How To Get Into A Creative Mindset: 11 Easy Steps

Are you looking for ways on how to get into a creative mindset? Do you want to be more productive and innovative at work or even in your personal life? If so, you’re in the right place.

Creativity is an important asset in all aspects of life; whether you’re working, building your empire, or simply looking to add some personal fulfilment, it pays off to nurture your creative side!

But how can you access your creativity at will? It's all about getting into the right frame of mind and removing any mental blocks that are preventing you from fully engaging with your inner artist.

In this article, we will provide key steps on how to do just that! From understanding why our minds resist creativity to practical tips on sparking new ideas, this article has got you covered! By the end of this article, not only will you have acquired greater insight into unlocking the power of your creative side, but you will also feel confident in using it in meaningful and beneficial ways!

 

Exploring the Concept of Creativity

Examining the concept of creativity is necessary for comprehending how to get into a creative mindset.

Creativity can be defined as the ability to create something new, either by combining existing ideas or materials in an imaginative way or by inventing something completely original. It involves divergent thinking and problem-solving processes that allow us to come up with unique solutions to problems or challenges.

Creativity can also be seen as a way of expressing yourself and your thoughts in an artistic or creative manner.

Why does our mind resist creativity?

It’s important to understand why our minds may initially resist creativity. Many of us are conditioned to think within certain parameters and frameworks, meaning that we don’t always feel comfortable thinking outside the box.

This can lead us to feel overwhelmed or anxious when it comes to tackling creative tasks, as we fear we won’t be able to come up with anything new or innovative.

Also, our brains are hardwired to take the most efficient routes in order to solve problems and complete tasks.

This means that often, when faced with a creative challenge, our minds will automatically try to find the fastest way out of the situation, rather than taking the time to explore and find new, creative ways to solve the problem.

Having explored creativity, we will discuss how this impacts the ability of an individual to adopt a creative mindset, and how they can access their creativity whenever desired.

What Is A Creative Mindset?

A creative mindset is a personal attitude that encourages creativity during goal achievement.

It is linked to a person's lifestyle and experiences and can profoundly aid in communication, problem-solving, perseverance, and other fields. Believing in one's potential makes creativity easier to access.

Having a creative mindset gives you an advantage over others in terms of creativity. This increases your likelihood of success in business or other endeavours. In addition, creative thinking allows individuals to view problems as opportunities rather than failures. Thus, having a creative mindset is essential for achieving success.

Eckhart Tolle, a German-born spiritual teacher and self-help author, highlighted the notion that creativity is fundamentally driven by an individual's inner power, suggesting that tapping into one's own internal resources is the most effective way to harness creativity.

It further emphasises the idea that creative potential is completely independent of external sources and therefore inexhaustible.

Achieving success with a creative mindset

Success with a creative mindset is attainable by combining the appropriate attitude and actions.

The key to unlocking creativity is believing in your own potential and being open to new ideas and perspectives.

By embracing experimentation and risk-taking, you can start to trust your instincts and become more confident in your ability to create something meaningful, regardless of the outcome.

Carl G. Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology, believed that creativity is the process of releasing one's mind from self-restrictions. This suggests that our imagination can be seen as a way of being and doing. In this way, creativity is regarded not just as an inherent trait, but also as an activity or state of being.

With creative thinking, you can achieve success. You must be in a mindset where you are willing to come up with new ideas. This frame of thinking is quite beneficial because it might assist you in expanding your knowledge base and is a key tool to achieving success.

The common habits of a creative mindset

Being familiar with the common habits of a creative mindset is important for knowing how to get into a creative mindset. We will discuss these common habits briefly and concisely.

Curiosity

People who are creative typically demonstrate inquisitiveness towards their environment. You ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek out new experiences.

Openness

Individuals who are creative, like you, tend to be open to different experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking. You are receptive to different ideas and are not afraid to challenge your own assumptions.

Persistence

Creativity often requires persistence and hard work. As a creative person, you are willing to put in the time and effort to develop your ideas and bring them to fruition.

Flexibility

Someone with creative abilities typically possesses adaptability and the ability to make decisions quickly. If you are a creative person, you are comfortable with uncertainty and can pivot your ideas in response to changing circumstances.

Risk-taking

Creativity involves taking risks and trying new things. Creative individuals are willing to take calculated risks and step outside of their comfort zones.

Observation

As a creative person, you pay close attention to the environment around you. You have an eye for detail and you utilize this to influence your work.

Playfulness

Engaging in creative activities can be pleasurable. Individuals with creative mindsets may possess a sense of childlike wonder and often take a playful attitude when approaching their work.

