The Creativity on Command Checklist

In any career, creativity plays a role. Whether you’re a painter or a banker, creative problem solving and thinking out of the box is essential to growing and achieving your career goals. However, sometimes finding the inspiration to be creative is easier said than done.

As a designer, I feel as if I’m always on the hunt for my next source of inspiration. From daily inspirations to entire seasonal directions, sometimes it can be obvious while other times it can feel like I spin in circles with little progress to show for my hours of thought.

So here are a few of my tips on finding inspiration when it seems to be anywhere but where you need it:

It’s easier for the mind to grip onto inspirational elements when you have some type of end goal. The goal typically comes from some type of problem, whether it’s a new problem or an evolution of a solution you’ve already found. For me these problems and solutions typically involve the evolution of a product. However they can find their way into any aspect of your career where you can set achievable goals.

For example, maybe you want to find a solution for better time management, or connect more organically with female consumers. Your goal can be as broad or as specific as you see fit. I find the broader I keep my goals the easier it is for me to find inspirational paths to achieve said goal.

Remember in grade school when the teacher used to say, “No question is a stupid question?” Well, when it comes to inspiration hunting, the same mindset applies.

Take note of any hint of an idea. While it may not be your final solution, it can be a good stepping stone in creating a line of useful thoughts.

Having physical takeaways or little memorabilia from your inspiration hunt allows you to more easily recall what inspired you at that moment and why it resonated with your goals. When you go inspiration hunting you most likely will leave that session feeling overwhelmed, but excited. Hopefully you saw a lot but might not be sure how and what you will be able to apply to achieve your goal. When you have physical articles to help you catalogue your search you can easily refer back to your initial thoughts and possibly combine them with future findings.

This is the final box I check when on a pursuit for inspiration. Everyone gains inspiration from different sources, so discussing your findings with others can help you see things differently.

Even more importantly: people are inspiring. Some of the best nuggets of inspiration come from a small word of advice, a memory or even a great story from someone you least expected. Never discount the power of collaboration!

What approach do you take to overcoming a creativity block?