for stimulating your creativity? One of the things I like doing to stimulate my creativity is to play the Rich Dad Poor Dad Cashflow Game. In addition, I like to play trivial pursuit with family and friends.
    Signature

    Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793076].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BetGeek
    I feel a bit the same way precious007 does.
    If you experience creative block at times, give a go to:

    The Artist's Way: A Course in Discovering and...The Artist's Way: A Course in Discovering and...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793173].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    1 - Run into resistance.

    2 - Meditate on the manner.

    Fool proof methods here

    The idea that you are uncreative is simply a creation of your ego that blocks the infinite stream of creative ideas that flow to you 24-7, 365.

    Running into resistance in the form of problems/opportunities pushes the blockages aside. Then, it's do or die.

    Meditation simply allows blockages to perfection to dissolve.

    RB
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793368].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jointaldc
    Disect, disect, disect.... try to go deeper into everything, that's how I do it, I try to breakdown things to the core, basically, simplify things
    Signature
    Jointal ---- A CPA network that operates on trust -
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2794885].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mahdiyah
    Nothing works for me
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2795012].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author taji
      I find pacing helps the ideas simmering below the surface to start to bubbling and churning.
      Or else walking the dog.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2796996].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DrMeg
      Originally Posted by BetGeek View Post

      I feel a bit the same way precious007 does.
      If you experience creative block at times, give a go to:

      The Artist's Way: A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self: Amazon.co.uk: Julia Cameron: Books
      Originally Posted by mahdiyah View Post

      Nothing works for me
      I agree with BetGeek, The Artist's Way is a must read/do for everyone in any line of work. I've gone through the entire program more than once and still use the daily practices (Morning Pages, baby)

      Mahdiya if you feel nothing works for you invest in The Artist's Way, read and do the daily exercises. If you can't get your own copy it'll be in every Library. It's been around for at least 20 years I think.
      Signature
      Meg McCormick
      The BackLink Lady

      Come read what I'm writing about at HubPages
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2806076].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tk226
    20 idea method
    Signature
    www.latestnames.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797005].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mbit
    I use 2 methods which might help others.

    This one is something you can do before sleeping/after waking up:

    When facing a roadblock you can setup a 'meeting' with people you know/heard of in your head.
    Pitch the issue to all members and let each person give their input. Because each individual has its own expertise they will provide you with different ideas. You do this yourself of course, but it allows you to view your idea/problem from differents points and your creativity will expand on it. Write it down as well, it's faster and you can draw as well (which i think is great to support your idea).

    This is my favorite one:

    Think about your idea and take it into the future. Think about it how you want it to be in the next month, 3 months, 9 months, 1 year, 2 years.. etc.
    This will allow you to view your idea in a very large scale and you'll think of new ideas/creations that are needed to support your idea in: say a year. This will speed up your creativity on your idea and go beyond it.
    The 2nd that comes with this: i will spark things up a bit, you'll see.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2797024].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author helenaldin
    I have to walk away from whatever I'm trying to work on. In Psycho-Cybernetics, Dr. Maltz called it "assigning it to my subconscious". I work on something else and give my subconscious time to generate the idea I'm looking for.

    Sounds hokey, but it works!
    Signature

    Wanna learn how to make money with little effort? Be sure to visit my blogs!
    http://instantmoneyplantoday.com/blog/
    http://becomerichertoday.blogspot.com/

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2798175].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author truewind
      Creativity is not as hard as it may seem. It is a matter of entering the right mind-set. Obviously there are several kinds of creative processes and applications, and some techniques are specific to each discipline. However, there are some basic, fundamental principles that apply every time. One very important commonality is to enter into a creative atmosphere. By that I don't necessarily mean some specific place (although it can be partly that.) A creative atmosphere is first and foremost an attitude. An attitude that is willing to step over the boundaries of the conventional. An attitude that is willing to examine and consider other perspectives. An attitude that is not stuck in the comfort zone. An attitude that is willing to brainstorm wild, crazy ideas and then later on figure out practicality. I think it was Albert Einstein who once said: "You can never solve a problem on the level on which it was created." I also have found that our mind is most susceptible to the creative thought process in the moments immediately preceding and following sleep. (there are some scientific studies on this I do not have the time to discuss - but nonetheless fascinating) One last piece of advice before I recommend some great books - Stimulating creativity is a lifestyle adventure. This is key. We must continually observe - everything. From why a leaf looks like it does to why a person constructs sentences the way they do. Examine! Examine! Examine! "Why does that commercial make me want to buy the product? Is it humorous? Is it compelling? Why?... learn to look at life from multiple perspectives everyday, and you'll find you're mind reeling with new thoughts and ways to do amazing things. I hope this helps. Here are some great books I have read that have helped my creative process:

      A WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD by Roger Von Oech;
      CONCEPTUAL BLOCKBUSTING by James L. Adams;
      and my favorite, ORBITING THE GIANT HAIRBALL by Gordon Mackenzie.

      Feel free to p.m. me if I can be of further help
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2801990].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aiarashi
    Personally I would make sure to get good sleep, because It's difficult to come up with creative ideas if my brain is tired.

