7 Easy Steps to Unlocking Your Hidden Creativity

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A Mini Guide for Those Who Don’t See Themselves as Creative

You don’t have to let the idea of “being creative” intimidate you.

There are simple things you can do to get in the right headspace to ignite your inner creativity.

Humans are inherently creative beings, so you are genuinely more creative than you think.

And if you don’t believe that, here’s a truth for you: creativity is a skill that can be nurtured and developed over time.

The key is to be open to exploration, kind and patient with yourself, and willing to embrace the creative process, even if you don’t feel creative right away.

You’ll also need to find that creative activity or hobby that makes you feel good, fulfilled, and accomplished.

I’ve been on a journey of personal growth the last several months, which includes, among other things, doing something creative every day. Or at least every few days.

I have a toddler and a baby, so some days I don’t have enough time or energy for creative activities. That’s okay!

Though I do believe that coming up with new lunches my kid will eat or games to encourage him to get dressed faster counts as using creativity.

However, I am a bit out of practice. That is, I haven’t written much lately or completed a painting in years, er… a decade?

Between trying for and finally having kids and then COVID, I feel – like a lot of people – that I’ve been in a bit of a time warp.

Getting back into the creative headspace has been tricky on some days.

I’ve recently been asked how I access my creativity. So, below, I share with you the things that help me get into the creative process.

Remember, finding your creativity is an individual journey. There is no right way or order to do things.

Preparing Your Mind for Creative Thinking

1. Decompress

Before starting a creative project, whatever it may be, take a few minutes to decompress or ground yourself.

While the stresses and hardships of life can certainly contribute to the creation of magnificent work, it’s better to harness them and control them to create with intention, rather than letting them sabotage the experience.

Here at The Sky Is Pink, we’re all about harnessing positivity and creating to find joy, so for this purpose we’re going to approach the creative process with optimism.

On that note, to let go of your day and start to decompress, try to connect with nature.

Weather permitting, I like to step outside to breathe in the fresh air.

I sometimes place my hand on a tree trunk or stand barefoot on a natural surface for a couple minutes to ground myself. Many individuals find deep breathing exercises helpful.

Find whatever it is you need to do to reset your state of mind.

2. Allow yourself time and space to find your self expression

Give yourself a chance to explore your inner creativity without feeling rushed or pressured.

This could mean blocking out a small chunk of time every day for yourself, even just a few minutes.

We each have our own unique way of expressing ourselves, and there are so many ways it can be done.

Do some self-discovery to learn what activities you may enjoy that will bring out your creative expression.

3. Drop your expectations

Try to let go of any preconceived notions you may have of how your project should turn out or how the experience should unfold.

You may stumble creatively occasionally and get frustrated. It’s okay to take a break.

Things may not always go as planned, materials may not behave as you intend them to, and at times you may want to stop and give up.

Knowing this in advance may help you to persevere.

Also, these challenges can help spark further creativity so embrace them and carry on!

4. Choose the right environment

It’s true that a messy, disorganized environment can contribute to a cluttered mental state.

If you can, find a space to create in that is inspiring, comfortable, and safe.

You may have limited options, especially if you share your home with other people, so perhaps take a few minutes to close your eyes and imagine yourself in your favourite place. Or create outdoors if possible.

5. Don’t get attached to the outcome

Rather than fixating on the result, focus on the process, the effort, and the journey.

Don’t think too hard about the outcome; just create.

Avoid becoming emotionally attached to expectations you have about how your project should turn out.

This will allow you to be more open minded and flexible, which can lead to greater creativity, adaptability, and reduced stress.

Don’t attempt to create something that is perfect; think about self expression and enjoying yourself in the moment.

6. Notice your surroundings

It’s easy to get stuck in our heads and miss the wonder of the world right in front of us.

Take a few minutes to go into observation mode.

Open your senses to what you hear, see, smell, feel on your skin, etc.

Place yourself firmly in reality by saying out loud, “I am present in this moment.”

Then clear your mind, to the best of your ability, and take in the world around you.

7. Connect with something that inspires you

While you’re taking in your surroundings, find something that resonates with you.

Look for something you can feel a connection to, that draws you in, and offers inspiration.

For me it’s usually nature-related, like an animal, water droplets on a flower, or the changing colours of leaves.

It could also be a captivating sound, music, or even something that triggers a fond memory.

Continuing Your Creative Journey with Confidence

Your creative expression is meant to be an authentic reflection of your unique perspective and experiences. So, there’s no right or wrong way to be creative.

Being creative often involves combining our personal insight with the world around us. It’s a process that merges our individual perspectives, experiences, and emotions with the external environment.

Remember, creativity is not reserved for a select gifted few. It’s a part of you and can be fostered and evolved.

Before you go, here are a few more things to remember about unlocking your creativity:

Start small and allow yourself to make mistakes.
Engage with others: brainstorming, collaborate and share ideas with people you know. Attend an art class or creative workshop.
Take breaks or change environments to relax your mind and foster new ideas.
Expose yourself to different activities and try something new.
Use creative prompts to kickstart your imagination.
Track your creative journey in a dedicated journal: record your thoughts, ideas, and observations.
Take risks and don’t fear failure – learning from failures can lead to breakthroughs.
And finally, be kind to yourself!

Unlocking your hidden creativity involves creating a conducive mindset, embracing the unknown, and finding inspiration in your surroundings.

Enjoy The Process

Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember to be patient with yourself, persist through challenges, and enjoy the process.

With practice and dedication, you’ll likely see your creativity grow and become a fundamental part of how you express yourself.

Over time, you’ll start feeling more creative, and eventually, creativity will become a natural part of who you are.

In my own experience, I’ve noticed that since I began the practice of daily creativity, I’ve not only improved significantly but have also developed a stronger, almost addictive, desire to continue being creative.

So, take these insights and apply them in your own life today. Your creativity is your unique gift to the world that can bring joy to those around you and transform your life in remarkable ways.

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