What if I told you to use your mind less? If you’re looking to improve your creativity, this is just the answer.
And “creativity” may include more than you realize. Sure, it’s writing, art, speaking, etc., but it’s also problem solving, planning, and similar activities. When I worked in finance and operations, this is how I framed my creativity.
But when does your creativity truly get unleashed? When your brain is less busy, less cluttered, and thinking less!
This is something I had to be intentional about overcoming, especially now as a writer, because being “hyperrational” is one of my saboteurs. So from someone with experience working to overcome the challenge to think less, let’s dive into why you need to think less to think more creatively.
Getting in your own way
When you try to rationalize your way through everything, you have the potential to be your own biggest obstacle. An idea may come to you but then you push it away because you start to worry about the “how” or what other people will think before you give yourself proper time to sit with the idea and listen to your own intuition.
Overthinking is a quick way to focus on what you think you “should” be doing rather than doing what inspires you. When you listen to your intuition and focus on the inspiration you get, your ideas are likely to be more unique and more authentic to you, which means that the execution of the idea will also feel better.
Our brain is always trying to protect us, which is great. But sometimes our brain can be the biggest obstacle we face, so practice mindfulness and help calm this little companion down.
Present in the moment
By practicing thinking less, we allow ourselves to be more present in the moment. This has many benefits, but for the purpose of improving your creativity, it allows you to focus on what you’re dealing with and surrounded by in that moment.
Instead of focusing on 20 different problems that may or may not even need to be solved in the future, being present in the moment allows you to focus on the task at hand. This allows your subconscious mind to flow more easily which can help with all realms of creativity.
Being present in the moment also allows you to be more fully immersed in what’s around you. In other words, it gives you the opportunity to “stop and smell the roses”….sometimes literally! By actually noticing who and what is around you, appreciating nature, and practicing gratitude for the present moment, you’re able to unlock inspiration that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you.
Your mind on autopilot
Have you ever noticed that you get some of your best ideas while in the shower (it’s not actually cliche) or while you’re driving? That’s because the mind is basically on autopilot during those times. It knows exactly what it needs to do and how to do it so your mind has space to wander to other topics.
These are also opportunities that you have to be void of other distractions. The combination of few distractions and your mind being able to be on autopilot is a recipe for great flows of inspiration. Notice the thoughts you have when you are able to put your mind on autopilot and lean into those.
This may also inspire you to carve out more time for mindfulness to more intentionally create these opportunities for yourself through meditation, going for a walk, or whatever other way allows you to have your ideas flow easily.
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Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.