ORIGINALLY POSTED 8/13/2024
Here we are in the middle of August. We are exiting the lazy haze of summer and entering the final half of the year. As an entrepreneur, I am hearing a lot about year-end goals. As a parent, I am preparing to get back into the routine of school and after-school activities. The start of the holiday season is only a couple of months away, which I am constantly reminded of as I step into the stores and see the aisles adorn with pumpkins and skeletons. I know the sounds of Mariah Carey are not far behind. These are all reminders that I need to be more efficient and productive to end the year strong. That means taking time to be creative is even more important.
Creativity is a crucial component of productivity. These two often seem at odds, but creativity can catalyze productivity. The act of creating engages multiple areas of the brain. This includes the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for critical thinking, and the default mode network which is active during rest and daydreaming. This helps generate solutions to problems and narrow them down to the best one. Also, as I have talked about before, creativity increases dopamine levels boosting one’s mood and relieving stress, which is also important to be more productive.
So how do you use creativity to your advantage to get things done?
- Take time to brainstorm. Block out an hour or two to sit and visualize your problem and think through solutions. This will help you approach problems from a different perspective, and see the bigger picture. I have some great brain dump and mind-mapping templates for your next brainstorming session. If you want to try one for free, check out this fun sky-themed mind-mapping template and a creative mind-mapping guide here.
- Find a project you’re passionate about. Taking time to do something you thoroughly enjoy can lead to more innovative thinking and productivity.
- Find ways to integrate creative thinking into routine tasks by having an open mind and continuing to stay curious.
- Remove failure from the equation. If things do not go the way you plan it is not a failure it is a learning opportunity.
- Consume quality content and switch it up a bit. Turn off the nightly news and stop scrolling social media every evening for a couple of weeks. Then replace it with learning a new skill and use it to watch educational YouTube videos, or listen to uplifting podcasts.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. It is a fast track to being miserable. Nurture and invest in yourself by turning off social media, making a gratitude list, and giving yourself some love and grace.
As we move forward into the latter half of the year, let us embrace the journey with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose. The blend of creativity and productivity is a powerful tool that can transform our goals into achievements. By fostering creativity in our daily lives, we enhance our ability to solve problems and enrich our experiences with joy and satisfaction. Let us seize this opportunity to be intentional about our creative pursuits, knowing they are the key to unlocking our potential. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it propels you toward a successful year-end.