Sometimes sitting around the boardroom table is not a good way to stimulate creativity. Sitting in the same room continually trying to solve the same problem in the same way is enough to ruin anyone's day – and is an inefficient use of time. So instead of doing that, why not try these five unusual ways to solve problems and generate new ideas?
Sometimes getting your body moving is best for you, but that doesn't mean you have to stop working if you have a strict deadline to meet. Getting out on the tennis court can be a fantastic way to get ideas flowing – try shouting out an idea every time you hit the ball, or every time you win a point. Getting the tennis racket out is a great way to get the blood flowing, which can boost creativity and give you a much-needed break from the office.
Even in a group setting, there often comes a time when minds stop spinning and it feels like every possible idea has been suggested. Everyone is tired, everyone is fed up, and your project or problem is starting to seem insurmountable. One way to combat this – if you have the right kind of office – might be to turn the problem into a game, for example by choosing a word at random from the dictionary and using it as a starting point to generate ideas . While it may seem silly, forcing alternative perspectives or starting points is a great way to give idea generation a fresh start.
If you and your co-worker have been talking in circles about the same topic all day, and there's no end in sight, a change of scenery and a hearty meal might be what the doctor ordered. After a while, it’s not reasonable to keep trying to discuss the same thing. So allow yourself to do something enjoyable, like a nice lunch outside of the office while you discuss your project, and see if that helps get the creativity flowing.
Some projects are group projects and require everyone to bounce off each other; for some projects, two heads are better than one; and for others, you need a little space to yourself. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the voices around you – even if they're trying to help you – getting out of the office and taking a walk can be a great idea to give yourself the mental space you need. Before you know it, all those mental cogs will start to fall into place.
Many cultures have sworn by it for centuries, and it has a growing following in the Western world as well – there are countless apps available to help you do so, enough books to fill a store, and a seemingly endless number of blog posts about its effectiveness. If you've been struggling to be productive lately, adding a little daily meditation to your routine can be hugely beneficial — and you can even take a little meditative break during the day when you need it.
Everyone has hit the creativity wall at one time or another – it happens to everyone from the CEO to the receptionist. But there are always ways to get around this and encourage creativity to flow; hopefully a few of these suggestions will help you make yours sparkle!