Mini guide for creativity
This guide is here to help you bring more creativity into your life—whether that’s through art, writing, cooking, or even creatively figuring out how to fit everything into one suitcase for vacation. It’s about reflecting on what creativity means to you and taking steps to make it a regular part of your life.
Step 1: Reflect
Time to get real about where you stand creatively. No pressure—just take a moment to think it over.
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Do you get your best ideas during your morning coffee or when you’re procrastinating on something else? Knowing when inspiration strikes can help you make more room for those moments.
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Creativity isn't just painting or writing novels. It could be coming up with a new recipe, redecorating your living room, or finding the quickest route to work (that still passes your favorite coffee shop). Identify your style.
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Is creativity a regular part of your life, or is it more like a random lightning strike? If it's been a while, let’s figure out why and how to bring it back more consistently.
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Fear of failure? Lack of time? Perfectionism? Identifying what's getting in your way can help you push past it (or at least dance around it).
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Did you used to love something—like playing guitar, knitting, or photography—but haven’t touched it in years? There’s no shame in that, but it might be time for a comeback tour.
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Does being creative help you de-stress, feel accomplished, or solve problems more easily? It’s worth figuring out the positive impacts so you can make creativity a priority.
Step 2: Identify
Now that you’ve reflected, let’s zoom in on where you’d like to improve or grow creatively. Get specific!
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Pick one that excites you. It could be something new or a hobby you’ve always loved. Start with what feels fun—not what you think you should do.
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Do you avoid creating because you’re worried it won’t be good enough? (Spoiler alert: no one’s perfect, and creativity is about the process, not perfection.)
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Be honest: Is it hard to find time, are you worried about being judged, or do you just need a little more inspiration? Knowing the exact barrier helps in finding the right solution.
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Creativity doesn’t have to stay in an art studio. Could you bring it into your work, problem-solving, or even your daily routines (like making cooking dinner a creative adventure)?
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Sometimes we just need a spark to reignite our creative energy. Could you visit a museum, watch a documentary, or try a totally new activity to stir things up?
Step 3: Create an action plan
Alright, let’s make creativity a habit instead of a rare guest appearance. Start small, and keep it fun.
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Schedule “creativity time”: Block out at least an hour each week to do something creative. It could be as simple as doodling, trying a new recipe, or writing a page of that story idea you’ve been thinking about.
Keep a creativity journal: Jot down random ideas, sketches, or things that inspire you. The goal here isn’t “good” ideas—it’s just about capturing whatever pops into your head.
Do something new: Try a creative activity you’ve never done before—pottery, improv, digital art. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be surprisingly fun (or at least good for a story later).
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Commit to a creative project: Pick something that’ll take a little more time, like a painting series, a short film, or a knitting project. Break it down into bite-sized steps so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Join a group: Creativity loves company. Whether it’s an online writing group or an art class, being around other creative people keeps you inspired and accountable.
Incorporate creativity into daily tasks: Cook without a recipe, rearrange a room, or find a more creative way to present at work. Practice being creative even when you’re doing everyday things.
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Document your growth: Keep a scrapbook, folder, or Instagram account to document your creative journey. Looking back will remind you how far you’ve come.
Take on a bigger project: When you’re ready, go for something bigger—write that book, start selling your art, or make a short film. Challenge yourself!
Make creativity a mindset: Keep seeking out new creative experiences—take classes, learn from other artists, or just keep experimenting. The goal is to make creativity a natural part of your lifestyle.
Step 4: Regular check-ins and accountability
Creativity is like a plant—it needs regular attention to grow (and maybe some sunlight, but we can’t help you with that part).
Weekly reflection: Ask yourself, “Did I create this week? How did it make me feel?” If you did, great. If you didn’t, think about why and try again next week—no pressure.
Monthly challenges: Set yourself a monthly creative challenge—like drawing every day, writing a poem a week, or trying a new craft. Keeps things interesting and helps push past creative ruts.
Accountability buddy: Find a friend who’s also trying to be more creative. Share your goals and check in regularly. Encouragement makes all the difference (plus, it’s more fun).
Celebrate every step: Finished a doodle? Completed that short story? Celebrate it! Creativity should be fun, not stressful, and celebrating small wins helps keep the good vibes going.
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Example action plan for creativity
Let’s look at how someone could put this guide into action:
Current situation: You used to love photography, but haven’t touched your camera in ages. Life got busy, and now your creativity feels like a distant memory.
Reflection:
You miss the fun and peacefulness of taking photos.
You realize you’ve been holding back because of time constraints and a fear that your skills are rusty.
Action plan:
Short-term: Schedule an hour every Saturday to go out and take photos—no pressure, just fun. Start a creativity journal to jot down photo ideas and random inspirations.
Mid-term: Join a local photography group or take an online course to get some fresh perspectives. Commit to one photo project over the next six months—maybe a photo series on local architecture.
Long-term: Set a goal to have a small exhibition or share your best shots online by year’s end. Plan monthly photo walks to keep things consistent and, most importantly, enjoyable.