This post, from Leo Babauta, originally appeared on his zenhabits site on 8/5/09.
“The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.” – Albert Einstein
It’s easier than ever to be creative, to create, to imagine and make what’s imagined become reality.
It’s also tougher than ever, with distractions surrounding us in ways never before imagined.
No matter what kind of creative type you are — writer, painter, musician, marketer, blogger, photographer, designer, parent, business owner — you are likely always looking for inspirations, for ways to let loose your creative genius.
And while there are millions of creativity tips on the Internet, I thought I’d share the ones I’ve found most useful — the ones that I’ve tried and tested and found to be right.
Here they are, in no order at all:
- Play.
- Don’t consume and create at the same time — separate the processes.
- Shut out the outside world.
- Reflect on your life and work daily.
- Look for inspiration all around you, in the smallest places.
- Start small.
- Just get it out, no matter how crappy that first draft.
- Don’t try for perfect. Just get it out there, asap, and get feedback.
Read the rest of the post, including 23 more tips to keep the creativity fires burning, on zenhabits.