How to Improve Creative Thinking

Last Updated: December 17, 2020 References

People often think of creativity as an ingrained feature. There is some truth to this. Some people are, by nature, more creative. However, there are a variety of ways you can bolster your creative side. Establish rituals, like journaling, that bolster creativity. Work on changing your mindset, opening yourself up to new ways of thinking. You can also seek support from others. Networking with likeminded people can help you be more creative yourself.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Establishing Creative Rituals

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Explore media outside your comfort zone. Creative minds are open to change. If you only consume a certain kind of media or entertainment, you're limiting yourself. You will not be exposed to new things and ideas, which can result in a lack of original, creative thought.^{[1]
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- Read books, articles, and blogs outside of your own industry. If you work in film, for example, read some science blogs. If you work as an engineer by day, read some poetry every night before bed.
- Most people have a certain type of entertainment they're drawn towards. Make an effort to push yourself to new types of entertainment. If you usually go for light-hearted sitcoms, try watching a drama series. If you love documentaries and true crime shows, watch some fiction.
2
Create something small every day. Creativity is like any other skill. You get better with practice. If you want to increase your capacity for creative thoughts, work on creating something small every day.^{[2]
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- You do not necessarily have to create with an end in mind. In fact, this may inhibit creative thought. Instead of focusing on an overarching project, simply schedule some time every day to let your creativity flow freely.
- You can doodle, sketch, do some light painting, free write, or write down some spur of the moment poetry.
- Make time to be creative.^{[3]
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  Rahti Gorfien, PCC
  Life Coach
  Expert Interview. 17 December 2019.} Just as you make time to brush your teeth each night, strive to schedule time for creative pursuits each day. For example, you can plan to do a 20-minute free write every day before bed.
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3
Walk. Studies indicate that walking actually improves creative thought. Many people feel they get their best thinking done when they're going for walks. Try to schedule a 20 to 30-minute walk each day. This can lead to greater creativity.^{[4]
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- It does not matter where you walk. Studies indicate you can walk inside or outside and still get the same peak in creative thought patterns. If it's a rainy day, you can walk through the hallways at work to encourage creative thoughts.^{[5]
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- Walking can also help lessen anxiety.^{[6]
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  Research source} If your mind is less muddled by anxious thoughts, you may have more room to be creative.
4
Figure out your peak hours. Many people feel more energetic or creative at certain hours of the day. For example, you may feel compelled to write poetry when you first get up in the morning. Or, you may suddenly feel the urge to paint at 10 o'clock at night. Pay attention to your thought patterns and energy levels throughout the day to figure out your peak hours.^{[7]
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- Pay attention to both thoughts and emotions. Many people feel more creative when they feel connected with their emotions. If you tend to get sentimental towards the evening hours, you may have a higher capacity for creativity at this time.^{[8]
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- It may not be reasonable to work during your peak hours. For example, if you have a 9 to 5 job, you can't stay up until 2 AM writing each night. However, there may be ways to stimulate the environment of your peak hours. If you're a night owl by nature, changing into your pajamas and dimming the lights may help, for example.
5
Keep a journal. Regular journaling can be a great way to increase creative thoughts. Writing down your thoughts on a daily basis can help you become more introspective and observant, both of which can bolster creative thought.
- Many people find dream journals are great creative tools. As the mind is uninhibited in dreams, you can find a lot of great ideas in your sleep. Try keeping a journal by your nightstand and jotting down your dreams as soon as you get up in the morning.^{[9]
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- You can also carry a journal with you. This can allow you to write down thoughts as they come and may encourage you to be more observant. You'll end up seeking inspiration everywhere if you always have a notebook on-hand to record your most interesting thoughts and insights as they come.
6
Seek out inspiration. Surround yourself with inspiring material. If you want to be more creative, you should expose yourself to work that inspires you. Read a book of poetry recommended by a friend. Watch a critically acclaimed series. Go see a show at your local theater. All of these things will encourage you to think more creatively.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Your Mindset

