How to Be More Creative As an Adult (Even If You Think You’re Not Creative)
Creativity is an important part of human life, but as we age, it becomes less and less accessible. No one invites you to participate in a half-hour art class when you’re an adult, and besides, you probably have many other responsibilities and priorities. But it’s a myth that you stop being creative as you age, and there are plenty of creative things you can do even if you only have a few minutes a day to dedicate to it.
How to become more creative as an adult
Notice I didn’t say “how to become creative” but “how to become more creative.” I hear a lot of adults say that they “just aren’t creative,” and that’s simply not true. Don’t tell me you’ve never developed a new solution to a problem you’re faced with or picked a bold paint color for no reason. because you liked it. There are many ways in which you are probably already a creative person, even if you don’t realize it. It’s time to give yourself credit for your creativity and develop it.
Use your strengths
If you find it difficult to start a new hobby or start a new project, you can remove some of the barriers for yourself by choosing something that you already enjoy or are already good at. This could be like using a flower press if you already enjoy being outdoors or gardening, or it could be like choosing a creative pursuit that involves fabric if you really enjoy fashion. The goal of developing your strengths is to ease your path to more creative thinking without having to do too many mental recalibrations.
Focus on the process, not the result
If you’re hesitant to take on a creative project because you’re afraid you won’t succeed, I have good news for you: you don’t have to make something that’s considered “good” or even “finished.” The process of creation is its own reward, and if you don’t like the first or even the fifth piece you make, there’s no shame in that. The great thing about making a collage or sewing a bag for yourself is that if it doesn’t turn out the way you want, there is no penalty and you get points for trying. If you discover something along the way that you would like to do differently, you can do it in your next project.
Try meditation
There are several types of guided meditations specifically designed to enhance creativity, ranging in length from five to 20 minutes or even longer. These meditations focus on releasing tension that can get in the way of creative endeavors, as well as breathing and general relaxation and concentration techniques. There is even some evidence that any kind of mindfulness meditation can relieve stress and help people think more dynamically and be more creative. If you’re stuck on a specific aspect of a creative project you want to tackle, or if you just want to be able to think more creatively in general, meditation may be right for you.
Play a game
Games can help us overcome possible obstacles, such as the fear of making mistakes, and instead focus on the task at hand. Psychologists suggest that games may be part of training our brains to be more creative. There are several books, such as The Big Book of Creative Games: Quick, Fun Activities to Spark Innovation by psychologist Robert Epstein or Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Creativity by Austin Kleon, that have prompts and games that will help you set off on a creative adventure. There are also games available to help inspire ideas, such as Moth Presents: A Storytelling Game and Happy Little Accidents , a Bob Ross-themed drawing game.
Remember that creativity is a practice, not an activity.
Instead of thinking of creativity as an activity you do occasionally, try thinking of creativity as a practice or part of your life. This way, you can develop more creative thinking in general and support the implementation of your ideas. Try writing a note to yourself when you have an idea about something you’d like to try, or take a few minutes each day to daydream. Since you are already a creative person, even if you don’t know it, intentionally giving yourself some time to tap into your creative brain will help you access it more easily the rest of the time.