How to Cultivate Your Creative Side

I don’t know how many times I hear people tell me they don’t have a creative side, but creativity is a skill that can be cultivated with practice. Just like any other skill, it takes time and effort to develop, and for those that wonder yes, you can learn to be more creative.

There are some things you can do to cultivate your creative side:

1. Set aside time for creativity every day. Even if it’s just for 15 minutes, carving out some time each day to be creative will help you get into a flow and make it more likely that you’ll come up with new ideas. I like to call it creating in the in-between – perhaps during a lunch break or while at a doctor’s office.
2. Experiment with different creative outlets. There are many different ways to be creative. Don’t limit yourself to just one medium. Try painting, writing, playing music, or anything else that interests you. I started with crochet and did everything from cross-stitching to painting to wood-burning.
3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re being creative. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward. Sometimes what is perceived as a mistake is actually the coolest thing about the project.
4. Collaborate with others. Bouncing ideas off of other people can help you to come up with new and innovative solutions. Having a community where you can share freely can be one of the best things for your creativity.
5. Take breaks. Sometimes the best way to be creative is to step away from your work for a while. Go for a walk, take a nap, or do something else that will help you to clear your head. My favorite thing to do is to go hiking and spend a few hours in the woods.
6. Find a creative mentor or community. Having someone who can support and guide you on your creative journey can be invaluable.
7. Read books and articles about creativity. There is a wealth of information available on the topic of creativity. Reading about it can help you to learn new techniques and strategies. Or get the 90 days of creativity journal!
8. Attend workshops and classes. There are many opportunities to learn about creativity through workshops and classes. These can be a great way to meet other creative people and get inspired.
9. Don’t give up. Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at it. So don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually see improvement.

Cultivating creative habits takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. When you’re more creative, you’ll be better able to solve problems, come up with new ideas, and express yourself.