Life is busy, isn’t it? I felt like that when I was single and even more so now that I’m married and have a toddler. Being a creative person, it kills me to not be working on a project, but there are only so many hours in the day. This is a pretty common problem that I hear often.
We want to create but we don’t have time. Or we have time but we don’t know what in the world to make. So, I thought I’d write up a little list to help spark that inner creative spirit in you. This isn’t a list of things you should make (if you need help there, go to Pinterest!) Instead, I want to encourage you in your discovery of what you love to make and to help you be successful in nourishing that part of your life.
5 Ways to Spark Creativity
1. Wake up Early
I know, I know that’s the last thing you want to hear. But truthfully, if you want some extra time to be creative, getting up before anyone else in your family is most likely to be your key to success. I can list example after example of men and women who have written books, worked on their creative business, and made their Christmas gifts for the year in the early (and quiet!) hours of the morning, but instead I’ll just encourage you to try it.
Prep the night before so your creative supplies are ready in the morning. Get up 30 minutes earlier than when your family (or roommates) usually wake. And start working on that project that has been waiting for you since you were last inspired. (P.S. This tip does not apply to moms of newborns. Sleep as much as possible when you have a baby.)
2. Turn OFF the computer (and hide your phone!)
For all the benefits of being connected all the time, there is the disadvantage of being distracted all the time. I’ll sit down to quickly look up something on Google and then realize I just spent 30 minutes clicking through some yummy recipes for pumpkin cupcakes. If you want to spark your creativity and get back into the game of actually making things rather than wishing you had the time to make them, you need to turn off the computer. If you have a smartphone, you probably should move it to another room so you won’t be distracted by its little siren call as well. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get accomplished and I promise, the internet will still be there when you return.
3. Get moving
This is a big one for me. When I’m out on a walk, the creative ideas flow. The change of scenery, the fresh air, and the physical exertion has a way of clearing my mind of all the clutter. If anything, you’re doing something good for your body, right? Bring along a piece of paper and pen to write down the ideas that come to you (or in this case, you are allowed to use your phone to jot down ideas. But only for your idea list, not for checking your email! Smile.)
4. Make a craft bag
Sometimes what stops us from creating is it takes too much effort to take everything out and put everything away again. For me, I put my sketchbook and pencil case in a bag along with the other projects I’m working on. By doing this, I can quickly grab the bag and begin work rather than walking around the house wondering where my daughter put my sketchbook. If you have a larger project or craft, consider using a plastic storage bin that you can put everything in and store it under your bed or someplace out of sight.
5. Do something
You’re up early. You have your craft bag filled and ready. The computer is off. You have a list of ideas from the walk you took yesterday…and then you decide to read a book. Really? Well, it happens to all of us. But today is different. Today you’re going to stop the excuses and do something. You’re going to knit 4 rows. Draw for 10 minutes. Cut out images to collage. Whatever it is, just do something (here are some fun projects that you could try.) You don’t have to finish, you just need to start.
We all have busy lives, but with these 5 tips to spark your creativity, hopefully you’ll be able to jump start those projects that you’ve been wanting to make! Remember to start where you are and take baby steps. It’s exciting to think of all the things you’re going to be actually making!
Oh, and P.S. I wrote another post called 5 More Ways to Spark Your Creativity, if you’re interested. 🙂
Have a lovely {and creative} day!
31 responses to “5 Ways to Spark Creativity”
Always begin again if you get distracted
That’s a good one! Never give up. 🙂
This is perfect for me! I was just telling my husband earlier today that I needed to start going to bed earlier (beginning tonight) so I can wake up before the kids (they are early risers) and have some time to accomplish things by myself!
I hear you! Hope you were able to get up earlier this morning. 🙂
it is so true – but I don’t think I can get up early! I need to start with going to bed before 2 am! haha
Yes, going to bed early is the key to getting up early. I am definitely not one of those people who can do both!
I love your graphic for this post! Did you draw it/create it yourself?
Thank you! Yes, I did. 🙂
Love the ‘little girl’ designs and great suggestions!
Happy Weekend to you,
artmusedog and carol
Thank you!
I love your adorable graphic for this post! Did you draw it yourself?
So sorry this showed up twice. Computers, argh!
No problem! I’ve done that a million times myself! 🙂
I am a night-owl kind of person… I am at my best once the sun has gone down
Mollyxxx
I think what works for you is best! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
If I could just master number 1! These are great ideas and super cute graphic!
Thanks! Just to be honest here, I’m a work in progress too. That’s why I drew out these reminders. 🙂 But we start where we are, right? Have a great day!
thanks for the ideas, most definitely the computer and phone are creativity drains. .
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Great tips for creatives. I write on my computer, but I sometimes free write in a notebook and then transfer it over later. Thanks for sharing on Weekend Wind-Down. 😉
And thank you for stopping by! I love everyone’s insights into what works for them in their creative journeys.
Great tips!! #1 is a must for me. I have a 2 year old and 4 year old and that first hour before everyone else is awake is my golden hour. We have this great little area full of antique and craft stores about 20 minutes from my house. Whenever I feel like I’m in a creativity funk I spend a couple hours walking around there and leave with tons of inspiration. Thanks for sharing at Your Turn To Shine!! 🙂
You’re welcome and thanks for stopping by! I agree–that quiet hour in the morning before everyone wakes up is my golden hour too!
This are five great principles to spark creativity!! I love it 🙂 Especially the wake up early one…always works for me.
Thanks so much for coming & linking up with us on last week’s Inspired By Me Mondays! Hope you can come join us again for this week’s party 🙂 Rachael @ Diamonds in the Rough
You’re welcome! Just stopped by your party this morning. Thanks for hosting!
I could not agree more with all five of these ideas, Jennie. I’m not even sure which one I should start with because I seem to have problems in all areas! I LOVE your graphic at the top of the post. I may need to print that picture off to remind myself of what I SHOULD be doing 🙂
Thanks so much, Jamie! We’re all a work in progress, aren’t we? Just take it one thing at a time. 🙂 For the record, I slept in today. 🙂
This is perfectly put Jennie! Ditto on the Digital: (could be a sweet ‘free printable’ idea 😉 hint ) Happy New Year! These ideas go well with the start of a new season.
Thanks, Jeanine!
Hi Jen,
Absolutely! These are all right, they are helpful and really make sense.
I’ll definitely visit your blog again for more interesting ideas. 🙂
Thanks and God bless. Keep it up!
Thanks so much for your kind comment! I stopped by your blog and love how you had a “My Favorite Things” party recently. That is a very loved song with my 2 year old right now. We sing it all the time. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!