As a solo architect and even for small firm owners, it’s often time to be creative,
or should I say to ‘unlock’ your creativity.
Here’s a few ideas for you to use when you get one of those ‘Brain Freeze’…
1. Associate with Many Diverse Individuals
Getting to know people of different races, religions, cultures, and countries is fun and educational. The more you learn from other people the more you will be open to new ideas and concepts. Don’t be judgmental - just be open to the difference and celebrate it. Having a diverse center of influence will surely enrich your life and broaden your perspectives. I’m learning Spanish right now, at least working on it, and it for sure open some new doors!
2. Try a New Hobby or Start a Sport
Just what architects need is a new project, right? Starting a sport or researching a new hobby is exciting. Researching and visualizing a new sport can jump start your creative mental juices. Give your mind something different to work on consciously so the subconscious can work on solving business issues. Take up photography, paint a picture, or whatever it is - do something different.
3. Exercise
Yep, exercise - you knew it was coming since I just mentioned a new sport…This is my worst disciple right now. When you exercise you stimulate endorphins which give you a sense of happiness and well being. When you take care of your body by exercising you will have more energy all day. While exercising, your mind will work on solving problems with less effort and stress.
4. Meditate
Many people meditate daily. Meditation is relaxing and refreshing. Creativity is best raised to the surface through simple methods of meditation. I do about 10min every morning…yes, just those 10min make a big difference…What about yoga?
5. Walk in the Woods, Go to the Beach, Go to the Mountains
Another one of my favorite creativity boosts. For me, nothing is more spiritually moving and inspiring than walking in nature, going to the beach and listening to the sound of the waves, or as I did as a child, walking in the mountains. I’d find a special rock by a creek I called my escape rock and listen to the sound of the deer in the woods and my dog, Blue, as she looked for small creeping critters. Sometimes I even take a notebook and begin to write down what I was thinking. I always returned home refreshed and relaxed.
6. Listen to Music
Music is a wonderful creative spur. It doesn’t matter if it’s Classical, Jazz, Blue grass, pop, country, rap or hip hop. Music will set a mood. Your body will respond to music in an energetic way or a relaxing way. Music can be soothing and therapeutic. Your mind changes focus and creativity can flow. And don’t forget to mix-it up!
7. Encourage Creativity in Others
When you help someone else, doesn’t it seem like it’s easier to be creative just because it’s someone else? The “someone” else can be you… but because it’s not “personal” it seems easier to be creative with someone else or their business. Relate it to a master mind concept. A group of like-minded folks all focused on helping you. Ideas flow with creativity that blows your mind. Creativity breeds creativity.
Creativity is essential to the nature of an entrepreneur’s success. It needs to be nurtured. Those are just a few suggestions you can use as they are or add your own.
Go out and have a fun creative day!
