Everyone wants to be more creative, but it’s easy to think you’re either born with it or not. The good news? Creativity is something you can build, just like any other skill. In this article, '57 Ways to Unlock Your Creative Self,' we’ll look at practical ideas inspired by some of the best books on creativity. Whether you’re trying to break out of a rut, start a new project, or just feel a bit more inspired every day, these tips can help you see things in a new way and get those creative juices flowing.

Key Takeaways

• Creativity isn’t just for artists—anyone can learn to be creative by changing how they think.
• Self-belief is a huge part of being creative. If you believe you’re creative, you’re more likely to act that way.
• Trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone can help spark new ideas.
• Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Some of the best ideas come from things that didn’t work out the first time.
• Little changes in your routine, like asking different questions or working in a new place, can make a big difference in your creativity.

01. Change Your Mind

Ever feel like creativity is some hidden treasure only a few people are born with? That’s just not how it works. Creativity actually starts with changing the way you see yourself and the world around you. It’s not about waking up and suddenly painting like Picasso or inventing the next big thing. Instead, it’s about flipping the switch in your mind and making small, steady shifts in your thinking.

Here's how you can actually start changing your mind to be more creative:

• Pay attention to your thoughts. When you tell yourself you’re not creative, notice that – and question it instead of just accepting it.
• Give yourself permission to mess up. No one starts out perfect, especially in creative work.
• Try viewing failure as a normal part of the process. Each mistake is just another step toward something really interesting.

Sometimes, the toughest part about making something new is getting past your own voice that whispers, “This isn’t any good.” Start by making it anyway. Let the noise be there, but don’t let it call the shots.

The cool thing is, you don’t have to start big. You don’t have to wait for some mythical spark of genius. Change your mind in little ways today, and you might surprise yourself with what you create tomorrow.

02. Creativity, Inc.

If you're stuck or feeling like your ideas keep slipping through your fingers, "Creativity, Inc." is packed with real-life lessons on building lasting creative energy. Ed Catmull, one of the minds behind Pixar, believes the secret isn’t about chasing the next wild idea, but about creating the right environment where honest conversations can actually happen.

The best creativity comes out when people feel safe to speak their mind and take risks without worrying about being shut down.

Here are some core habits inspired by the book:

• Encourage open chats and accept that bad ideas happen—they lead to better ones.
• Treat every mistake as a learning moment, not a setback.
• Focus more on group trust than flashy individual talent.
• Give people space to voice concerns instead of just nodding along.

Teams who admit when things aren’t working tend to fix problems quicker and enjoy the process more, even when it’s tough.

If you're aiming to boost your team’s creative streak, spending just a little time focusing on honesty and psychological safety can make a world of difference—fostering candor and a sense of trust can change the entire vibe of your group. That approach beats racing after "big ideas" every single time.

03. Finding Flow

Ever get so caught up in something that time just disappears? That’s what psychologists call flow—when you’re totally immersed in an activity, and the outside world sort of drops away. Hitting this state makes creativity feel effortless, enjoyable, and honestly a little addictive. But finding flow isn’t something that happens by accident.

If you’re looking to reach it more often, here are a few steps I swear by:

• Choose activities that match your skill level with enough of a challenge to keep things interesting. Too easy and you’ll get bored—too hard, and you might just give up.
• Turn off distractions. Put your phone in another room, shut down all those extra browser tabs, and give yourself room to focus.
• Set small, clear goals. When you know exactly what you’re working toward, and how to measure progress, it’s easier to stay locked in.

Creative flow isn’t about forcing yourself to make something perfect. It’s about getting lost in the process and letting yourself enjoy the work as you go.

It takes some practice to make flow a regular thing, especially if you’re stressed or your mind is all over the place. Start small—give yourself permission to experiment without worrying how it turns out. Experiment, fail, try again. Before you know it, those moments when you lose track of time will add up—and your best creative work might come from them.

04. Think Like Da Vinci

Ever wonder how someone could be both a scientist, an artist, and an inventor all at once? Leonardo da Vinci wasn't just curious—he lived it every day. To think like Da Vinci, you don't need to be a Renaissance genius, but you do need to shake things up in your approach to problems, learning, and creativity. The key is to keep asking questions and experiment without fear of failing.

