10 strategies to unleash your creativity 

Spring will be here in just a few short days. But what does this change of season mean to you: newness, spring cleaning, opening the windows to let the fresh air in, creative projects…?

I personally see spring as a time of renewal, particularly when it comes to nature, which goes from hibernation mode to rebirth. It’s fascinating to contemplate how nature always outdoes itself every spring – a lesson for us all…

Being a solo-entrepreneur, I know that it takes more than skill, knowledge, and dedication to run and grow a business. Creativity also plays a pivotal role in promoting innovation, building client relationships, and overcoming obstacles. But when you get caught up in the daily grind of running a business, sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees and this tunnel vision ends up killing your creativity.

Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to get that creative spark back:

1. Look at your corporate mission. Too many mission statements are forgotten as soon as they’re written. So keep yours where you can see it every day. This will allow you to stay focused on why you started your business in the first place. When you’re more connected to the “why” (i.e., why your clients need what you have to offer), it’s easier to find the “what” (i.e. what you offer and what you can generate through creativity).

If you don’t have a mission statement, then create one by determining your Internal GPS, the impact you wish to have, and the outcomes you wish to produce for your clients.

• Internal GPS: What matters most to you about this project? As a leader, what deep convictions will guide its realization? Your internal GPS will guide you to keeps you on track.
• Impact: What impact do you want to have on others (your clients, your team…)? What emotions do you want to bring out in them (e.g.: a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, a sense of being fully present, a sense of joy…)?
• Outcomes: What outcomes do you wish to produce? What do you hope your clients will take away from their experience? What do you hope they will learn?
• Put it all together and create your slogan/mission statement.

2.  Draw inspiration from your clients. When I feel stuck or uninspired, I consult my allies – my clients. Asking for help is another good way to stimulate your creativity.

3. Read. I personally I have not read everything that won’t help me better serve my clients because I don’t have the time, but you can stay inspired at work by reading relevant articles online. If that doesn’t reignite your creative spark, consider reading things that are outside your comfort zone.

4. Schedule meetings with colleagues to talk business and put the topic you want to discuss on the agenda. This is a great way to come up with tons of new ideas. Just don’t forget to write them down! My trick is to record the meetings on my phone or iPad or to take pictures.

5.  Take a day, or even a few hours, to recharge your batteries somewhere that you find inspiring. Your creativity may be dormant because your energy has been depleted. Leaving the office for a few hours or, ideally, for an entire day, is sure to give you new insights. My favourite place to get away from it all is the forest. What’s yours?

6. Remember that “less is more”. Over-thinking or overcomplicating things doesn’t promote creativity. Simply listen to your gut and focus on key words that are aligned with your mission.

7. Unplug. Spend one work hour per day unplugged from everything: the Internet, emails, the phone, your employees, and clients…Unplugging for just an hour a day can make a huge difference and will allow you to be fully present when you plug back in. Experience has taught me that I’m much more creative when I unplug for a while every day.

8. Meditate, exercise. You don’t have to be spiritual or an athlete to reap the benefits of these practices. The more you “force” your creativity to come to the surface, the more it will stay submerged. But finding peace and harmony in silence can unlock it because silence slows your thoughts and allows your spirit to emerge.

9. Schedule staff meetings so you can bounce ideas off your team. Your employees know your company and can offer you a fresh perspective. Regular brainstorming or team synergy sessions are a great way to stay inspired and to keep those creative juices flowing. They also promote a sense of belonging and let your employees know that their thoughts and opinions matter and are essential to the success of the company.

10. Play! Nothing stimulates creativity more than playing! Don’t take yourself too seriously. Just have fun and tell yourself that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be and that you have what it takes to create what you want. So get out of your comfort zone, try something new, and play!

Don’t make resolutions. They’re no more effective at the start of a new season than at the start of a new year. Stop talking about it and just do it.

Remember that a project without a plan is never a good idea. Once you decide what you want to create, commit to it and use the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) to bring your project to fruition.

What will you create today?

Christine Lecavalier, Co-active Coach and Leader