Creativity is like a muscle. It needs to be stretched, challenged, and sometimes pushed outside its comfort zone. Almost no one treats it that way; they leave it sitting on the sidelines. That is a real shame, because being creative is what makes you special, what opens doors, and even what makes you a more interesting partner. Today we are going to stretch those creative muscles again.<\/p>\n
Here are 10 ways you can dramatically improve your creativity.<\/p>\n
Sponsored*<\/em><\/p>\n Music stimulates the part of our brain that controls motor actions, emotions, and creativity. Classical music can give an extra boost: according to the \u201cMozart Effect,\u201d listening to Mozart may increase creativity, focus, and other cognitive functions. While it is not clear whether this works for everyone, a little classical music never hurt anyone.<\/p>\n Step away from whatever idea has you stuck for a few minutes. What is the most useless idea you can imagine? Make a list of the worst ideas you can come up with. Now comes the real creativity stretch: What are the best features of these terrible ideas? Looking at awful ideas may spark something creative you can transfer to your strong idea.<\/p>\n Stuck in a mental rut? When you hit panic mode, try meditating. It promotes divergent thinking, a mental state in which we can generate new ideas. In my case, some of my best ideas have come in the shower. I feel so relaxed that I leave every problem and worry at the office, and once the water is running I start to feel my mind open to possibilities I could not see before.<\/p>\n Remember the thrill of being a kid running around the playground, inventing games and adventures? Bring that feeling back simply by getting a dose of green. Being in natural environments is like playtime for adults: it opens the five senses, energizes the body, and most importantly, stimulates the imagination.<\/p>\n When we spend time with people we trust, we tend to have deeper conversations. The Barrons believe these chats often lead to creative thinking because we can be ourselves and talk freely about our passions. One of my business ideas literally took shape over dinner with friends and colleagues. We were talking about what they were doing, and it made me want to open a business in Mexico. Then they started talking about how much they enjoyed the aperitif and the wine at dinner, and right then I decided I would open my own import company. At that same dinner I convinced my partner to go into business with me. None of it was planned. It simply came to me. And now CPF Francia<\/a><\/span><\/span> has been importing exclusive products across Mexico for more than three years.<\/p>\n Doing things out of habit tends to undermine creative thinking. On the other hand, seeking novelty is linked to creativity (and overall well-being). Even something as simple as taking a new route to work or trying a good recipe counts. I always insist that having a routine is important; you can see that in several articles such as \u201c6 tips to be a healthy entrepreneur<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u201d or \u201cReduce your stress at work<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u201d But it is also important to do unplanned, different things.<\/p>\n1- Listen to music<\/strong><\/h2>\n
2- Pick a terrible idea<\/strong><\/h2>\n
3- Meditate<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4- Spend time outdoors<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5- Socialize<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6- Dare to try something new<\/strong><\/h2>\n