We all have a bit of a creative side—yes, you too. Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or programming, creativity is about creating something. What do all these activities have in common? They thrive when supported by habits.

In most creative endeavors, you’re honing a skill. The success of a project often reflects your past experiences and practice. Take cooking, for example—experimenting with herbs is easier when you’ve already tried various combinations. Similarly, a painter’s understanding of color deepens through trial and error over time. The point is: to excel and nurture creativity, regular practice is key.

Block Out Time for Creativity

Yes, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—if you don’t carve out time for your creative projects, they won’t happen. Creativity doesn’t emerge out of thin air. It requires focus and dedicated time to thrive. The best way to ensure that you spend time nurturing your creativity is by blocking time in your calendar. Treat this time as sacred, so nothing else overwrites it.

• Tip: If possible, try to find a place where you are undisturbed during this time. If, like me, you do not have a separate room to practice your projects without being disturbed, you can try the following:
  • Create dedicated space in your living area to your creative endeavour.
  • Discuss with the ones you live with when you do not want to be disturbed because you are working on your project. This may sound harsh, but it might actually help the ones you live with to set up similar boundaries.
  • Invest in some headphones so you can block out the rest of the area and focus on your project.

• Tip: Try to find an amount of time that works well for you. Do not start with unrealistic time frames that are too long. Also, do not fill up all your free time. Just get started with a small, manageable amount of time to get the habit going. You can always expand later.

Morning Pages and the Artist’s Date

If you’re struggling with a creative block, consider trying Julia Cameron’s exercises, Morning Pages or The Artist’s Date, designed to help unleash creativity. Morning Pages involve writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness first thing in the morning, while The Artist’s Date is a weekly solo excursion that sparks inspiration. It could be as simple as visiting a local gallery, wandering through a botanical garden, exploring a new bookstore, or taking a scenic walk in an unfamiliar neighborhood. The idea is to engage in an experience that nourishes your creativity.

Scatterfocus and Your Idea Book

Another powerful tool is scatterfocus—allowing your mind to wander freely. During these moments, creativity often strikes. Keep an idea book with you to jot down random thoughts and inspirations that can later become fully developed ideas.

Further reading on Scatterfocus:

• Scheduling Time for Scatterfocus: Unlocking Your Creative Potential

So, When Will You Start?

The best time to begin cultivating your creativity is now. Set aside some time tomorrow to get started, you could advance your project, write morning pages, plan your first artist’s date, or simply reflect on your next creative steps. Creativity grows with attention—give it the space it deserves.🫴🏽🌱