Here’s a short list of Da Vinci-inspired habits you can try right now:

• Stay wildly curious—ask "why" about everything, even the basics.
• Test your ideas through small experiments. Don’t just trust theory; try things in real life.
• Use all your senses when you create or analyze something. Notice colors, textures, sounds, and smells.
• Get comfortable with not having all the answers. Sometimes, ambiguity leads to the best ideas.

Let your curiosity pull you in different directions, and you’ll find inspiration in the most unexpected places. Even a routine walk or a simple meal could turn into your next big creative breakthrough.

Don’t worry if you’re not instantly bursting with ideas. Give yourself permission to daydream, tinker, and mess up. Da Vinci didn’t become a genius overnight—he just kept exploring, questioning, and connecting things others ignored. Put these habits into play, and you might surprise yourself with what you come up with.

05. The Art of Possibility

"The Art of Possibility" is all about seeing things differently and opening up a world of options that you may not have noticed before. The main idea is this: most of the obstacles holding us back aren't real barriers—they're just stories we keep telling ourselves. You might feel stuck because you think there's only one way to solve a problem or only so much success to go around, but that's just your mind working against you.

Here’s how you can start living with more possibility every day:

• Challenge your automatic thoughts. Instead of asking, “Why can’t I do this?” try, “What if I could?”
• Switch from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. There’s enough creativity and opportunity for everyone—seriously.
• Treat teamwork as a chance to create amazing things, not just a box to tick or a task to survive.

Sometimes the only thing blocking new ideas is the invisible wall you built yourself. What feels impossible today might turn into tomorrow’s favorite adventure if you stay open and curious.

In practice, this means experimenting, making mistakes, and inviting other people’s perspectives. You’ll notice that both life and creative work become more fun and more surprising when you approach them as a series of new possibilities rather than fixed outcomes. Give it a try—what’s the worst that could happen?

06. Start With Why

Ever find yourself stuck, not quite sure why your creative projects don’t feel meaningful? Here’s the trick: start with why. It sounds simple but actually changes the game. If you know your purpose, the rest falls into place; frustrations don’t sting as much, and small ideas start to connect in surprising ways.

Let’s break it down:

• Your why gives you direction when things get messy or uncertain.
• People will connect with your work more deeply if they understand what drives you.
• When setbacks hit, your reason keeps you going instead of giving up halfway.

If you skip this step, it’s easy to make stuff that’s forgettable or half-hearted. Your ‘why’ is like your internal GPS, pointing you toward things that are actually important to you. According to the idea that having a clear purpose or ‘why' gives real direction and meaning to what we do, it can even help inspire folks to join your cause—something you can read more about here: direction and meaning to actions.

When you take a minute to ask yourself why you want to create, you give yourself an anchor—and suddenly, even the mundane can feel inspiring.

So next time you brainstorm, start by jotting down your reason. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering; it just has to be true for you. That’s the first step in making honest, creative work.

07. Inside Real Innovation

Innovation doesn’t just happen in a flash, and it’s definitely not magic—there’s a process behind every lightbulb moment. Inside Real Innovation shows that turning an idea into something real often means lots of trial and error, little steps forward, and the willingness to change direction when things don’t go as planned. Creativity gets supercharged when you’re comfortable with learning as you go and not being afraid to make a mess.

Here’s what digging into real innovation usually looks like:

• Adapting quickly: Tried something? It flopped? Change it up and try again.
• Mixing things together: New tech, cool ideas, and quirks from your own life all combine into something unexpected.
• Paying attention to the world around you: Sometimes the answer is hiding in a different field, a weird conversation, or even a mistake you make.

Creative success isn’t just for inventors or huge companies—anyone can put these ideas into practice, especially if you see each setback as a step forward.

Ultimately, a practical, experimental mindset helps more than waiting for some mythical inspiration. If you’re stuck, don’t wait for perfection—start with what you’ve got and work from there. You might be surprised by what clicks next.

