We each know the sensation. You struggle to come up with that big idea that will solve all your current problems, and then one day it suddenly appears.
I call them “lightening moments” and they’re one of the best feelings in the world.
It almost feels like a bolt of energy hits you all at once, and suddenly you’re unstoppable. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could simply unlock your creativity whenever you felt like it?
After years of reading articles on this, I want to share the five best ways to unlock your creativity. They don’t guarantee success, but they certainly increase it.
1. Go For A Long Walk
“Go for a walk if you want to get your mind running.”
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Many studies show that increased physical activity increases brain activity as well. I’d previously proposed that we require physical motion throughout a child’s day in school for this very reason. Many people spend the majority of their days seated behind desks expecting to have creative breakthroughs.
If you’re not sparking creativity in your seat, get off you butt and go for a walk.
2. Watch A Documentary
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love documentaries. It’s because they’re absolute brain candy. A documentary is a well researched lesson on a factual story, industry or individual wrapped in an entertaining candy coating. They usually teach just as much as they inspire, and often the learnings will stay on your mind for weeks.
3. Organize A Jeffersonian Dinner
Thomas Jefferson is one of the greatest minds in American history, and he organized these gatherings frequently at his home in Monticello. You invite 8-12 people together for a dinner, the table must be round or square, and the main rule is that no side conversations are allowed. You start with a simple question of any kind (e.g. “What was your first memory associated with food?”) and allow the conversation to flow evenly and naturally without organized order. You’ll learn an amazing amount from everyone at the table, and forge real, authentic relationships as well.
4. Go Alone To A Live Music Concert
“Go see live music if you want your brain to come alive.”
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While live music is best experienced with others, there’s something magical that happens when you attend a concert by yourself as a stranger to the crowd. You lose your inhibitions, let yourself go to the sounds, and often find yourself going deeper into your own thoughts then you would otherwise when you’re experiencing the show with someone else.
I also find that the level of admiration and inspiration I find in music is heightened when I’m at a concert solo. It’s daunting, but give it a try.
5. Take A Hot Shower
Many studies show that the processing power of our subconscious mind is far more powerful than our conscious mind. But the chatter and noise of our conscious mind often overtakes our ability to tap into the subconscious.
When we allow our minds to become idle, in moments when we’re disconnected from devices and human interactions, we often discover huge breakthroughs that only our subconscious minds possess.
Share where you discover your best ideas in the comments below.
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture
Long walk and hot shower are two of my favorites. Long car rides (as either the driver or passenger) are also very reflective for me, especially with whatever music is inspiring me lately.
Adam
Car rides! Love it, good call.
Stephanie
I love the Jeffersonian Dinner idea! It’s brilliant.
Adam
🙂
Cameron
I’ve found something similar to number four. I’ve been stuck on lines for a song and figured it out quite easily at the movies by myself.
There’s also something about a playground or swing set as an adult that really gets me in a creative mood. I’ve done quite a lot of thinking lying on a playground starting at the stars.
Adam
Great call on the empty playground at night, will definitely try that out.
Olivia
Even though I’m only 21 years old, I’ve found that taking yourself out to dinner by yourself now and again allows you to sit down and truly reflect and think about things. Also a long run on your own, currently training for half a marathon for make a wish and it’s amazing what you can achieve out running on your own, your own mind is an amazing power!
Adam
Great shares Olivia, thanks for contributing and please continue to do so on future posts as well! Loved these insights.
Sadé Tolani
A simple, great article! So, so true.
The shower does it best for me. I need it to wake me up properly, every morning and get my thoughts going.
I got one of my biggest ‘light-bulb’ moments in the shower, which provided a fantastic resolution to a sticking point during the creation of my venture, ‘My Medical eCard’.
Thanks Adam.
Sadé Tolani
My Medical eCard
http://www.mmec.me.uk
Adam
So glad it resonated with you!
Kristie (Australia)
Absolutely. I though it was just me having lightening moments in the shower! I scribble my thoughts on the shower screen with my finger. It is my most creative space.
Adam
Haha I love that, great call Kristie.
Safiatou Barry
I’m going to start by saying thank you Adam. I didn’t think of these like a common fact but #s 1 and 5 work for me. Thank you for sharing this and for everything you do to make a difference. I love what you do and you inspire me a lot. Again thank you!!!!!
Adam
My pleasure, so glad #1 and 5 work for you. Def try out 2-4 next!
Alan Twelkemeier
Fantastic list! Number 6: Answer every question and make every decision through the lens of impact and you’ll begin to ride the lightning!
Adam
Beautifully said Alan 🙂
Mark Johnson
Thanks Adam and staff for sharing these 5 important points. I can especially relate to the 3 point of the Jeffersonian Dinner. A friend and myself started such a group 10yrs ago and we (9 of us) meet weekly over food. I also go to another group with totally different folks every other week. Both of these activities are highlights for me, my wife and friends.
Adam
Glad to hear it Mark, I was introduced to the Jeffersonian Dinner concept years ago and it’s fantastic.