There are times when I feel like there isn't another ounce of creativity in me. It's usually right after getting ready for a big sales appointment or planing a large activity (or both, like I did this week). It's times like these when I wish I could take a couple of days off and just relax. Unfortunately, that is not an option this time of year. So, I have to lean on some ways to keep my creativity and energy levels up and keep up the good fight. Here are some techniques that have worked for me.
1. Change is as good as a break
There are times when what I am working on just isn't going anywhere. Sometimes it is best to move on to something else, even if it is lower on the priority list. If I am able to change my focus for awhile, I am almost always able to come back and find creative solutions to the original task.
2. Listen to some music
Sometimes I just need to put on the head phones and listen to some music. This usually does two things for me. One, it gives me an added boost to keep the creativity moving. Two, it cuts out the distractions that can be all around in an office situation. I know music isn't always allowed or appropriate at work, but if it is, I highly recommend it.
3. Help someone else
If I am struggling to be creative, it always helps to look beyond myself and help someone else. When this is done with the right attitude, it always seems to help recharge my creative batteries. Besides, it seems like I'm always needing a favor and people are much more willing to help out when I have done the same for them.
4. Fake it till you make it
Sometimes I am under an incredibly tight deadline and the creativity just isn't there. I have found that if I just keep going, the creative inspiration will come. At times I have to remind myself that I've been in this situation many times before and things have always worked out.
5. Brainstorm the opposite
When time is on my side and I want to have a little fun getting the juices flowing, I like to brainstorm the opposite. We did this as a product development team at Maxfields Candy as we were developing concepts for Valentine's Day last year. We had some great opposite ideas come out of it. This was mine:
So, if you find yourself drawing a blank creatively, give some of these techniques a try. You never know where or when your next creative inspiration will come.