#CareerCounsel: Stuck for ideas?

Writers block? Creativity at a standstill? We’ve all had that moment where we rack our brains for ideas or ways to improve what we’re doing. Sometimes, nothing seems to be happening as you stare at a blank piece of brainstorming paper.

It is in no way a reflection that you have exhausted every creative avenue. In fact, it means you’ve had a great creative streak that is so easy to continue with some easy tips! #CareerCounsel is here as always to help you out!

How can I increase my creative thoughts?

NOTE: While your role might not have a huge creative direction involved, these tips can generally help with your productivity overall!

• Take a break. Sometimes we can overwork ourselves until there’s nothing else to give that day. The best thing you can do is determine when it’s time to take an hour away from your work to refresh. So if you’re struggling to be productive, don’t presume you’re lacking ideas because you’re not good at what you do. It’s because you need a break!
• #CareerCounsel cannot take credit for this tip, but we have to share it. The pandas recently went to creATE workshop, where we learned how to unwind in order to unleash creative thoughts. It’s a simple three ‘M’ process – Meditation, Movement and Mindfulness. Take a moment to relax before a quick walk around the area. You will become more mindful of what needs to be done and exactly how you can do it. Taking risks might not always result in a perfect piece of work, but it opens you up to possibilities and new techniques. Breaking routine with the three ‘M’ technique takes you away from your routine distractions so we suggest trying it out!
• Brainstorm buddies are a great way to share ideas and get good feedback about things you might have been apprehensive to test out. You see, if you’re scared to try out different ideas you might automatically assume you’re at a loss for other ideas. How do you expect to grow in your career without good and bad feedback? So, a brainstorm buddy gives you someone to confide in and vice versa. Who knows, both of you might create something amazing.
• Look back at all those great productive sessions you’ve had where the ideas and hard work were flowing. By doing this, you can deduce when your creative juices flow best and dedicate a part of your week to planning your upcoming month or creating new ideas.
• All creativity is individual, which means your ideas will come when you’re at your most relaxed and in tune with your own daily routine. 

Remember, no one is on a creative streak every minute of every working day. The next time you think you’re stuck in a rut, you’re not. Follow our tips and realise your creative energy is always there…you just need to use it right!

If you liked this post, be sure to follow the #CareerCounsel series! You can also continue your reading with these posts...

• The best team work tips: optimise your workplace relationships
• #CareerCounsel: Feeling demotivated?
•  Not feeling challenged in your role?