Let's face it—not every job is designed to give us the freedom or inspiration to be creative at work, which can often leave us feeling empty when we clock out at the end of our shift.
Some of us believe (or have been told) that we have no place for self-expression at work, while many others don't consider their jobs or themselves creative at all.
All of us—every one—was designed to be creative. Creativity, in a broader sense, is a necessary skill for survival. When we simply exist in our day to day routine—go to work, come home, watch TV, surf the internet, repeat—we lose a little of our spark.
For high-level creatives, we go home and find respite in our workshop or studio, or sit in front of our computer and write the novel we know will never be published but keeps us from wilting on the inside. Many of us tinker on automobiles or create beautiful dinner presentations (sometimes complete with garnish; I'm looking at you, Charles). But all of us, in our own way, strive to express our inner creativity inside and outside of the workplace—even if we don't call it as such.
Creative expression is what drives us. It is the WHY behind the work.
To quote the Dead Poet's Society, "...medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."
Creativity is necessary to sustain life.
It is necessary for advancement in thought, technology, and our innermost understanding of the human situation. If something doesn't work, it takes a creative thought to figure out the solution and fix the problem. None of us are exempt.
No, of course we are not all excellent painters, and many of us can't even draw a convincing stick figure. But we are all designed with a built-in creative spark, and if our day-to-day job feels stifling to our natural creativity, we lose energy behind our drive to improve, innovate and excel. Our job performance and enthusiasm suffers, and this can carry into our home life in the form of depression, laziness, and irritability.
It's often difficult to find your creative spark when you stock shelves or answer phones, (or trade stocks or sell cell phones). But it's not impossible!
We're here to remind you that creative expression is not confined to our free time, but is a never-ending reflection of one's innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Creativity in the workplace can manifest in various forms, from reimagining workflows and processes to fostering collaboration and generating out-of-the-box ideas.
With a little curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking, you have in your hands the tools necessary to find fulfillment in your work again.
Here are a few ideas to help you tap into your creativity at work and make the most of a job that may feel uninspiring:
Change Your Perspective: Look at your job from different angles and try to find aspects that you enjoy or that challenge you in a positive way. Shifting your perspective can ignite creativity by uncovering new opportunities or approaches.
Set Small Challenges: Challenge yourself to find creative solutions to everyday tasks or problems within your job. This can spark innovation and help you see your role in a new light.
Explore New Ideas: Take time to explore new ideas, technologies, or trends that are relevant to your job. Keeping up-to-date can inspire fresh approaches and creativity in your work.
Collaborate with Others: Engaging with colleagues or seeking input from different departments can bring diverse perspectives and ideas to your work. Collaborating with others can stimulate creativity and lead to innovative solutions.
Personalize Your Workspace: Create a workspace that inspires creativity, whether it's through adding plants, artwork, or personal touches that make you feel more comfortable and motivated.
Take Breaks and Refresh Your Mind: Allow yourself moments of rest and relaxation during the workday. Stepping away from your tasks can give your mind the space it needs to generate creative ideas.
Experiment with Different Approaches: Don't be afraid to try new methods or processes in your work. Experimentation can fuel creativity and lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Seek Learning Opportunities: Take advantage of training programs, workshops, or online courses to expand your knowledge and skills. Continuous learning can stimulate creativity and provide fresh insights for your work.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can find ways to infuse creativity into a lackluster job and discover new possibilities for growth and fulfillment in your professional life.
Don't lose sight of the WHY.
Sometimes it just takes a creative mindset reboot to feel fulfilled in your work.
Rebecca
Guest Blogger
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