As a creative entrepreneur, there come times when I'm not feeling so motivated or inspired. Which can be extremely frustrating, especially because my job practically demands that I create on the daily. Whether I am creating a new client board, crafting a blog post or curating an idea, I need the creative fuel to keep me going. At the beginning of 2015 I made a set of guidelines for myself. I chose 8 habits to add into my daily routine and calendar to start of the year. It's been a couple of months now and I can officially say that these small assignments have worked wonders for my creativity! As I looked back on what worked for me the past few months, I decided it was to share with you all...
1. Set up triggers that get you into the rhythm of creating. My morning starts at 6:45 (which was a task because I naturally wake up around 8:30), I light a candle, meditate and free write in my journal. It's my way of giving myself some "me" time and connecting with my spirit. It may sound silly but it works. This literally has been the place where I get my most creative blog post ideas, inspired design concepts, or even just answers for general decision making. When I'm done with my prayer time and brain detox, I am literally bursting with ideas to work with and feeling free of mental clutter.
MY MEDITATION SPACE
FOR YOUR COZY MEDITATION SPACE:
2. Spend daily downtime daydreaming. Once you have detoxed your brain through meditation, you will have some room. Now its time to fill your mind with your wildest imaginations. I post everyday on my tumblr blog, decorista daydreams, I also use pinterest to post pictures of my dream life, career, etc. As I use this visual practice, I find that it truly energizes me. It sets my brain in a visual rhythm and I get the feeling of being in a wonderland. This usually helps me get some inspiration to take action on different parts of my life.
3. Schedule in new experiences. They say stepping outside of your comfort zone helps fight fear. This year, I signed up for a local book writers workshop, as I prepare and work on my new book. It's kind of a bold move for me, but I get very excited to change up my routine. Get out your calendar and see where there is a free space of time, then go fill it with something new and different. Is your schedule packed? Try doing something within your routine, in a new way. For example, if you are a yoga person, try a new method of yoga at a new studio. To switch things up, I personally love the ClassPass app.
image via melanie pace
4. Create a monthly mood board. If you are in a creative career, most likely you are very visual. If there is something that you want to create or you are getting stuck on a particular project, a mood board is just what you need. I like to create mood boards every month in with the things I am currently feeling. Really go all out in this, as you layer images, you will see a concept emerge for the month and that may lead to a new project or inspired idea.
5. Contribute to a cause. Let's face it, most creatives are emotionally in touch with humanity and life. So, when you give back to a cause that moves and inspires you, you will feel the effect for a while. When I've done charity or volunteer work, it absolutely feeds my soul and gives me energy and new life. Why not try and mentor young creatives in your field and encourage them to nurture their gift. Teaching what you know is a fantastic way to get you into your creative rhythm. This is one that really just gets me every time. I'm always inspired to think back to when I was just starting out and teach what I have learned.
6. Try a new office for a day. Maya Angelou used to only work out of hotel or motel rooms. (I researched the habits of the worlds most creative people) This totally inspired me. So, I decided that once a week I would head to a local hotel, one with free wi-fi and do my work. Setting up my laptop in the lobby or common area and just people watching and checking out the scene inspires me. (In NYC, I love to go to the Ace Hotel in midtown and in Dallas, I love to work the Zaza hotel.) Also, when I would find myself in random conversations with people, I like to bring up what I am up to and get feedback. This helps tremendously with new and cool ideas.
7. Exercise. This is pretty self explanatory, but you would be surprised how many people don't actually do this on a regular basis. Well, fitness junkies and health nuts do, but if working out isn't in your daily routine, I would definitely recommend that you incorporate it in some way. Even if you just take a 30 min walk after you get home from work. Fitness not your thing? Try stretching for 30 while you are watching tv. When stress is released (through exercise) your body feels cared for, the mind is free to think and create.
8. Feng shui your work space. You'll need to get your workspace is best working conditions when you actually are in your workspace.
Stepping into a zone of planning your days to be more successful + engaging gets me so excited for the week ahead. That excitement fuels creative success. I encourage you all to start incorporating a strategy and plan to set you up for creative success.
Hope you all have a super productive week and if you try one of these rituals, let me know how it goes for you!
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