08. A More Beautiful Question

Ever catch yourself rushing to find the answer before you've even truly lived with the question? It’s weird how we’re taught all our lives that answers matter most, but what if the real magic is in the questions we ask? "A More Beautiful Question" is all about making questioning an everyday habit to spark creativity and break out of ruts.

Here’s how to work questioning into your life:

• Start by observing something around you that feels off or curious, then ask "Why?"—not in a nagging way, but out of genuine interest.
• Once you have the "why," follow up with, "What if things worked differently?" Play out wild, even silly, possibilities in your mind.
• After that, ask, "How could I test or try one tiny change today?" Don’t overthink it; just try a small step and see what happens.

Sometimes, asking better questions is like shaking up a snow globe—suddenly you see patterns you never noticed before, and new ideas float to the top.

You don’t need to have all the answers to make progress. In fact, the right question can open possibilities you didn’t realize existed. So give yourself permission to live in the unknown, even if it feels odd, and see where a few more beautiful questions lead you next.

09. The War of Art

Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art is honestly like a pep talk for anyone wrestling with creative blocks. There’s this thing called Resistance, and it will sneak in wearing all sorts of costumes: procrastination, self-doubt, endless scrolling—sound familiar? You start with the best intentions, but somehow your project remains untouched. The trick, according to Pressfield, is simple but really tough: treat creativity like a real job, not a hobby you’ll get to one day.

Here’s how you can get out of your own way:

• Show up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Consistency is your friend.
• Don’t wait for inspiration to show up first—often it comes after you start.
• Stop worrying about what other people will think. The process is about you and your work, not external approval.

Resistance is loudest when you care most about what you’re doing. If it feels scary or big, that probably means it matters. Use that as fuel, not a reason to stop.

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If you’ve ever found yourself Googling "how to be creative" instead of just starting, you’re not alone. Tiny steps lead to bigger momentum, so don’t pressure yourself to write a masterpiece on day one. Hit that blank page, make your art, and remember, the only real failure is not trying.

10. Steal Like an Artist

If you wait for a completely original idea, you’ll be stuck forever. It turns out, good art borrows from the world—it’s all about seeing existing work in a new way. The best creators take bits and pieces from everywhere, and then make it their own.

Here’s how to get started:

• Notice things you love—music, stories, color palettes, even snatches of conversation. Make notes or snap photos so you don't forget.
• Don’t copy, transform. Blend what inspires you with your own thoughts. Let the mashup surprise you.
• Practice rewriting or paraphrasing your favorite descriptions, and share true stories in your own words. You’re learning by remixing, not just by staring at the masters. (Here’s a helpful trick: keep a running list of words or images that attract you, and weave them into what you create—see more practical tips for boosting creativity in this collection.)

Inspiration isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike—it's more like following sparks and letting them build into something no one else could have made but you.

So yes, "stealing" in the creative sense is an everyday thing. Just make sure you’re always mixing and giving credit where it counts. Eventually, your mix becomes your voice.

11. Big Magic

Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic" is like a pep talk for anyone who’s ever felt their creativity go missing. Creativity isn’t some secret club—it’s for everyone, and inspiration pops up in weird, everyday moments if you just give it a little room to breathe. Stop waiting for perfect conditions or the right mood before you start making things. Half the time, that just means you never do anything.

Here’s how "Big Magic" pushes you to open up to more creative moments (even if you don’t think you’re a creative type):

• Let go of the fear that you have to be original or brilliant. Most good stuff starts as a rough idea.
• Make time for projects and playful experiments, even if you’re busy—creativity loves to squeeze in the cracks of your day.
• Treat your ideas like guests: welcome them, don’t judge them right away, and see where they take you.

Magic in this context isn’t about wizards or secret spells—it’s about showing up every day, trying something, and not quitting because you’re worried what people think.

Some of my best ideas happened when I stopped overthinking, let go of my inner critic, and just did a small creative thing for my own satisfaction, not for anyone else.

12. Show Your Work!

Getting your art out there can feel tough—maybe even scary. There's always that voice in your head wondering if anyone will care, or if you're just shouting into the void. But this step, sharing what you've made, is how you connect to others and maybe even surprise yourself along the way.