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Abandon judgment. Judgement can inhibit creative thinking. When problem-solving, allow your brain to think of new, somewhat crazy ideas. Avoid judging these ideas too "out there" or "absurd." Allowing yourself to think outside the box, without external judgment, is important to creative thinking.^{[10]
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- Understand, in any given situation, you'll have to filter through many bad thoughts before landing on a good one. You may write 3 mediocre drafts of a poem before you hit your stride. You may think of several bad solutions to an issue at your office before finding a good solution. Accept it's okay to filter through bad ideas before you find a good one.
- Be open to alternative ideas. Do not be judgmental of ideas that are outside the realm of conventional. Even if you don't follow all non-conventional ideas exactly, simply exposing yourself to the unusual can help aid creative thought.^{[11]
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  Rahti Gorfien, PCC
  Life Coach
  Expert Interview. 17 December 2019.}
2
Be open to new things. Creative thoughts can come from a variety of places. If you open yourself up to changes in your routine, you're more likely to stumble upon inspiration. Instead of feeling anxious about exploring new ideas or experiences, see them as exciting opportunities to bolster your creativity.
- Talk to someone new. Hearing about someone else's story or experiences can increase your creative thinking. You'll be introduced to a new, exciting perspective. Make a point of chatting up a stranger at a bar or volunteering to talk to a new client at work.^{[12]
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- If an opportunity to try something new presents itself, take it. If your friend asks if you want to try salsa dance lessons, tell her you'll give it a shot. Even if it's not something you'd traditionally be interested in, any new experience can open your mind and improve your capacity for creative thoughts.
3
Take risks. Risk-taking is vital to developing creative thinking. If you're processing new, somewhat scary experiences on a regular basis, you will have to do some creative thinking to find unconventional solutions to new problems and setbacks. Taking risks regularly can make you more resourceful and creative overall.^{[13]
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- Each day, try to take a chance. Apply for a fellowship even if you feel under-qualified. Ask your boss for a raise even if you feel there's a good chance she'll say no. Take on a new project at work, even if you feel it's somewhat daunting.
- Risk-takers tend to have higher levels of creative thinking. A risk presents you with a new situation entirely, forcing you to calibrate your thinking to adjust. Risk-taking also encourages you not to conform. Creative thinkers act independently, following their own intuition over what others are doing.^{[14]
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4
Do not think in terms of talent. Talent forces people into a black and white thinking pattern. You may find yourself thinking you're either talented or you're not. However, while innate talent can help with creativity, it all comes down to practice. Just make time to be creative every day and your capacity for creative thinking will improve.^{[15]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Outside Help

1
Socialize regularly. Being around a variety of different people can bolster creative thought. By exposing yourself to people of many different viewpoints and backgrounds, you'll find yourself thinking more creatively. Creative thinkers generally have a large, open-minded perspective.
- Regular socialization can also decrease stress levels. If you want to think creatively, you need to take breaks and de-stress. Having a social circle you meet with regularly can help here.^{[16]
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2
Reach out to likeminded people. Try to network with other creative people. Surrounding yourself with creative people can make you more creative yourself. Try to reach out to likeminded people to bolster creative thought.^{[17]
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- Reach out to people whose interests are similar to your own. If you're a poet, for example, join a poetry club. If you're interested in painting, see if you can take a painting class at a local community center.
- You should also get involved outside your personal creative circle as well. As stated, looking for media outside your comfort zone can increase creativity. If you're interested in writing fiction, try to talk to writers who work in other genres. You can learn a lot from people with different interests.
- Go to conferences. There are many conferences you can attend that help you branch out with others in a creative field. These can provide you with invaluable experiences to network and learn from those around you.
3
Ask for feedback. Many famous creative thinkers had mentors who looked over their work. If you're stuck on a project, ask another creative person to help. This can be a friend, a peer, or a co-worker. Having someone else provide feedback can help you see your work from an outside perspective, giving you the opportunity to improve.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What stimulates creativity?

Rahti Gorfien, PCC
Life Coach
Rahti Gorfien is a Life Coach and the Founder of Creative Calling Coaching, LLC. She specializes in working with artists, entrepreneurs, and college students in creative fields. Rahti is accredited as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coach Federation, an ACCG Accredited ADHD Coach by the ADD Coach Academy, and a Career Specialty Services Provider (CSS). In addition, she has personal experience in the fields she coaches - she is an alumnus of the New York University Graduate Acting program and has been a working theater artist for over 30 years. She was voted one of the 15 Best Life Coaches in New York City by Expertise in 2018.

Rahti Gorfien, PCC

Life Coach

Expert Answer

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You can help boost creative thoughts by making time for hobbies that let you express yourself.