29 ways to stay creative

April 26, 2011  David Murray   8 comments

Here are 29 ways to stay creative.

What works best for me:

1. Make lists
2. Carry a notebook everywhere
4. Get away from the computer
16. Allow yourself to make mistakes
19. Get lots of rest
27. Clean your workspace

I’d add a #30: Pray to the Creator for creativity.

What would you add?

  • Mark Kakkuri

    Thanks for posting! It’s a good list and your #30 is very appropriate.Since creativity means ideas and ideas are inseparable from words, the only thing I would add to the list is the reading of excellent literature — what we should do during #4 and another good reason for #2.

  • Doc B

    I’d add, ‘write a blog’. I started mine for that specific purpose, along with improving my ability to communicate effectively and succinctly.I’ve found that I am not short on creativity as much as on memory…I have to keep lists or I’m sunk.

  • se7en

    What a great list… and I love #30. Cleaning my workspace is always a great first step… What about finding some peace… I am a lot less creative in between life in general, I need to move away from the humdrum of getting things done and the threat of impending deadlines like: ‘When is the next meal/snack?”… Generally if I clear a morning or afternoon of the clutter of day to day living (school, housework whatever) I can be a whole lot more creative than usual!!!

  • Paul Bruggink

    I have found #24 (Create a framework) to be very helpful. In other words, do something, then build on it and improve it.

  • JB

    I would add: Hang out with creative people.

  • Nathan Hitz

    Reread, reread and reread good literature.

  • Fran

    I’d add spend time with kids – they never seem to lack creativity. I’d also add don’t be afraid to get dirty. My third addition would be: make something for someone else. Creativity is more fun when we do it with others or to serve/encourage others.

  • Bernard

    The artist Howard Hodgkin once said ‘All art comes from art’, which I think is very true and underlines the importance of your #30, and the comments above urging the reading of good literature. But I think it stands by itself so my addition would be: Remember that all art comes from art.Get well soon brother.