Open Your Mind and Boost Creativity with these 5 Tips
Corinne Casazza
April 02, 2008
English novelist E. M. Forster is quoted as saying, "Think before you speak is criticism´s motto; speak before you think creation´s." This is good advice when it comes to opening your mind to creativity. We all know that a new idea, even one that brings excitement, can quickly be deflated by a raised eyebrow, a sneer or a judgmental comment.
Let go of your mind clutter. The Sedona Method is a simple tool that can show you how to let go of the racing thoughts and overthinking that are clouding your mind´s creativity. "As you let go using The Sedona Method your mind gets quieter and more cooperative," Dwoskin says. "And the more you let go, the easier it is to be a clear channel for creativity."
Allow yourself to be happy. Along the lines of tip #1, a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that feeling happy frees your mind and increases your creative thinking abilities. "Having a positive mood affects your attention -- it can broaden your visual field, literally," said Dr. Adam Anderson, assistant professor of psychology at University of Toronto and senior author of the study in an ABC News article. So using The Sedona Method to not only clear your racing thoughts, but also to let go of negative emotions will boost both your mood and your creativity.
Carry a notebook with you. You may receive sudden inspiration as you take the train home from work, go out for an afternoon walk, or shop at the grocery store. If you have a notebook with you, when a great idea strikes, you´ll be ready to jot it down.
Change your atmosphere. If you´re in need of a quick creative boost, take a walk, switch rooms, go to the gym, or put on some music. A change of scenery will get your mind thinking in different ways.
Read, a Lot. Reading whatever you can get your hands on -- books, magazines, newspapers, web pages -- is one of the simplest ways to expose your mind to a wide range of ideas. Eventually, something you come across in your reading will spark a new idea in your mind.
When it comes to creativity, simply letting your mind do its work, without overthinking and analyzing, is essential.
"Your mind is a great servant but not such a great master of your destiny and life," says Hale Dwoskin, CEO and Director of Training at Sedona Training Associates. "Your mind also translates the messages that come from your own intuitive knowingness and natural creativity. But when your mind is disturbed or cluttered, these messages either get distorted or don´t get through at all."
The good news is that creativity is something that can be fostered in your mind. The following five tips will greatly help you open your mind and boost your creativity.
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