Break Through! 8 Ways to Kick-Start Your Creativity

By: Sharon Reus

So if you're trying to solve a problem creatively and you're stumped, what do you do? These are a few of my favorite techniques.

1. Define the problem
The more specific your problem statement, the more likely you are to solve it quickly and cleanly. Define your problem as a question relating to the outcome you're trying to achieve. For example: "How can I create a word-of-mouth campaign that will bring additional traffic to my web site?”

2. Get random
Random inspiration is one of my favorite kick-start methods. Get three magazines you’ve never looked at. Scan through them, including the ads. Look for things that might spark an answer for your creative challenge.

3. Learn something new
This doesn't have to take weeks, like attending a class at the community college. You can do this right now at your computer. Pick an interesting topic you don't know much about. Google it... and follow the links where they lead you. Clear out some cobwebs by turning your brain onto something entirely new.

4. Steal something
I’m not talking full-on plagiarism here. Chances are, the problem you're trying to solve has already been solved by someone else. Can you find examples? Sometimes seeing someone else’s solutions can inspire you.

5. Turn it upside down
Try turning your normal process upside down, backwards or inside out to get different results. If you're a writer, and you usually work from an outline, try starting with your first sentence or your last paragraph. If you're a designer, and you usually work in Illustrator or Photoshop, grab a pencil and start sketching. Switch things up and let your brain function differently for a while.

6. Walk away
Step back from your problem, but use the time away to allow your subconscious mind to help you out. Try rote tasks that don't involve reading, watching TV or web surfing... Dishwashing, cooking or baking, and number puzzles like Sudoku all allow your brain to work in the background.

7. Capture it
It's a simple thing, but do you have someplace where you can write down ideas no matter where or when you think of them… and then find them again? Use a tiny notebook, and then at least once a week download all the information into usable bits, filing them as action or reference items.

8. Talk it out
Don't try to work in a vacuum. Just explaining your problem to someone else can help you clarify it in your mind. And doing this on a regular basis with different people helps you stay connected to other perspectives too.

Sharon Reus is a coach and consultant who helps entrepreneurs and others reach their creative potential through one-on-one coaching, workshops and training. Visit her blog at http://insightintoaction.wordpress.com