Creativity is never a constant in one’s soul. I have found my creativity
to be very fluid. Simple things, like an overcast gloom, can dampen my creativity.
Hungry? If I am, creative juice is extremely hard to come by and I’ll
be in a bad mood to boot. I find that there are three major contributing factors
that affect creativity, mental state, physical condition, and environment.
It’s In Your Head
Creativity only exists in the human world. Animals don’t have the need,
or capability to be creative. Although every person has the ability to be creative,
it is refined through continuous learning and practice. As time passes and creativity
refined, one can try to harness that creativity by beginning with a creative
exercise. Some enjoy drawing, taking photographs, or writing. A brief period
of creative exploration helps to “awaken” your creativity.
Sometimes other things that weigh heavily on our mind can stifle creativity,
such as trying to work out the family budget. Many times, trying to get rid
of those mental distractions can be quite difficult. I find exercise to be a
great way to rid the mind of mental distractions. For some that may not be possible
at the current moment. Maybe focusing on the issue for a brief period of time
will help extinguish the distraction.
Physically Fit
Sickness and other health related problems detract from creativity. Of course,
these aren’t things we can typically foresee, so I we want to be in top
condition creatively, we need to take care of our bodies. A good vacation might
help alleviate some stress. One’s physical condition and mental state
are very much affected by each other, so a good self-evaluation wouldn’t
hurt. The workload of creatives these days seems to be overwhelming at times,
but being physically healthy will help one to be successful in working with
a lot of projects at one time.
It’s What’s Around You
I like cartoons, so I have got some posters, drawings, and other material posted
on a bulletin board in front of my desk. Change your environment. Lighting can
affect one’s mood. Is your office a cave or bright and sunny? Go for a
walk somewhere you haven’t been before.
Your environment doesn’t always have to be inspirational. I does have
to be conducive to creativity, however, and conducive to creativity means different
things to different people; learn more about yourself and how you create. Be
introspective.