Sharing isn’t just about chasing likes or going viral—it’s about putting your unique perspective into the world. Sometimes, it's more about the process than the final masterpiece. Plus, the act of making your work public builds confidence each time you hit "post."

If you're not sure how to start, here's a quick list:

• Start small: Post a work-in-progress or a behind-the-scenes snapshot.
• Build a friendly space: Your online portfolio can be your own corner of the internet, a bit like your digital business card.
• Welcome mistakes: Show what didn’t work for you—the story is just as important as the result.
• Be consistent: Sharing regularly makes it feel more normal and less daunting after a while.

Each time you put your work out there, you open the door for someone to connect, relate, or even get inspired themselves. It's not just about the finished product—your journey matters, too.

Letting your creativity be seen is how you find your people, get feedback, and—best of all—feel seen for who you really are.

13. The Artist's Way

When it comes to creative recovery, few things beat Julia Cameron's classic approach. The Artist’s Way isn’t just for painters or musicians; it’s for anyone who feels a little stuck or wants to bring more creativity into their daily routine. The heart of it is about building habits that gently encourage the creative spark—whether your art is writing, doodling, singing in the shower, or just thinking up weird, fun ideas.

Here’s how you can put The Artist’s Way into practice:

• Set aside a few minutes each morning to write three pages longhand—just a brain dump, no rules, no censorship (these are called morning pages).
• Once a week, promise yourself a solo "artist date"—something playful, just for you, like visiting a thrift store, trying a new recipe, or watching squirrels in the park.
• Pay attention to the self-doubt and “not good enough” thoughts. They show up for everybody—your job is just to write through them, not beat yourself up.

This practice isn't about becoming the next Picasso. It's about enjoying little creative moments, making mistakes, and letting your curiosity lead you somewhere new.

Consistency beats perfection. If you skip a few days or your morning pages turn into late-night rambles, don’t sweat it. Just start again. Your creativity loves a fresh sheet of paper every day.

14. The Creative Habit

Creativity isn't just a mood that hits you. It's more like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. If you wait for some mysterious spark, you'll be waiting forever. Instead, work at making creativity part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth.

Here are a few ways to make creativity a habit:

• Set aside a small chunk of time every day for your creative work, even if it's just ten minutes.
• Make your own simple rituals, like putting on a playlist or lighting a candle, to signal your brain it's time to create.
• Keep a journal handy to jot down ideas wherever you are—morning, night, or stuck in traffic.

When you treat being creative like any other regular habit, you stop worrying about whether your ideas are ‘good enough' and start actually making something. Things flow more easily, mistakes feel less scary, and you have more fun along the way.

So, instead of waiting for inspiration, build a life where inspiration knows exactly where to find you—right in the middle of your creative habit.

15. How to Fly a Horse

Ever had a big idea and immediately thought, "Nah, that's impossible"? Turns out, that's pretty normal. Creativity feels magical, but it’s actually about steady steps and a bit of messiness. The secret isn’t some spark of genius—it's about making tiny moves, over and over, even when you’re sure it’s not working.

Here’s how you can tackle creativity the "How to Fly a Horse" way:

• Start before you feel ready. Waiting for confidence or the perfect plan will keep you stuck. Most creators aren’t sure what they’re doing at first.
• Break big projects into tiny, doable pieces. That huge painting or novel? It’s a pile of little actions. Build momentum by working in daily bursts.
• Don’t chase approval. Some people are going to love what you do. Others won’t. Make stuff for yourself—that makes it meaningful.

When it seems like you’ve hit a wall, remind yourself that every creative breakthrough is built on a heap of misfires, detours, and wild experiments.

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If you take anything from this, let it be this: creativity is less about genius and more about simply showing up, even when it gets tough. Try things. Get it wrong. Try again. That’s how you "fly a horse."

16. Imagine

There are days when your brain feels like it's filled with stale air, right? Like, imagination is something only for kids or artists on Pinterest. But honestly, using your imagination is one of the best ways to shake up your normal routine and get creative energy flowing again. Imagination isn’t about escaping reality—it’s about looking at ordinary things from a new angle.

