It’s a new year and you find yourself back into your regular routines after the festive season. Are you feeling refreshed or restless? And how are your new year’s resolutions going?
Most people make new year’s resolutions with good intentions but are often quickly caught up in old routines and habits, finding it difficult to pursue plans to change. A creative person, however, will make changes gradually by doing the same things differently. They understand the merits of routine and discipline but thrive on trying new ideas, knowing that this is where change begins to happen. By doing the same things differently.
Are you a creative person?
Creative people are always challenging the status quo, the routine and the mediocre. They challenge themselves. Creative people like to invent and create with their minds and their hands, either by themselves or with others. They are curious about themselves, about people, things and the world around them. They look for different ways in which to engage daily life and seek new perspectives on the same old things.
Because of this, creative people often seek sources of inspiration.
This year I give you a challenge: to find something that you do every day and do it differently. To be creative.
A few suggestions:
If you’re an artist, instead of using paint to draw, use a pencil, pen or chocolate sauce.
If you’re a writer of short stories, write your next story in the form of a poem or a radio script.
If you’re a photographer of landscapes, spend a month shooting close up and detailed-focused photos (remember to enter ABC Open’s ‘Up Close‘ competition!)
If you’re a musician, use a different instrument or mix your recording starting with just the vocals.
If you’re a filmmaker, try a different filming technique, frame your shots from a low or odd angle.
If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner provide an additional experience for your clients and customers. (One of my favourite coffee shops changes it’s artwork throughout the year. Same good coffee, same good service but a slightly different atmosphere in the shop every month. It’s refreshing. The owner and staff are creative people.)
If you want to get fitter, leave home earlier and walk or ride to work instead of using the car.
Do the same thing differently. You may be surprised with what you discover.