The 6 Ways I Prompt Creativity On A Regular Basis

Generating ideas in the vast field of blogging, isn’t all rainbows and butterflies (at least when you’re trying to be authentic). It takes imagination, thought, and hard work to actually make a vision come to life. (Work that I am still learning and will always be trying to piece together). But while everything is basically one giant learning process in life, the same goes with finding ways to prompt creativity. I truly believe everyone is creative. No two people think the same, or therefore act the same. We are all imaginative in some way or another. Perhaps for the over-thinkers like me, it may just take a small nudge to get going on the path you actually want.. With this, I’ve started implementing (by coincidence really) different ways throughout my day when I can plant the seed. I know that I am an innovative person, but I also know how easy it is to get swallowed up in media, or others doing around you..

So, while most of these are brain-busters, or basically “things to get off the computer” they honestly work. A major factor I take into consideration when trying to prompt creativity is asking myself this: Is it repetitive? Does it reflect me? But most importantly: will others find this creative?

So, to take a step back from the constant influences around us, try one of these tactics the next time you feel in a rut (or may be overthinking). Because we all know that special spark once it’s there.. and how fulfilling it truly can be.

Go For a Long Walk

Despite my dog Maggie needing to go on a walk every day, I really use this time to put my phone away and think. There’s a gorgeous trail near our house, and it’s the perfect spot to have some peace and quiet without distractions. She runs free and I let my mind go from day-to-day tasks to tap into personal creativity. Because after all, it was the famous Steve Jobs who summoned walking meetings with his employees for business ideas..

Maintain a List At All Times

I’m a little guilty at having way too many lists on my phone. They may or may not get buried in there from time to time. However I always know that when I feel in a rut, I can turn to the note archives for some creativity. I’ll stash blog post ideas on there, home projects, recipe ideas.. etc. Because why do the best ideas come to mind when you’re half asleep at 2:34 am? I’ll never know.. but with a quick jot down in the notes, I can rest more peacefully.

Read Every Day

My brother-in-law once told me that you should always be in the middle of a book. I couldn’t agree more with that statement. There’s also a very vivid memory I remember as a child. A “presenter” came in to our classroom when I was in elementary, and said that we learn something every day, even as adults. My instant thoughts being- Adults learn too? They don’t even go to school? Oh little naive Abby.. Reading is my life-blood for learning as an adult. I’ve learned to find my own voice within writing, to learn from other’s triumphs and mistakes, stories of make-believe characters, and everything else under the sun. There is always something to read, and therefore advance in newly creative ways. (I’m currently reading American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins).

Ask Questions

I’m always around asking questions to my husband, peers, and family members (even as annoying as it sounds). It could be anything from recipes they love, books their reading, what strikes them the most on social media or online.. I really take it in to consideration and try to present my own blog the way they describe interests in their own life. Feedback, feedback, feedback!

Find Inspiration Through Others Outside My Niche

This one was really an “ah-ha” moment for me when first launching Everyday From A. At first, I only looked to what others in my niche were doing.. how they styled photos, what they cooked, color schemes, etc. This wasn’t until reading a quote from Tieghan at Half Baked Harvest.. A reader asked how she could be so creative, and her answer was something along the lines of: “I look to inspiration outside of my niche.” “Instead of seeing what everyone else is doing around me, I ask family members, and look to something completely opposite.” She meshes the two together (quite perfectly I might add). And the outcome: total imaginative, delicious, art. So, between staring at photos of pretty flowers and colors, I started looking the opposite direction. Paying close attention to details. I’m so glad I learned this- it’s a great generator creativity, and true authenticity.

Listen to a New Podcast

I try my best to listen to podcasts when I can. But to be honest, it’s pretty sporadic. I’ll pop one on while walking Maggie, or if I have a long drive ahead, but often times forget. I *recently (last week) started diving back in again, and boy is it nice to take a step back and breathe. Different perspectives from professionals in all walks of life is not only inspiring- but it gets you out of that “tactical” mindset. Trying to compensate for doing everything on your own is a tough road to take. Strategic actions are what are important for sparking creativity, and seeking advice from others is a great way to go. Phew, here are some lovely ones I’ve started up: The Goal Digger Podcast, Hurry Slowly, and Stuff You Should Know.

When do you find yourself at your most creative time? Is there anything special you do to “prompt creativity?” How do you let your own imagination run wild without the help from others? All important questions to ask..