Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a creativity rut? Maybe you’ve been busy writing a research paper, or you don’t have the energy to do anything creative after a long day of classes. Maybe the long, dreary winter has you feeling dull, or you just don’t see yourself as a creative person. You’re not alone.
It can be easy to get lost in the routine of class, homework, and jobs. It seems as though the more time we spend on “adult” things, like deadlines and assignments, the less room we have for whimsical things, like music or artwork. However, hope is not lost. Your creative spark is just waiting to be found again! Creativity is the ability to create things out of new ideas, but contrary to what you might think, it is not necessarily a talent to be born with. Rather, it is a skill to practice or a muscle to strengthen.
I myself struggle with using my imagination to break free from the hold that Times New Roman has on my mind. I wouldn’t consider myself an amazing artist, but I have found some pointers that help me feel less rigid and more imaginative. This article has three straightforward tips to help you unleash your creative side: tips that have been tried and tested by yours truly.
Write Things Down
Keep a journal and give yourself total freedom to write anything and everything you think of. Writing is a great way to process and express any ideas you may have, and expressing yourself is what creativity is all about! You can create an art journal, a goals and dreams journal, or even an unhinged thoughts journal. You could jot down your thoughts while watching a movie, draw random things you see throughout your day, write a letter you’ll never send, or summarize fun memories with your friends. The possibilities are endless!
Change Your Environment
Sometimes, our mental ruts and roadblocks are related to where we are. If we’re always in the same room or building, our thoughts struggle to branch out and create new ideas. Pick an art form you want to try–performing arts (like music), visual arts (like painting), or literary arts (like writing stories)–and try doing your work at a coffee shop, going to the library, or even moving to a study room. Really, go anywhere you don’t usually spend time in.
Overcome Perfectionism
Mistakes are part of the creative process, and worrying about them can prevent your thoughts or ideas from being accurately expressed. After all, you can’t develop an idea if you shut it down right away. Remind yourself that it’s okay for something not to work the first time. Brainstorming is your friend: dump ideas now and edit them later. Whether it’s drawing a picture, writing a song, or crafting a poem, give yourself permission to create freely without dwelling on making it “good enough.” Focus less on the end result and more on enjoying the process of creating.
Whether doing something as elaborate as choreographing a dance or as simple as personalizing your laptop case, remember there is no specific way to tap into your creativity. Your artwork doesn’t have to be something to show other people. Take it, make it unique, and make it for you.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.