Collaboration

Many creative endeavours involve collaboration with others. Creative individuals are able to work well with others, share ideas, and build on each other's strengths.

Embracing failure

Failure is often an inevitable part of the creative process. Creative individuals are able to learn from their failures and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Continuous learning

Possessing creativity can lead to a more consistent commitment to lifelong learning. You seek out new information and skills and are always looking for ways to improve your work.

These habits can help individuals cultivate a creative mindset, but it's important to note that creativity is a complex and multifaceted trait that is influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, and life experiences.

You just recognised the importance of developing a creative mindset. Now, let's take a look at some of the benefits of developing and keeping your creative mind.

Benefits Of Having A Creative Mindset

Having a creative mindset can help someone achieve success in many aspects of life. Here are some of the benefits that come with developing a creative mindset:

Enhanced problem-solving skills

Possessing a creative mindset can lead to increased problem-solving capabilities.

Creative minds tend to be better at analysing problems and coming up with innovative solutions. This allows them to come up with ideas that are more creative and effective than traditional methods of solving problems.

Furthermore, creative thinkers are often able to come up with "out of the box" solutions that may not have been considered otherwise.

Better communication skills

Creative minds are often better communicators, as they are able to express their ideas in a clear and concise way. They can communicate complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, which makes them more effective communicators.

Additionally, creative minds often have better listening skills, as they are able to actively listen and consider different perspectives.

This allows them to make better decisions and come up with better solutions.

Increased confidence

Individuals with creative minds often demonstrate increased confidence in their abilities, due to their frequent endeavours to pursue novel ideas and tasks.

This newfound confidence helps them take on larger projects and tackle difficult tasks with ease. It also allows them to take risks and seize opportunities that may be out of reach for other people.

Provides relief from stress

Having a creative mindset can be beneficial when dealing with stress.

Creative activities like painting, drawing, photography, writing, or playing a musical instrument can help individuals express their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way.

Creative pursuits can also provide an opportunity to relax and unwind, allowing individuals to take a break from the stresses of everyday life.

It may save you money

You may be able to save money by tapping into your creative side and potentially creating something just as good, if not better, than store-bought alternatives.

There are numerous websites showcasing unique products and how people are making a profit from their handcrafted items.

Earning money may not be the driving force behind your creativity, but it is a nice bonus. You'd be astonished to learn that the things you take for granted are actually necessities for others. Wouldn't it be rewarding to have a part-time or full-time career doing something you enjoy? just by having creativity and a creative mindset.

If you would like to explore opportunities for small businesses that require a creative mindset, click on 50 Innovative Small Business Ideas For A Creative Person.

Connects you with other people

Having a creative mindset can enable meaningful connections with other people.

When you tap into your creativity, you can use it as an outlet to express yourself and let others understand who you are.

This connection can lead to increased self-esteem and self-awareness as you share your unique ideas and creations with the world. You can also make new friends, collaborate on projects, and explore new opportunities.

It is also a great way to learn from others, as creative minds tend to be open-minded and willing to accept different perspectives.

These are just a few of the many benefits that come from having a creative mindset. Knowing that you can use your creativity to improve your life in numerous ways is empowering and should be an incentive to start exploring the possibilities.

 

Some Techniques for Exploring Creative Thinking

Exploring creative thinking involves using a range of techniques to help you come up with new ideas and solutions. It allows someone to achieve success; for instance, if you are planning to start a business career, then having creative thinking is essential.

If you are looking for techniques to promote creative thinking in a business career, click on "How Can Creative Thinking Help In A Business Career: 8 Strategies to Stimulate It."

Going back, here are some of the most popular techniques for boosting creativity:

Consider a time when you felt very creative

Creativity is a skill that can be improved with practise and effort. To gain insights on how to foster it more often, you can look back to times when you experienced creative flow and assess the conditions that enabled it.

For example, maybe you remember a time when you were working on a project that you were really passionate about, and you had a lot of autonomy and flexibility in how you approached the work.

Maybe you had a supportive team or mentor who gave you feedback and encouragement along the way, or you were able to take breaks and switch up your routine when you needed to recharge.

By identifying these factors and reflecting on how they contributed to your creativity, you can start to intentionally create similar conditions in your future creative endeavours.

Whether you're an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to be more creative in their daily life, taking the time to reflect on your past experiences can help you unlock new levels of innovation and inspiration.

Talk to a friend about your creative ideas and feelings

Discussing your creative ideas and feelings with a friend can aid in gaining clarity and insight into the creative process.

Having conversations with someone who understands you, cares about your projects, and can provide feedback in an honest yet supportive way can help you feel motivated and inspired.

