5 Ways to Inspire Your Creativity

Nicole Obre

I wrote a post a few weeks ago about inspiring our children’s creativity. And I realized that focusing on my daughter’s artsy and creative endeavors has helped me begin focusing on my own again.

Creative thinking and practise was one of the things I let slide a bit when I was first dealing with the craziness of a newborn, and then working part-time while dealing with the increased craziness of a toddler. But somehow stringing cereal necklaces and masterfully colouring my favourite Paw Patrol pup – it’s Everest, in case you were wondering – inspired me to start up a few new creative projects of my own.

But keeping the creative juices flowing isn’t always as easy as it sounds. So I started to think about other ways and ideas to continue to inspire my creativity. It turns out a few of the suggestions I made to foster children’s creativity translate pretty well to grown-ups – with a few minor adjustments:

Actively search for inspiration

Browse the good old internet, scroll through that Pinterest feed, visit an art gallery or museum. Looking at someone else’s art is usually the quickest and easiest way to inspire yourself to create. And there’s nothing wrong with borrowing an idea and making it your own. 

Set up a creative space

It could be a spare room for sewing, a spare table for painting, or a spare seat at your local coffee shop for writing. But pick a spot and try to use it consistently. We’re creatures of habit, so eventually your brain and body while go into creative mode when you enter your creative space.

Try something new

Whether it’s a pottery class, community choir, or creative writing group, a brand new hobby or project is always inspiring. You never know how much you might like something, or how good you might be at it, until you try!

Stuck in a creative rut with a current activity you’re not ready to give up on? A fresh approach or perspective can go a long way. Don’t be afraid to try a different angle or ask for an outside opinion.

Invest in a few new creative tools

Let yourself indulge a little and buy a couple things you can’t wait to get creative with. A fresh set of pastels, a few new sheets from the scrap-booking store, or a piece of music you’ve always wanted to learn.

Schedule creative time

Creativity can’t be forced, it can’t be rushed, and it usually doesn’t follow schedules. However, if you set aside time to create on a regular basis you’re at least giving yourself the opportunity. You might not always be in the right frame of mind during your scheduled time, and that’s ok. But I bet you’ll be surprised how often you’re ready to get creative when there’s a designated time for it.