Creativity is the driving force behind innovation and problem-solving in your company. However, even the most visionary leaders can find their creative spark dimming amidst the daily grind.
To help you reignite that spark, 18 members of Newsweek Expert Forum share their tried-and-true approaches for getting the ideas flowing again. From changing up your routine to seeking out input from others, these strategies can guide you back to your most inventive self.
1. Switch to a Rote, Banal Task
Do something rote and banal to pull your brain away from the task at hand and allow fresher ideas to recongregate in the back of your mind. Do dishes, get on a stepper or do a Sudoku. Make it something you'd otherwise avoid. You'll be surprised how your mind wanders back to solve your previous problem, especially if the alternative task is boring. - Suzanne Mattaboni, Suzanne Mattaboni Communications
2. Understand Your Personal Creative Process
Understand how creativity happens for you, not how you think the process happens or should happen. Focus on how you naturally experience the creative process happening in you. Understanding how creativity happens for you and in you enables you to know how to support it happening when you want it to. If you don't know the process, you don't know how to get what you want when you want it! - Jay Steven Levin, WinThinking
3. Tap Into Different Types of Creativity
Creativity comes in different forms. Sometimes, it hasn't left you but it's just not flowing the way you want. An easy and fun way to overcome this is by doing something else that's creative but not related to your current project. For instance, those trying to put a PowerPoint together should take a break and rearrange small things in their office. - Baruch Labunski, Rank Secure
4. Refresh Your Stimuli
Change up the routine and seek refreshing stimuli. My creativity typically blossoms after I've watched new TV shows, listened to new music, dined at a new restaurant or met new people. If that doesn't work, put a pause on the initiative and revisit it down the line. - Sabina Pons, Growth Molecules
5. Acknowledge the Block, Then Work Outside Your Usual Space
When I find my creativity waning, I typically do three things: 1. I acknowledge that I am suffering from writer's block and that writer's block is a normal phenomenon that occasionally impacts every columnist and author. 2. I go outside and take a walk (weather permitting, of course). 3. I go to work somewhere outside of my office whether it's to a coffee shop, restaurant or park. - Joseph Steinberg, CyberSecurity and Artificial Intelligence Expert Services
6. Do Something Unrelated to the Work
Step away from the problem and try to do something outside your work and industry that is totally unrelated. What this does is unlock some parts of the brain that are not often used. If we then go back to our work problem, it might have helped generate new ideas and paradigms. - Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures
7. Take a Short Vacation
When my creativity starts to wane, I take a short vacation to get away for a few days and come back more productive than when I left. It's vital to unwind and refresh when you suffer from what I refer to as burnout and need to get away from the element of your job. I find solace near water and away from TVs and cell phones. It not only refreshes my mind but restores my focus as well. - Tammy Sons, Tn Nursery
8. Go on a 'Digital Detox Walk'
I normally embark on a "digital detox walk" where I disconnect myself from all electronic devices and take a nature walk. This act reduces cognitive overload, allowing my brain to connect disparate ideas freely. I recommend this to business leaders because connecting with nature reduces stress, enhances problem-solving and boosts your creativity levels. - Dr. Kira Graves, Kira Graves Consulting
9. Change Your Surroundings
Step out of your regular environment and routine. Change your surroundings, whether by traveling to a new location, working from a different setting or simply taking a walk in nature to stimulate your brain. This will expose you to new stimuli and help you see problems or challenges from fresh perspectives. - Britton Bloch, Navy Federal
10. Avoid Pushing the Creativity
Creativity is something that we can't push. Even if there is time pressure, stepping away for half an hour to change our focus helps. After walking, meditating or stretching, I always finish my creative tasks faster. - Krisztina Veres, Veres Career Consulting
11. Walk Without an Agenda
Walking without a specific agenda allows you to be present in the moment. You can focus on your surroundings, including the sounds, smells and sights around you. This mindfulness can help clear your mind and create space for creative ideas to emerge. - Leah Marone, Corporate Wellness Consultant
12. Rest Your Mind
Writer's block is an example of waning creativity for authors who are unable to generate new ideas. Business leaders can also experience a version of writer's block—often called analysis paralysis—when they are unable to generate new ideas or create new opportunities. To get ideas flowing again, business leaders can rest their minds with self-care, mindless activities, coffee breaks or vacations. - Lillian Gregory, The 4D Unicorn LLC
13. Step Away from the 'Office'
Taking some time away from the proverbial "office" is very helpful for reenergizing and reengaging. From supporting personal needs to taking meetings off-site, breaking away from regular work routines can help you recharge and get re-inspired. - Jacob Kupietzky, HCT Executive Interim Management & Consulting
14. Take Five to Reset
Take five. When creativity wanes, take five minutes to change the channel. Take a walk, breathe and stretch. Do anything that correlates calming activities and movement with a mini rest. A quick reset makes it easier for new ideas to show up. And everyone can find five minutes. - Karen Mangia, The Engineered Innovation Group
15. Get Some Fresh Air and Movement
Take a deep breath. Push yourself back from your device and escape your routine. Go for a walk, run, hike or swim. I've found that fresh air and exercise fuels creativity. - Michael Frazier, Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling
16. Delve Into Other Disciplines
When creativity wanes, I delve into interdisciplinary research, seeking insights from unrelated fields to spark new ideas. This cross-pollination often yields fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. I recommend this to business leaders as it encourages thinking outside traditional boundaries and cultivates a dynamic, adaptable mindset essential for creativity. - Anna Yusim, MD, Yusim Psychiatry, Consulting & Executive Coaching
17. Engage in Activities That Inspire You
When my creativity wanes, I step back and escape the situation. I then engage in activities that inspire me, like exercising, exploring nature and listening to music. I recommend this to other business leaders because it helps to rejuvenate the mind and spark new ideas. By giving yourself time for inspiration and allowing your mind to wander, you can break free from the creative blockades. - Alan Wozniak, Business Health Matters (BHM) Executive Consulting
18. Seek Insights from Younger or Newer Employees
When I notice my creativity dipping, I like to involve younger or newer team members in brainstorming sessions. It's refreshing to hear their perspectives and ideas, and it helps break down workplace hierarchies and boost morale by valuing everyone's input. This sparks new ideas and keeps the team engaged. I recommend this approach to all leaders for maintaining innovation. - Gergo Vari, Lensa
