People demand a lot of creativity from professionals these days. We live in an era of media overload, where viral video marketing and colorful infographics have become accepted means to engage an audience. As they should, that’s what sets you apart from the competition. In fact, more video content is uploaded to the web in one single month than TV has created in three decades! How is that for an information flood?
Reaching that refreshing glimpse of inspiration is not as difficult as it may seem. At times, you don’t need more than 5 minutes to get in the mood. Of course, when you are down on your luck and can’t get out of your discouraged head, it may take a few guiding steps to get you into the right mindset. Before diving into the actual practice, take the time to prepare your personal inspiration zone.
Prepare Your Inspiration Zone
Your Inspiration Zone is both a physical and emotional state where you know you can work proactively. It varies from person to person but basically serves as a safe place for you to tap into your creative reserves. Without further ado – see how easy it is to pick up on your prolific habits!
Learn your creative patterns
Take the time to test and learn what helps you get engaged. Artists, for instance, enjoy working with various art media, some graphic designers prefer using a Mac versus a PC, and others tend to listen to classical music when trying to focus. Ask yourself, what keeps you focused, and what aids in your productivity?
Take the time to research
As humans, we have evolved to continuously influence and bounce credos off one another. Some have perfected this art by surrounding themselves with information that keeps the creative gears turning, even if his or her own fuel has run out. Take some time to do some research on authors you align with, publications that spark your imagination, and forms of information that entice you.
Inspiration can come from anywhere – even through marketing emails! Having all these elements on hand can set you up for a very productive workday, and even more – a very productive life.
5-Minute Inspiration Zone
Having gathered all the necessary components to easily achieve these fleeting moments of stirring awakening, you have entered the 5-Minute Inspiration Zone. This is where you want to be and, ultimately, stay for your creatively demanding needs.
Set the scene
Dim the lights, pop open the bookmarks and scroll through the newsletters to point your brainpower in the right direction. But don’t stop there – heat up your favorite drink, put on some snazzy tunes, and settle into your space. Sometimes preparation is the most important step to creation.
Uncover the “why”
Attack each project with an intent of purpose attached to its name. Sometimes the central idea behind our agenda gets lost in the various stages of preparation, leaving behind a lot of ambiguity on our plate. Retrace your footsteps back to the core of your task and remember what you’re trying to achieve and why.
Let go of fear
One word of advice on this matter – let go. Every great medium of work was at one point both nerve-wracking and thrilling, and it is up to us to choose which form to give in to. In this case, a mantra can be used to shed any sliver of doubt in your mind.
Create for 5 minutes
For the next five minutes, let yourself create whatever you feel like, free of guidance, and expectations. While keeping busy, you may actually find yourself being struck by an idea that evolves into your next piece.
On the occasion that your 5 minutes of creative exploration are up and you still haven’t reached any magical revelation – don’t worry. Our brains are experts at coming up with solutions to problems we may not even be aware of! And when you feel like all the worthwhile content had already been taken up by bright minds before you, take a deep breath and be patient with yourself. Surely, somewhere along the process, a light bulb will go off and you will be immersed in the wonderful world of imaginative fulfillment.
