The competition is fierce out there, no matter what your industry.

From designing an illustrious billboard or scripting a masterpiece of a press release, to innovatively cutting [the right] corners so you stay “in the black” this quarter… one thing remains certain: creativity is a must-have these days, not a luxury.

Creativity block?

Ever leave a brainstorming meeting in the morning, only to have your mind flooded with great ideas later that day, when you are cruising with the windows down and music blasting? It’s just as inevitable as thinking of the perfect ‘comeback’ to a bully an hour after he leaves. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable. But other times, you may be able to tinker with fate by psyching yourself out long enough to plan a preemptive “creativity block” attack.

Try this:

When a client or supervisor requests a brainstorming appointment, request a meeting agenda prior to discussing the project at least three days in advance. Think about the basic project goals for a few minutes, stew over the concepts, and then force it out of your mind. Chances are, random yet relevant ideas will creep their way into your head a day or two later. Whether you were triggered by a song on the radio, the latest reddit post, or a snide comment your barista spewed this a.m., you’ll still have plenty of time to structure your thoughts and prep for the meeting.

While I want to save some good stuff for later, it’s been way too long since I made a lovely list. And I love lists. So, below are a few classic creative quickies:

- Poem journals
- Dream notebooks
- Visual storyboards – Joe Duffy-style http://www.duffy.com/
- Making a home made gift for someone you love (extra points if you have never attempted that particular item before.) I am trying a blanket right now, and so far it’s me: zero, needles: 57. But it will be worth it.  And also recently, created my first YouTube-esque video that is a spoof of a favorite spoof. Just think of the thing that person is very excited about at the moment, pop culture or otherwise, and see how you can “make it your own.”
- Balderdash or Scattergories. These games get your mind going like no other. Don’t knock ‘em til you’ve tried ‘em.
- Reading Shock Therapy. If you typically swoon over Nicholas Sparks romance novels, try to get a thirst for Twilight. If you usually dig humor books like Stephen Colbert, see how quickly you can solve a mystery novel. Switch it up as often as you switch shampoos, and you may be pleased with your shiny new ideas
- Attend those cocktail hours or movie nights that are slightly out of your inner circle. Before declining, ask yourself “why not?” You can learn something new and inspiring every day, if you pay attention. Often in the least likely of people.
- Take a mini notebook attached with a pen with you everywhere. I mean, everywhere. Recently, I captured an idea while cycling at the gym. Had I not recorded it then and there, it may have escaped entirely, since we tend to second guess ourselves about what is “worth” saving or repeating. If you keep your random ideas in this little notebook, you can refer back to it from time to time.

Intimidated that you won’t be able to top your last victory? Thanks to Zen Habits, I found this insightful video on Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. The last half is my favorite:
Elizbeth Gilbert on Nurturing Creativity on TED, Zen Habits

Ironically, a little bit of insomnia and this post topic inspired the concept of a regular AMUSEing Fridays ~ Weekly Creativity Ideas piece. Here’s to hoping it’s a good omen!

I have pages, doodles and post-its filled with creativity musings, but please feel free to share your own comments, thoughts and musings on the subject.