These are great suggestions, Martin thank you! I need to try these. I have always thought of myself and just not a creative person and sometimes still do. But recently I think I realized I was just too constantly distracted. Everytime I walk I have something playing in my ears. Every car ride I have the radio on 100% of the time. Many times when I sit, within 60 seconds I’ll pull out something to read or my phone to pass time. I’ve tried much more consciously lately to walk with no headphones and sitting quietly to spark my mind. Whenever I’m stuck writing, I’ll be sure to use some of your tips!
It feels that's the way of the world these days. I constantly find myself reaching for my phone. Often just to check to see if anything has happened. It's a little crazy really.
I also started running with a podcast. I would focus on the podcast rather than the feeling of being on the run. But ive recently stopped this and gone phone free on my runs. It's been great. I find my mind thinks through problems on those runs now and I come back with many thoughts in order.
Letting your mind wander seems to be really beneficial, especially on runs or walks. It helps me work through problems more clearly and better understand myself in a weird way.
I never tried the spiral thing. I do sometimes write a few notes about what I want to accomplish in a given session. Something like, "The rest of this chapter has to drop 2 clues ..." It usually helps. Mind mapping is just too much trouble. I don't "get" it.
I find mind mapping good for ordering my thoughts but its not for everyone.
That feels like a good target to set for a chapter. Small bitesize chunks are what works best which leaves your brain a smaller area to work within and be creative within.
Great post, Martin. I'll throw one more tip that fits within your "constraints" category. Time constraints. For example, I'll time slot 30 minutes for an activity like this, which both gives me an endpoint and lets my brain rest at the end. I'm rarely very productive beyond 30 - 60 minutes of really hard thinking anyway.
Nice one. Yes, time constraints can work really well.
We use a technique called crazy eights. You divide the page into 8, then start a timer. You get one minute to write an idea in each area. So 8 mins in total.
When you get to the last two you’re really pushing the ideas out.
Trying to work on creativity on a set schedule is the hard part. Normally I have the flexiblity to flow when I want but when I have to hit a specifically timed target, like a meeting, these will be very helpful to remember.
The spiral exercise reminds me of The Dot Meditation where you just continually put dots on a piece of paper for 15 minutes. Perhaps it occupies the left/logical side of the brain enough to free up the right/creative side of our minds? Wonderful post, thank you.
These are great suggestions, Martin thank you! I need to try these. I have always thought of myself and just not a creative person and sometimes still do. But recently I think I realized I was just too constantly distracted. Everytime I walk I have something playing in my ears. Every car ride I have the radio on 100% of the time. Many times when I sit, within 60 seconds I’ll pull out something to read or my phone to pass time. I’ve tried much more consciously lately to walk with no headphones and sitting quietly to spark my mind. Whenever I’m stuck writing, I’ll be sure to use some of your tips!
It feels that's the way of the world these days. I constantly find myself reaching for my phone. Often just to check to see if anything has happened. It's a little crazy really.
I also started running with a podcast. I would focus on the podcast rather than the feeling of being on the run. But ive recently stopped this and gone phone free on my runs. It's been great. I find my mind thinks through problems on those runs now and I come back with many thoughts in order.
Letting your mind wander seems to be really beneficial, especially on runs or walks. It helps me work through problems more clearly and better understand myself in a weird way.
I'm gonna try this spiral thing!!!
I'll keep you posted.
Brilliant. Let me know how you get on.
I never tried the spiral thing. I do sometimes write a few notes about what I want to accomplish in a given session. Something like, "The rest of this chapter has to drop 2 clues ..." It usually helps. Mind mapping is just too much trouble. I don't "get" it.
I find mind mapping good for ordering my thoughts but its not for everyone.
That feels like a good target to set for a chapter. Small bitesize chunks are what works best which leaves your brain a smaller area to work within and be creative within.
Great post, Martin. I'll throw one more tip that fits within your "constraints" category. Time constraints. For example, I'll time slot 30 minutes for an activity like this, which both gives me an endpoint and lets my brain rest at the end. I'm rarely very productive beyond 30 - 60 minutes of really hard thinking anyway.
Nice one. Yes, time constraints can work really well.
We use a technique called crazy eights. You divide the page into 8, then start a timer. You get one minute to write an idea in each area. So 8 mins in total.
When you get to the last two you’re really pushing the ideas out.
Nice work, and a great reminder to get quiet and simplify!
Simple is always good. Thanks for stopping by Paul.
Trying to work on creativity on a set schedule is the hard part. Normally I have the flexiblity to flow when I want but when I have to hit a specifically timed target, like a meeting, these will be very helpful to remember.
Thank you for guiding us on this. I will try to practice these tricks going forward
Excellent, let me know how you get on.
The spiral exercise reminds me of The Dot Meditation where you just continually put dots on a piece of paper for 15 minutes. Perhaps it occupies the left/logical side of the brain enough to free up the right/creative side of our minds? Wonderful post, thank you.
Ah yes. I think I’ve done that one before. 15 minutes sounds like a long time though 😀
But yes, I think the theory is that you’re making links between the left and right parts of the brain and priming it for action.
Intriguing advice, Martin, especially the first point on priming our minds by drawing a spiral.
I'll check it out. Thanks for sharing.
No worries Raveen. Let me know how you get on.
What helps you get your mind in the right place?