By brainstorming with a friend, you can explore new angles for approaching creative tasks and get a better sense of what you need to do in order to make progress.

Plus, the act of talking about your creative space and process can help you gain more confidence and feel less overwhelmed by it.

Try to unwind and reduce stress

Sometimes, the stress of everyday life can get in the way of creative thinking and expression. To help reduce stress levels and promote creativity, it is important to take time to relax and unwind each day.

Try scheduling some time for yourself each day to relax and do something enjoyable. This could be reading a book, going for a walk, or even just meditating for a few minutes.

Doing something that you enjoy can help reduce stress and open up your mind to creative and amazing ideas.

Look at your creative mindset from the outside

Taking a step back and looking at your creative mindset from the outside can be very helpful in understanding how to improve it.

To do this, you can ask yourself questions like:

• What things do I think about when I am in a creative flow?
• What conditions help me to stay focused and motivated?
• What obstacles stand in my way of achieving success?
• How can I overcome these challenges?

By looking at your creative mindset from the outside, you can gain a better understanding of what works best for you and how to make improvements.

Try a brainstorming exercise

Brainstorming is one of the most popular techniques for boosting creativity. It involves coming up with as many ideas as possible without judging or overthinking them.

To start a brainstorming exercise, grab a notebook and jot down any creative ideas that come to mind. Don’t worry about whether they are good or bad; just write them down and keep going until you have enough ideas to explore.

Once you have a list of ideas, you can start to narrow them down and pick out the best ones to pursue.

By doing this, you can get into a creative mindset and start thinking more freely, for instance, about the project you are working on.

These are some techniques you can use to get into a creative mindset. Remember that it takes time and practise to develop a creative mindset, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t see immediate results.

With patience and dedication, you can develop the skills needed for success in any creative field.

11 Easy Steps To Get Into A Creative Mindset

After knowing some important information above, it's time to get into the 11 easy steps to getting into a creative mindset.

1. Get outdoors and absorb the beauty of nature

One of the best and most natural ways to get into a creative mindset is to get outdoors and absorb the beauty of nature.

Being outside in nature helps to reduce stress and clear your mind, which can increase your ability to think more creatively. This could be anything from taking a walk in a park or forest, going for a swim in the ocean, or simply sitting on a beach and appreciating the sound of the waves.

Honing a creative mindset is often a matter of being more in tune with yourself, so taking the time to get out of your comfort zone and observe nature can be beneficial.

2. Watch inspiring videos or TED talks

In addition to getting outdoors and absorbing the beauty of nature, watching inspiring videos or TED talks can be another great way to get into a creative mindset.

Watching videos of inspiring people talking about their successes and failures can motivate you to push yourself further and help you gain more confidence in your own abilities.

This is because hearing inspiring stories from successful people can help you realise that anything is possible if you put in the effort.

Moreover, TED talks in particular can be great for unlocking creative ideas, as they often involve experts talking about their research and insights on a wide range of topics. You can watch TED talks on almost any subject, so you’re sure to find something that sparks your creative imagination.

3. Read stories that inspire your imagination

Reading stories that encourage imagination can be an effective way to stimulate creativity.

Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, reading about the adventures of characters in books or the real-life experiences of others can help you gain new perspectives and open up your mind to new ideas.

By reading stories, you can get out of your own head and gain insights into other people’s lives, which can help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your own creative potential.

Finally, reading can also help to reduce stress and provide an escape from every day, allowing you to relax and be more open to creative ideas.

4. Take a "brain break" by switching tasks

When we work on a task for an extended period of time, our brains can become fatigued, and our ability to generate new ideas and think creatively can start to decline.

This is because our brains have limited cognitive resources, and when we use those resources for a long time on one task, we can start to experience cognitive overload.

Taking a "brain break" by switching tasks can help alleviate this cognitive overload and give our brains a chance to rest and recharge. When we switch to a different task, we engage different neural networks in our brains, which can help prevent fatigue and stimulate new ideas and perspectives.

For example, if you've been working on a writing project for several hours, taking a break to go for a walk or working on a different type of task, like drawing or solving a puzzle, can help give your brain a break and activate different neural pathways.

This can help you return to your writing project with renewed energy and fresh ideas.

Additionally, taking a brain break can help reduce stress and increase overall well-being. When we're stressed, our brains release cortisol, which can impair cognitive function and make it harder to think creatively.

By taking a break and engaging in a different activity, we can help reduce our stress levels and promote a more positive mindset, which can enhance our ability to think creatively.

Develop positive habits

Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can foster creative thinking. Small changes to your pre-existing habits can make a big difference in helping you sustain a positive attitude.

