How to develop creativity?

Question

What factors do you think contribute to the development of creativity? Perhaps it is the environment we are in, or specific practices and exercises?

It is also interesting to discuss what barriers may hinder creative thinking. For example, how can the fear of failure or pressure from others affect our ability to be creative?

Ben Syverson · Accepted Answer

I have two thought technologies for you: the first is that there are not "creative people" and uncreative people. Check out the book "Creative Confidence" by Tom & David Kelley from IDEO. It will help anyone who has ever thought "I'm just not creative." Creativity is a mindset that anyone can tap into.

The second is that creativity can be turned and off like a faucet. It's the opposite of what we've been taught! Having gone to art school and spent 10 years at IDEO, I've observed a lot of artists and designers—and trust me, they do not wait around for inspiration to strike. Look up Julian Shapiro's blog post "Creativity Faucet." The core metaphor is that your output is like a faucet that hasn't been used in a while—the pipes are full of rusty brown water, so you just need to let it out until it runs clear. (Morning Pages are a similar concept.)

Some random tactical tips: if you're generating ideas, it's easier if you can find 2-3 other people. IDEO's 7 Rules of Brainstorming really help (especially Go for Quantity). Figure out what mode you're in: creating choices (divergence), or making choices (convergence)—both are creative. And of course, any time you're stuck, go talk to a few customers and get their feedback. It will always give you an idea!

Tasha Konkina · Answer

You’ve got to train your mind to balance between focus and relaxation, as creativity lies right in between. Meditation helps (and certain kinds of shrooms lol)

Business Marketing with Nika · Answer

It helped me a lot to attend places where the art is.

Not reading only books about creative technique but reading novels, fiction literature and such usual things like "drawing, dancing, photography, ceramics" etc.

ayisha · Answer

@tashakosmos Absolutely! Finding that balance between focus and relaxation is essential for unlocking creativity. Meditation is a great tool for this, as it helps clear the mind and tap into deeper, more intuitive thinking. Similarly, embracing [Pink Trends](http://pinksconcretedesignct.com/) in your environment—whether in design, fashion, or branding—can evoke a calming, yet stimulating atmosphere that fosters creative flow. Just as the color pink has been shown to have a soothing effect, integrating it into your workspace or creative process can subtly enhance focus while encouraging relaxation.

Harald Frank · Answer

Walking outside in nature or the city and just mindfully taking notice of the small things in our world always inspires my creativity.

Simon Peter Damian · Answer

In my experience, there are people who are just naturally creative. They've just got it. However, a more practical approach is to have an experimental mindset, kick out doubt and just test things as quickly as possible. For a creative mind, there are no wrong or right just a series of experiments. The idea may sound crazy, unorthodox, unconventional but that's what being creative is.

Ayisha · Answer

Great question! Creativity is such a multifaceted trait, and there are several factors that can contribute to its development. Here are a few key ones I think play an important role: The Right Environment: Surrounding yourself with inspiration and a supportive environment can make a huge difference. Creative spaces, whether physical (like a dedicated studio or quiet room) or mental (open-minded, encouraging community), foster innovative thinking. Collaboration with others often sparks new ideas as well. Practice and Consistency: Creativity isn’t just about having sudden flashes of brilliance—it’s about building habits that nurture it over time. Whether through regular brainstorming sessions, journaling, or learning new skills, consistent practice and exposure to different challenges helps expand creative thinking. Like in Rummy: practicing different strategies and approaches consistently can lead to creative solutions in the game, and similarly, those habits can carry over into other areas of life. Mindset and Openness to Failure: One of the biggest barriers to creativity is the fear of failure. When people worry too much about making mistakes, they often limit their own thinking and avoid taking risks. Being open to failure and seeing it as a learning opportunity is crucial. I’d even say that when you start practicing creativity in small, low-stakes areas—like honing your Rummy Winning Tips, for instance—you develop the confidence to tackle bigger challenges without the same fear. Relaxation and Mental Freedom: Often, when we let go of strict goals or pressure, our minds are freer to think creatively. Practices like meditation, nature walks, or simply taking breaks from routine tasks can help reset the mind, creating space for creative insights to emerge. In terms of barriers, besides fear of failure, I think external pressures like deadlines or the expectations of others can create mental blocks. Creativity requires freedom to experiment, and when there’s too much pressure to conform to specific standards, it stifles that innovative thinking. On a lighter note, I’ve noticed that sometimes [playing games like Rummy](https://rummyez.com/) can actually stimulate creative thinking. As you experiment with new winning strategies or try to outsmart your opponents, you develop critical problem-solving skills that can be applied elsewhere. Funny how creativity can pop up in unexpected places!

Feliciana · Answer

I think creativity is about the sources you’re regularly exposed to—like the media you consume, the creators you follow, the books you read, and the places you visit. It’s also about the people you connect with and the products you interact with, which all play a part in shaping and evolving your ideas.

Being open to new experiences and staying curious keeps things fresh. On the flip side, it’s easy to feel blocked when there’s pressure to do things a certain way or worry about messing up. Giving yourself room to explore without judgment can make all the difference.

Feliciana · Answer

To develop my creativity, I try learning new skills or hobbies, like picking up photography or experimenting with cooking. These activities help me think outside the box. I also make an effort to connect with people from different backgrounds and industries. Their unique perspectives often inspire fresh ideas and solutions that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.

Ovin Dias · Answer

Interesting

Answer

Developing creativity is a combination of nurturing curiosity, challenging your mind, and exposing yourself to diverse experiences. Some proven ways to enhance creativity are expose yourself to new experiences, collaborate with others, learn and master your field, experiment and take risks.

How to develop creativity?

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