With the new year right around the corner, many of us are resolving to go to the gym more or to keep the house clean… but if you’re like me, being more creative is top on your list. And I’m here to tell you that it’s easier than it sounds – this is a resolution you can keep! Click through to check out my ten easy steps to living a more creative life in the new year.
Take A Class
Go ahead, take that pottery course you’ve been considering. Or give that sewing class a try. If you’re pinching pennies, there are plenty of free or affordable online courses to get your creativity flowing. Here are a few great websites to take a peek at:
• Skillshare
• CreativeLive
• Coursera
Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash
Start a Pinterest Board with Project Ideas
I find Pinterest to be one of the best resources for finding and saving project ideas. Inspiration runs rampant on Pinterest, you just have to know where to find it. Be sure to follow only boards that are relevant to you (you can find them by searching for your favorite blogs or Instagram accounts and then searching through those accounts’ individual boards) and you can use the search bar to find projects using specific materials. Check out the Curbly Pinterest boards for loads of ideas to get you started!
Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash
Buy A Sketchbook
This is an easy one… buy a pretty sketchbook and some writing utensils (duel-tip markers are my go-to for versatility) and just start doodling. If you need some prompts, head over to Vera Sweeney’s blog, Lady and the Blog, for 100 ideas to keep you sketching!
Photo by pure julia on Unsplash
Learn a New Skill
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Or perhaps woodworking has always been appealing to you? Give it a try! The hardest part is getting started… so grab your materials and just do it. Once you get going, simply the act of making will increase your internal flow of creativity infinitely.
Listen to a Podcast or TED Talk
Listening to other creative people is a surefire way to get your own inspiration flowing. There are lots of great Podcasts out there… give these a try. There are also tons of TED Talks that you may want to check out.
Photo by Dushawn Jovic on Unsplash
Call A Creative Friend
Most of us have one… a super creative friend who’s always making something. Give that person a call and see if they want to get together for a crafting session or just a creative chat over a cup of coffee.
Photo by Good Faces on Unsplash
Go to the Craft Store
Take a walk around your local craft supply store and I guarantee you’ll be inspired. And if you need a little help figuring out what to start with, most stores sell kits that have everything you need for a project. Or refer back to your Pinterest board from #2 above and grab the supplies for one of your pinned projects.
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
Change Your Surroundings
This can happen in one of two ways: 1) Change the design of your home or office by moving furniture around and painting the walls a new color, or 2) Physically go somewhere else… try your local coffee shop or library. Either way, mixing up your routine will give your brain a boost.
Believe That You Are Creative
I can’t tell you how many people have told me “oh, I’m not a creative person.” And I just don’t think that’s true. I believe that everybody has some type of creativity inside, it just takes different forms in each of us. A scientist’s creativity may come in the form of creative thinking, while a graphic designer’s creativity may be more traditional. Believe that you have an innate sense of creativity inside of you somewhere… and use tips 1-9 above to channel it in a tangible way.
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
Happy new year and cheers to a more creative you! If you’re looking for more inspiration in the new year, here are 20 ways to bring love and good fortune in the new year.