Here are some effective things you can do to develop a positive mindset and eventually get into a creative mindset:

5. Exercise regularly to stay energised and creative

Exercising regularly can be an effective way to stay energised and creative.

There is a growing body of research that suggests that exercise can have a positive impact on cognitive function and creativity. Exercise has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, which can help improve cognitive performance, including creative thinking.

Furthermore, regular exercise has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress levels, both of which can have a significant impact on creativity. When we're feeling stressed or anxious, it can be difficult to think creatively, as our brains are focused on the source of our stress.

Exercise can help reduce stress levels and promote a more positive mindset, which can enhance our ability to think creatively.

6. Embrace a creative morning routine to set the tone for your day

Starting your day with a creative morning routine can help get you into a creative mindset and set the tone for the rest of your day.

Developing an intentional morning routine can provide structure, focus, and direction to start your day in the most productive way possible.

To develop an effective creative morning routine, it’s important to prioritise activities that will help you feel energised, inspired, and focused. This might include activities such as journaling, reading, meditating, stretching, or creating something new.

Engaging in these activities can help activate different neural pathways in your brain that can help you think more creatively throughout the day.

Additionally, having a creative morning routine can help you develop consistent habits and routines that will set the stage for a more creative mindset each day. That's why we have designed the Morning Mindset Journal to help you develop a creative morning routine.

7. Cultivate a positive attitude towards creativity

It's important to cultivate a positive attitude towards creativity in order to get into a creative mindset. Creative thinking is often seen as something daunting and intimidating, but it can actually be very enjoyable and rewarding.

Having a positive attitude towards creativity can help you overcome fear and doubt when approaching new projects and ideas.

It can also help you become more open-minded and willing to take risks with your ideas, which is essential for creative thinking.

For instance, it can be helpful to remind yourself that creativity is a process that often involves trial and error. Focusing on the journey rather than the end result can help you stay positive and motivated when working on creative projects.

Generate ideas with mind maps and brainstorms

Generating ideas with mind maps and brainstorms can be an effective way to get into a creative mindset. Mind maps are visual diagrams used to organise information and ideas, while brainstorming involves generating multiple ideas quickly in a group setting.

Mind mapping can help you connect seemingly unrelated concepts and generate new ideas by exploring different associations between them. It is also an effective way to break down complex ideas and organise them in a way that is easier to understand.

8. Use mind maps to explore ideas related to your project

Mind mapping can be a useful tool for investigating ideas connected to a particular project.

It is a visual way of organising information and ideas, which can help you generate new ideas or make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.

When using mind maps to explore ideas related to your project, it is important to start by writing down the main topic of the project in the centre of the map and then branching out from there.

For instance, if you are working on a project related to landscape photography, you could start by writing the words "landscape photography" in the centre of the map and then branch out by exploring different ideas related to it, such as "lighting," "composition," or "techniques."

9. Practice brainstorming with yourself, colleagues, and friends

Reflection and collaboration are effective strategies for stimulating creative thinking. Brainstorming involves quickly generating multiple ideas in a group setting, which can help you come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.

When brainstorming, it’s important to remain open-minded and willing to explore different possibilities. It’s also helpful to suspend judgement and criticism of ideas until the end of the brainstorming session.

It can also be helpful to have someone else present during the brainstorming session to help keep things on track and facilitate discussion.

10. Use the 6 thinking hat methodology

The 6 Thinking Hats Methodology is a powerful tool for stimulating creative thinking.

It is a framework designed by Edward de Bono that uses different colours to represent different perspectives and ideas. Each colour hat signifies a different approach or attitude towards thinking, such as looking at things from an emotional point of view (red hat), or an analytical perspective (black hat).

By changing hats, you can explore different ways of looking at a problem or situation, which can help you generate innovative ideas and solutions.

This tool can be a great way to explore different perspectives and foster collaboration among team members.

Free your creative mind

Freeing your creative mind is a key step in getting into a creative mindset. This involves letting go of expectations and judgments, as well as any preconceived ideas about what you should be creating.

When you free your mind, it can help open up space for new ideas to come to the surface. It also encourages you to be more playful and experimental with your work, which can widen your perspective.

Widening your perspective is a great way to get into a creative mindset. It involves looking at things from different angles and exploring new ways of thinking. This can help you come up with innovative ideas and solutions to problems.

11. Experiment with mindfulness and journaling

One way to get into a creative mindset is to experiment with mindfulness and journaling.

Mindfulness can help you stay present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This can help open up space for new ideas to emerge.

Journaling is also a great way to explore your creative process and reflect on your progress. You can use journaling as a tool for brainstorming or exploring different perspectives on a project. It can also be used to document new ideas, plans, and insights.