    Also, some times I dream things that give me great ideas for whatever it is that I need to work with. I've actually made a habit of writing down stuff right after I wake up so I don't forget about it later.
    Signature
    Internet (Marketing) is Serious Business
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2802213].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ben_R
    simplicity in design
    the creative isn't necessarily doing something unique
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2805066].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Shania
    Try the master mind principle. Get together with a couple of like minded individual, even your spouse and discuss the issue. This always works for me. There is great wisdom and creativity when brains come together. You will come up with great solutions and more ideas than you can handle. I also find following a hunch very useful! Just a simple hunch will lead to a wealth of solutions and ideas. Normally you will never have the entire picture in place but as you take a step the next step becomes clearer and clearer.
    Signature
    Wedding gowns in Kenya
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2805220].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rbates
      Hi all, thanks for all of the great input.

      I have been doing a bit more digging. We usually think about being creative in terms of problem-solving. Creativity and problem solving are not one in the same. Creativity uses divergent thinking (unlimited) and problem-solving uses convergent thinking where things are narrowed down.

      It seems that some people are better at some things, and others are better at other things. It depends upon things such as interest, self-concept (if you think that you are creative), ability (some people are more creative), and effort. There is more, but I don't want to get too boring.

      It was also mentioned that a person can (listen up Mahdiyah) train themselves, or get training to become more creative. In other words,
      being creative, like many other skills, takes practice.
      Signature
      >>> Perform and stay focused! - Make cents with your business. <<<
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2805938].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GerberDeLange
    If you are trying to solve a problem or come up with new ideas for something, try changing your perspective:
    - how would my child solve this problem?
    - how would my mother use this tool?
    - how would a scientist use this?
    - how would a farmer approach this material?

    The list of questions can of course be endless and should give you plenty of ideas.
    Signature

    Gerber de Lange
    Personal Development Blog

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2807189].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author StephanieMojica
    I use the following:

    1. Creative art journaling.
    2. An artificial sun lamp.
    3. Studying foreign languages (I'm currently studying Latin, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Swedish)
    4. Yoga.
    5. Meditation.
    6. Free-writing about why I feel non-creative.

    Stephanie
    Signature
    Are you still struggling to grow your Internet business income? Learn the secrets that increased my income 700%--and can do the same for you--in my free report "5 Business Prosperity Secrets." Go here now to download your copy at no cost to you...http://www.businessprosperitysecrets.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2807998].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DanteIlluai
    I prefer bouncing a ball against the wall while I engage in contemplative meditation. Bouncing the ball while walking outside works for me too.

    Usually after bouncing the ball I take out pen and paper and get things down in front of me. This way I can allow my mind to stop trying to cram everything into conscious memory that is related to what I am creating. As a result, I feel less burdened and am able to relax, which is the state that I am most creative in.

    I think the thing with bouncing the ball is somewhat similar. It helps me clear out any unrelated things from my mind. I keep adapting my process as I go based on what I learn from self-observation and try to focus more on what works than the reason it works.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2808426].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ColdFire123
    Being creative will just be comes out especially if you have an idea on the topic.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2815920].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author eijk82
      Originally Posted by ColdFire123 View Post

      Being creative will just be comes out especially if you have an idea on the topic.
      ooo yes, one more thing. I usually get a good mood first before looking for some ideas.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2820395].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author helenaldin
    Watch videos like this one with Tony Robbins: Interview with Frank Kern and John Reese
    Signature

    Wanna learn how to make money with little effort? Be sure to visit my blogs!
    http://instantmoneyplantoday.com/blog/
    http://becomerichertoday.blogspot.com/

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2815932].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    1 i sleep a lot, but not too much
    2 make sure i have a lot of spare time in my hands
    3 i exercise
    4 a little wine, maybe
    5 watch science fiction
    6 go outside
    7 do things i enjoy
    8 spend time with other humans
    Signature

    New Book! Radical Life Extension. Help me to hasten the defeat of aging.
    Michael Ten . Do Nothing Does . All Books by Michael Ten

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2816011].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author eijk82
      Originally Posted by Michael55555 View Post

      1 i sleep a lot, but not too much
      2 make sure i have a lot of spare time in my hands
      3 i exercise
      4 a little wine, maybe
      5 watch science fiction
      6 go outside
      7 do things i enjoy
      8 spend time with other humans
      yes, I implement these steps too everytime I feel stuck take a break for a while then go back to think hardly again.
      But not for number 4, because I just take a small glass of wine only in case of hardly to get a nice sleep.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2820382].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magnates
      What I do to stimulate creativity is to ask only one question

      "How else can do this " and wait for the answer to come to me

      Most time the answers comes straight away (you change the shape , the size , the colour , the method , the system e.t.c ) and other times it comes to be when I am not even thinking about it

      and when that happens i write down

      I am creative (borderline crazy with a very wild imagination ) so PM with your question and i would help as much as i can
      Signature

      ==>[[FREE WSO]] -These Five Powerful Strategies Will Solve Your List Building Problems For Good !!


      ==>[**£7 WSO**] - 7 Ways To Drive An Extra 100,000 Targeted Visitors To Your Website

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2828540].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lstoops
    First - creativity comes when I am not stressed. My mind must be calm. I can't think or be creative when I HAVE to get something done. So first, I must get that thing done and then I will have the freedom to be creative.

    Second - getting away from the computer, working out, or going to a new place stimulates creativity for me. Also, finding creative people online and seeing their work - that stimulates me too!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2821260].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maidmarion
    For me creativity comes when I'm feeling free, feeling happy.
    To do that, sometimes I need to go walk in beautiful nature, have a very long rest, or take a holiday. Even going out dancing & having lots of fun can do it. The day afterwards I feel inspired and..happy. Then when I reach for my notepad and pen, I am often creative.
    Signature
    How to Improve Your Posture While Sitting!

    Camping Tips & Tricks!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2836192].message }}

Trending Topics