Try these three steps to flex your imagination muscles in daily life:

• Ask "what if"—and actually follow the thread, even if it seems silly. What if your morning coffee made you invisible? What if you could hear colors?
• Mix totally unrelated things together: write a story where your favorite animal is a librarian or design a garden that's also a board game.
• Let go of being right. With imagination, there are no rules, and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

Sometimes, the odd, wild ideas that pop into your mind are the very seeds that lead to something amazing. Don’t dismiss them just because they sound weird—write them down or daydream a little longer.

Whenever you hit a wall creatively, slow down and give yourself a minute to, well, imagine. The world needs more people who see things not just as they are but as they could be.

17. Creative Confidence

Stepping into your creative side can feel kind of scary, but honestly, it’s all about building your confidence, not waiting for a flash of genius to strike. Most people are held back by the idea that they’re not the "creative type" or by fear of being judged. The real trick is just to start—messy, imperfect, and maybe even a little awkward at first.

Creative confidence grows when you show up regularly and turn creative moments into everyday habits, not big, intimidating projects. Once you let go of the need to be perfect, you’ll find it easier to take risks and share your ideas.

A few ways to boost your creative confidence:

• Try quick creative exercises (like doodling, writing a short story, or snapping photos) without worrying about the result.
• Make small creative acts part of your daily routine—even five minutes counts.
• Focus on the process, not just on getting everything "right."
• Remind yourself that everyone faces self-doubt—you’re not alone.

Don’t underestimate the power of showing up, even when you don’t feel inspired. Progress tends to show up when you least expect it.

Making creativity a habit matters more than one big idea. Building creative confidence means being kind to yourself, allowing for mistakes, and, most importantly, making creative activities a consistent habit. That’s what really keeps the spark alive.

18. Originals

Feeling stuck in routines or like your wildest ideas might be too much? "Originals" is all about going against what’s typical and choosing to question the usual way of doing things. It’s not just about having a totally new idea—sometimes it means tweaking something that already exists or speaking up about an unusual thought, even when others hesitate.

Here’s what being original looks like in the real world:

• Rejecting the first or most obvious solution, and asking, “What if there’s something better?”
• Learning to manage fear and doubt instead of waiting for those feelings to disappear before trying something new
• Building support for your ideas, bit by bit, by listening to feedback and adjusting (instead of going it alone)
• Understanding that waiting or "strategic procrastination" sometimes gives space for your idea to grow even stronger

Originality on a day-to-day basis is about not settling for the usual and finding small chances to propose or test something different. It’s not only for the rebels, geniuses, or anyone with a wild streak—you can nurture your own originality just by questioning the status quo and giving new ideas a shot.

You never have to be the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it’s enough to quietly wonder if there’s a better way and to take one small step toward it, even if it feels a bit risky.

19. The Innovators

Do you ever look at a new gadget or trend and wonder, "Who even thinks of these things?" Well, that's what "The Innovators" is all about. Being an innovator isn't about waiting for a lightning bolt of genius—it's about ordinary people working together in unexpected ways to push ideas into the world.

Here's a simple truth: creativity and innovation often come from teams, not lone geniuses. Many of the biggest breakthroughs are built by people who blended ideas, argued, and weren't afraid to look silly or wrong sometimes.

Some ideas to kickstart your own innovative streak:

• Don’t be afraid to ask "Why not?" when something seems impossible.
• Connect with people who see the world differently—fresh eyes can spark new angles.
• Try, fail, learn. Then repeat. Mistakes are part of the process, not the end.

Sometimes the best creative work doesn't look like a stroke of genius. It looks like frustration, mess, teamwork, and even a few wrong turns—but that's where the real magic lives.

If you want to open up to new possibilities and see things a bit differently, remember that innovation isn’t out of reach. It’s about taking risks, trusting the process, and being open to weird, wild ideas. That’s how ordinary people become innovators every day.

