Give yourself a creative boost!
Are you creative?
You probably had an automatic response to this question. People tend to think of this characteristic as an either/or proposition. You’re either creative or you’re not.
If you’re always saying, “I’m not a creative person,” ask yourself this: Are you imaginative, resourceful, innovative, or productive? Then chances are, you are creative as well. Just because you’re not the next Picasso, Shakespeare or Mozart, doesn’t mean you can’t reap the rewards gained from artistic pursuits.
"Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
Pablo Picasso
Here are five ways you can give yourself a creative boost:
Get inspired
In European countries, creativity is ubiquitous; you can find inspiration on every street corner. Performers busking, students sketching, artists painting; with art in abundance, creative urges are inevitable. But you don’t have to go overseas to awaken your inner artist. Immerse yourself in artistic and creative environments in your local area: botanical gardens, art galleries, film festivals, exhibitions, poetry readings, concerts or better yet, create a space in your home for artistic pursuits for you and your family.
"I don’t want life to imitate art. I want life to be art.”
Carrie Fisher
Explore, examine and experiment
The world is a curious place. Show some interest in what is all around you. Utilise all your resources to find innovative ways to learn more about the universe, the earth, animals, people, the environment, whatever stimulates your interest. For instance, if you enjoy star-gazing, augment your experience by using apps like Startracker or Sky Gazer that help you identify the stars, constellations and planets.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
Albert Einstein
The written word
Expand your communication repertoire beyond cursory emails and texts by finding other ways to express yourself: look up how to write a movie script, write poetry, write a song, come up with some new jokes, write a letter to the editor of your fave mag or an opinion piece for the paper, pen a memoir, start a blog, write a movie review or a children’s book.
"The object of art is to give life shape."
William Shakespeare
Follow your bliss
What have you always wanted to be able to do. Did you ever wish you were a rock star, painter, dancer, writer, photographer? Do whatever you feel passionate about, not necessarily what you are good at. You may not make a living pursuing your passions, but you can derive a great deal of satisfaction, achievement, and enjoyment from creative pursuits.
“you…look forward and the road is clear ahead,
and now you’re going to create something —
I think that’s as happy as I’ll ever want to be.”
Alfred Hitchcock
Make it social
Get your friends on board and tackle a new creative challenge together. Go paint in a pub (www.lifewithpaint.com), do a walking photography class throughout the city, learn an instrument together, or cook your favourite cuisine. Your local paper, community centres, and online forums like weekendnotes.com and even google can help you find opportunities to expand your creative mind that is convenient and more importantly, fun.
Remember everyone has the capacity to be creative. Engage that right brain of yours; it will open up a whole new world of ideas, opportunities and entertainment.
