Remember, to be creative if you want a better future and to get ahead faster on your way to success. First, know that being curious is what makes you creative.
To keep your mind creative, you need to keep your interest alive. Being open to new information, different points of view and questions is what this means. Being curious forces you to break out of your routine and question the way things are, which is important for creative thought.
Brainstorming is a good way to bring out your imagination; anyone can use this process, not just people in a group. Set aside time every day to think about a problem or project without any restrictions, and write down all the ideas that come to mind, even if they seem crazy. Putting aside your judgment and letting your creativity run freely is the key here. You can think about and improve these ideas later.
Making a setting that encourages creativity is another important part of fostering it. This
could mean setting up your workspace in a way that makes you feel good and gives you
ideas. Add things that make you feel creative, like plants, art, music, or anything else that
inspires you and sparks your creativity. Also, make sure that this area doesn’t have any
distractions that could stop you from thinking creatively.
Having a wide range of situations is also a key part of becoming more creative. Get out of
your comfort zone and do things that aren’t typical for you. This could include traveling to
new places, trying new foods, learning a new language or hobby, or simply changing your
usual route to work. Every new experience is an opportunity to see the world differently,
which can inspire innovative ideas.
Moreover, collaborating with others can be tremendously beneficial for creativity. Interacting with people who have different skills, backgrounds, and viewpoints can generate ideas you might never have considered on your own. Joint work groups or communities, both online and in person, where you can share ideas and receive feedback can be invaluable. This exchange of ideas can not only inspire creativity but also open up collaboration opportunities that could take your projects to new heights.
We cannot forget the importance of rest. In the creative process, the brain needs time to
recharge and make connections. Ensure you take regular breaks during your workdays and do not underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. Often, the most creative ideas come when we least expect them, such as after a period of rest or relaxation.
Finally, keep in mind that being creative is a skill that can be learned. It will become easier to
think effectively as you practice more often. Push yourself to think in new ways, break old
habits, and be open to new ideas all the time.
Malin Fernando – Auckland
(The writer is a professional in the fields of finance, sales and marketing with over 20 years
of experience in the banking and corporate sector. Member of the Institute of Finance
Professionals New Zealand, Associate Member of Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and Sri
Lanka Institute of Marketing. Member of the Study Board of Department of Mathematics at
University of Colombo and visiting faculty member of Center for Banking Studies of Central
Bank of Sri Lanka)