20. The Element

Ever notice how some people seem almost energized by what they do, while others are just getting through the day? According to "The Element," your best creative work happens when your natural talents and real passions meet. This isn’t just about having a hobby or being good at something; it's about finding that sweet spot where you lose track of time because you actually love what you're doing.

Here’s what finding your Element really means:

• You feel a deep sense of satisfaction when you’re in that groove, even if the work is hard.
• You’re more likely to come up with fresh ideas because you care about the outcome.
• Growth feels natural, not forced—you want to improve, not because someone told you to, but because you truly enjoy it.

If you’ve ever found yourself grinning while covered in paint or tinkering with an old guitar, you know what I mean—it just clicks. That's your Element at work, and it can happen at any age.

So, what if you haven't found it yet? Play around. Try things that interest you, even if they sound odd or random. Sometimes, what starts as a side project or tiny experiment ends up being the main event. Creativity flourishes where excitement lives, not where you’re just going through the motions. Give yourself permission to explore—even if you feel stuck now, your Element is out there.

21. Lateral Thinking

You know those times when the usual way just isn't working? That's where lateral thinking shines. Lateral thinking is all about stepping sideways, choosing a path you'd normally never consider. While traditional thinking goes straight from A to B, lateral thinking takes the back roads – sometimes arriving at C, or even Z, and surprising everyone, yourself included.

Here's how you can play around with it in your daily life:

• Ask outrageous questions, just for fun. ("What if we held meetings outdoors on swings?")
• Swap perspectives—try to see a problem from a colleague’s, kid’s, or even your pet’s point of view.
• Break assumptions: pick one thing you never question and flip it upside down. Is lunch always eaten at noon? Why not at 10am?
• Combine unrelated things: mix two hobbies, book genres, art styles, whatever comes to mind, and see what sparks.

Sometimes the weirdest solution pops up after you’ve stopped thinking about the problem so seriously. When you quit forcing the answer, your brain gets creative with what it throws your way.

With a bit of playfulness and willingness to try the odd idea, lateral thinking can turn everyday problems (and even chores) into unexpected adventures. Next time you feel stuck, try going sideways instead of forward—you might like where you end up.

22. Make Good Art

We all get these moments where we're stuck, feeling unsure if anything we make is actually any good. Good art rarely shows up when you’re playing it safe or following everyone else’s rules. The real trick is to make stuff that matters to you, even if it’s rough around the edges.

Here’s something that’s easy to overlook: making art isn't only for "artists." Anyone can tap into that creative spark, whether you're doodling during a work meeting, rewriting song lyrics in your head, or even just starting a wild new project for the fun of it.

• Don’t wait for the magic moment—just start. Inspiration usually shows up when your hands are already messy.
• Make something today, even if it’s weird, bad, or incomplete. Really, just getting it out makes a difference.
• Forget about what people might think. Don’t aim for applause; aim for making something you’re proud of.

If your first attempts look nothing like you wanted, you’re in good company. That mess is proof you’re actually making, not just dreaming. You can’t edit a blank page.

At the end of it, "good" art doesn't always look perfect or even make sense to others. The important part is that you pushed through doubt and put something new into the world. So go ahead—grab a pen, fire up your laptop, chop vegetables for a weird stew—whatever "art" means to you today. Just make it.

23. Bird by Bird

We all get overwhelmed by the thought of finishing something big, whether it’s writing a novel or tackling any creative challenge. That’s where "Bird by Bird" comes in: Just focus on one small step at a time. Anne Lamott's wisdom here is pretty simple, but it hits hard, especially when you're staring at a blank page or feeling stuck.

Here’s how you can use the bird-by-bird approach:

• Break your work down into tiny, easy pieces. Write a paragraph, sketch a scene, brainstorm for ten minutes—small is good.
• Accept the messiness. It’s okay for the first draft, pass, or attempt to be, well, kind of bad. You’ll adjust it later.
• Don’t obsess over the big picture. Looking too far ahead just breeds anxiety. Just focus on what you can do right now.

Some days, progress might look like a single sentence or a quick doodle, and that still counts.

Creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for each little bird and letting things add up over time. If you keep at it regularly, even with tiny wins, you’ll eventually have a whole flock.

24. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Ever felt completely stuck trying to create something new? That’s where Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain comes in—it’s not just about getting better at drawing, it’s about shifting how you use your mind. The key idea is to move away from rational, step-by-step thinking and let your visual, intuitive side take the wheel.

Here’s what that actually looks like in everyday practice:

• Focus on what you see, not what you “think” something should look like. This means slowing down and really looking at shapes, shadows, and spaces.
• Try exercises that confuse your usual thinking patterns, like drawing pictures upside down or with your non-dominant hand. These tricks help short-circuit your brain’s urge to default to symbols and habits.
• Practice blind contour drawing, where you draw without looking at the paper. You’ll get some wild results, but your observation skills will improve.

Letting go of expectations and just observing—without judgment—can open up creative doors you never knew were there.

It’s not magic; it’s about retraining your brain a bit. If you stick with it, your creative confidence grows, not just in art, but in all kinds of problem-solving. Plus, it’s honestly pretty fun once you embrace the weirdness!

25. The Artist’s Reality and more

If you’ve ever sat staring at a blank page, frozen by fear that your art isn’t good enough, you’re definitely not alone. Real creativity is messy, personal, and often a little uncomfortable—but it’s always worth it. The idea that everything has to be perfect holds more people back than any lack of talent ever could. So, what does "The Artist’s Reality" actually mean day to day? It’s about making space to be yourself—flaws, quirks, and all—so you can create something only you could make.

A few key things to remember as you tap into this:

• Let go of perfect. Embrace mistakes and let your first draft (or sketch, song, whatever) be rough.
• Notice what sparks your imagination—a song, a doodle, a memory—and chase it, even if you’re not sure where it leads.
• Make time for tiny creative acts each day, like journaling, snapping a photo, or rearranging your desk. The regular practice is what matters.
• Don’t mistake being busy for being creative. Quit multitasking, even for a few minutes, and allow yourself to focus on just creating.
• It’s normal to worry about what others think, but your creative work is valuable—even if nobody else ever sees it. For a broader understanding of what goes into the creative process, check out this breakdown of the stages and habits of creative geniuses in this guide to how creativity actually works.

Sometimes, your best ideas come after you give yourself permission to be messy, get it wrong, or just play a little. The artist’s reality is about finding meaning in the act, not the end result. If you’re in it for the joy—no matter how small—you’re doing it right.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it—57 ways to get your creative juices flowing, no matter what your day looks like. The truth is, creativity isn’t some secret club you need a password for. It’s more about trying new things, making mistakes, and not being afraid to look a little silly sometimes. Some days, your ideas will feel like gold. Other days, not so much. That’s totally normal. The main thing is to keep at it and not let fear or routine box you in. Even small changes can spark something new. So, pick a few ideas from this list and give them a shot. Who knows? You might surprise yourself. Just remember—creativity is for everyone, including you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is creativity and can anyone become creative?

Creativity means coming up with new ideas or finding different ways to solve problems. It’s not something you have to be born with. Anyone can become more creative by practicing, being curious, and believing in their own abilities.

What are some common things that stop people from being creative?

Many people are afraid of failing or being judged by others, which can hold them back. Stress, doing the same things over and over, and not taking care of yourself can also make it harder to be creative.

How can I get past a creative block?

Try changing your routine, taking breaks, or working in a new place. Ask questions, try something new, or just start making something even if it’s not perfect. Sometimes, the act of doing helps ideas start to flow.

Why is it important to keep practicing creativity?

Creativity grows the more you use it. Practicing helps you get better at thinking of ideas and sharing them. Even if you make mistakes, you learn and improve each time you try.

How can I build confidence in my creative ideas?

Start by sharing your ideas with people you trust, and remember that not everyone will like everything you do. Focus on what you enjoy and keep going, even if you feel unsure. The more you share, the easier it gets.

Can reading books really help me become more creative?

Yes! Books about creativity can give you new ways to think, helpful tips, and stories from creative people. They can inspire you and show you that everyone faces challenges, but there are ways to overcome them.