Being creative is not a gift that only some have been blessed with; it’s essential nourishment for all of us. Not only does it add richness to life, it’s one of the strongest sources of satisfaction and contribution—to ourselves and to others.
There are many things we can do to nurture and inspire our creative spark, but the most important of them all is consistency.
Recent research has shown how flexible and malleable our brains are. We educate our brains constantly by the way we live our lives and they adapt accordingly. If we expect irregular flashes of inspiration—to express our creativity only when we feel like it—then that’s what we’ll get. Likewise, if we desire to be creative every day, and if we work at it every day, then that’s also what we’ll get.
Think about how effective a pre-bed routine can be. By following a pattern—such as changing into pyjamas, brushing teeth, reading a chapter of a book, then breathing deeply—our body automatically winds down for sleep. We can apply the same approach to being creative.
Let’s take the example of writing. By setting a regular time to write, then at that time opening our notebook or laptop, getting rid of distractions, and writing a page of text without editing, our brains will come up with content. Not every time (just like some nights we find it hard to fall asleep) but astonishingly often.
Carve out a regular niche for creativity, have a routine to lead into it, and be delighted as your ideas flourish.
Are you consistent with creativity?