To maximise your creativity, it is beneficial to be in a low-stress state of mind with a clear goal in mind. Utilising tools like OCCO London's Morning Mindset Journal can help you attain this.

By following these eleven steps, you can get into a creative mindset and start exploring innovative ideas for your projects.

After reading everything above, maybe you still have some questions about how to get into a creative mindset. To help answer these queries, from the most basic to the more intricate ones, read through the answers in the frequently asked questions section below. Let's check out some of the common questions regarding this topic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about how to get into a creative mindset:

What are some tips for getting into a creative mindset?

Here are some other tips for getting into a creative mindset:

• Spend time outside: Nature can spark creativity and help clear the mind. Taking regular breaks to go outside can be a great way to get into a creative mindset.
• Take time to reflect: Reflecting on past work or projects can provide insight and perspective, helping you to see things from different angles.
• Exercise: Exercise helps boost energy levels and can help with creative thinking.
• Meditate: Meditation can help to clear the mind and open up space for new ideas.
• Talk to others: Talking to people with different perspectives and experiences can provide valuable insights and help you come up with innovative solutions.

Following these tips can help you develop a creative mindset and explore new ideas for your projects.

How can I change my thoughts to become more creative?

Changing your thoughts to become more creative can be achieved by using different techniques.

First, it’s important to recognise and challenge any negative or self-limiting beliefs that could be holding you back. Once these are identified, it is possible to reframe them into something more positive and empowering.

Another effective technique is cognitive reframing. This involves changing the way you think about a situation or challenge by looking at it from different angles. It can help you come up with creative solutions and ideas.

Finally, practising mindfulness can help to clear the mind and open up space for new thoughts and ideas.

How can I stay motivated and focused when solving problems creatively?

Maintaining motivation and concentration while solving problems creatively can be difficult, but there are techniques that may provide assistance.

It is important to set clear goals for yourself and break down the task into smaller steps. This can help you stay focused on the end goal and make incremental progress without getting overwhelmed.

For you to break down tasks and prioritise them, you need some tools, OCCO London's Priority Pad can help you achieve your task prioritisation.

It is also beneficial to take regular breaks throughout your creative process. Taking a walk, listening to music, or doing something else that you enjoy can help keep your energy levels up and give you the motivation to keep going.

Lastly, it can be helpful to have someone who can support you and provide encouragement. Having an accountability partner or mentor can help you stay motivated and focused on your goal.

How can I better manage distractions and negative thoughts during a creative session?

Managing distractions and negative thoughts during a creative session can be challenging, but there are some effective strategies that can help.

You have to create an environment that is conducive to creativity by eliminating any potential distractions. This could mean turning off notifications and removing any items or activities that might draw your attention away from the task at hand.

It can also be helpful to dedicate time each day to practising mindfulness and meditation. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to better manage any negative emotions or distractions.

Taking risks and experimenting are elements of creativity, and focusing on the journey instead of the end result can help to maintain enthusiasm when unexpected outcomes occur.

Are there any helpful tools or resources that will increase my creativity?

There are various tools and resources available to aid in developing creativity.

One such tool is mind mapping. Mind mapping involves creating diagrams or visual maps that represent ideas or concepts.

This technique can provide an effective way to brainstorm and structure your thoughts, allowing you to explore new ideas and consider multiple angles on an issue.

Another helpful resource is the Pomodoros Technique, which involves breaking down tasks into smaller chunks of time and taking regular breaks in between. This can help keep you focused for longer periods and increase productivity.

If creativity is your main focus, OCCO London has also provided you with some productivity tools to help creative people like you succeed in any aspect of life, whether in your personal life, business, career, etc.

Creative writing is also a great way to get your ideas flowing. Writing prompts can provide inspiration and help you find creative solutions to problems.

Conclusion

Acquiring an understanding of how to get into a creative mindset can allow you to access your own creative potential. Achieving and maintaining a productive creative mindset requires practice and dedication on your part, but it's definitely worth it in the end!

With just 10 simple steps, you can make huge strides towards becoming an expert problem-solver who is full of ideas and innovative solutions. Not only does this have great potential for your personal projects, but for your workplace as well. So dive into these steps, invest time in each one, and watch yourself blossom into an artistic powerhouse with a mind of wonders.

There's no limit to what kind of impact you make when you equip yourself with powerful techniques like these that foster creativity and create meaningful conversations within any industry or workspace.

We hope these 11 steps gave you great insight into how to get into a creative mindset. Happy creating!

If you find this article helpful, consider sharing it with people you know who are looking to unlock and enhance their creative thinking. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

We here at OCCO London offer individuals with creative potential like you the chance to explore their full potential.