Creativity First Thing in the Morning

Photo by 李思明

Creativity can be a slippery little eel. One day you're overflowing with new and exciting ideas; the next you're trying to dig into the depths of your brain but nothing at all comes up. Still, if you're in a position where creativity is a necessary part of your work-day (and these days, who isn't?) you will require new and fresh ideas on a day to day basis.

Take blogging, for example. I need a new idea to blog about every day, and after over 140 posts, that can be tricky sometimes.
How about those moms trying to find original snack ideas or interesting ways to cook vegetables? Those teachers coming up with exciting lesson plans? Students looking for a new twist on an old essay topic? Accountants finding a creative way to avoid taxes (just kidding)?

The point is, we could all use a bit more creative energy. So I want to urge you not to wait until your mind is clouded with mundane problems, but to get your creative juices flowing first thing in the morning.

Before you go to bed, take a minute to think of a problem that might arise tomorrow morning and that will require you to come up with a creative solution. If you can't think of anything, you could also try to think of a movie you just saw and how it ended. 

The next day, when you wake up and go to brush your teeth, before starting your everyday tasks, just have a look at the problem and try to think of any old idea you can come up with. It doesn't have to make sense. Part of being creative is thinking of solutions that are stupid, crazy and worthless, so that you can get to the good stuff eventually. 

Take advantage of this morning time when your mind is setting its pace for the rest of the day. Starting off creatively could affect you throughout the day and leave you more open to new perspectives.

Do you sometimes struggle with creativity? What do you do to get around it? I'm dying to know!