What does a typical creative process look like?

You do extensive research and collect all of the notes and ideas. Then you put it all together and look for new, interesting connections that nobody has ever seen.

Sometimes we try too hard to be creative in order to find the best idea right at the moment. This can lead to getting too excited about what  we have found, causing us to follow that first “good” thought that came to us.

How about giving your creativity some space?

The next time you begin your creative work process, try this instead:

1. Introduce a little break time into your creative process. Take a step back from all of your research and thoughts for a day or two.

2. Go through all of the inspiration you gathered, then put it away and let it come back to you naturally.

3. Spend more time in your “default mode” when you’re not actively thinking or working on anything (that’s why some of the best ideas come when you’re taking a shower).

4. Sleep on it. Let your brain process new information on its own and find the connections when you least expect it. 

5. Close your eyes and daydream about what you’re trying to create. Try to imagine the final product and see it in your head. This exercise can be difficult in the beginning, but give it some practice.

6. Don’t get too attached to the first thought or idea you have. Keep pushing yourself further and see what else is out there.

7. Write down or sketch your idea and then come back to it later, so you can look at it from a different perspective.