What Works: Act Like a Kid and Get More Creative

How often do you allow yourself to play? If you just rolled your eyes, I’m definitely talking to you. At some point, you had joy in what you were doing. Maybe it wasn’t work. Maybe you were at the hot springs with a pool noodle shooting water at your friends. Whatever you were doing, you were in a place of joy.

That place of joy, that energy, is where creativity flourishes.

There’s a trend right now in offices where they are putting in ping pong tables or even arcade games. Research is revealing that moments of play create more (not less) productivity. However, actual play isn’t the only way is can be achieved.

Move! From the moment we begin working, we are told if we put in the time we will be successful. What we are not told is that our bodies aren’t meant to work non-stop for eight hours a day. So, what do we do? Instead of having productive time, we serve time. This mindset is an open gateway to procrastination. If you get up and move every hour to hour and a half, and set a time for that movement, you can return to work more focused and more creative than before.

Doodle. Working out an idea? Doodle it! Try out doing mind maps instead of lists. Mind maps are bubbles connected to other bubbles. You can get a free one at bubbl.us. Do it by hand or use a computer program. A doodle brainstorm increases your thought output by allowing your brain to make connections that general talking or list making won’t achieve.

Engage in Conversation. When in doubt, talk it out. Ask questions without trying to direct the outcome of the conversations. Ever been in a “why” loop with a kid? They keep asking why. And, yes, it can get a little annoying. But, as adults, we can learn from the inquisitive nature of children. Ask why and allow yourself to learn a new way to approach creative problems.

Laugh. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Half of the problems we run into in business or life tend to grow because we are watering the problem instead of what is kind of funny about the problem. Maybe you can laugh at yourself, or a situation. When you are able to find the lighter side, you can occasionally giggle your way to a solution.

Play! Sometimes, you just have to play. Tap into your inner child. There’s a reason why there are SO many coloring books for adults now. It’s because coloring is calming. What would happen if instead of sitting in your stuck you went to the playground? If you are self-conscious and need permission, take your kid. I work with a graphic designer who enhances her creativity by playing outdoors. She rides her horse. She goes snowmobiling. She creates great creative work too.
How can you approach your creative challenges from a new angle this week? How can what kids do inspire you to tap into your inner child to get inspired in a new way? Think it. Say it. Live it! The floor is yours, Carson City!

SAY HELLO AND GET INSPIRED IN PERSON

Spring into action on your business! Entrepreneur’s Assembly, Carson City chapter meets THIS WEDNESDAY March 14, 2018 in The Studio at Adams Hub for Innovation and every second Wednesday of each month. Free mastermind group voted Entrepreneur’s Assembly Chapter of the Year 2017. 5:30 p.m.

Motivation Monday returns to Adams Hub for Innovation. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule two free 30-minute sessions or one free hour to help you with your career, business, or life.

Need motivation for your team? Customized talks, workshops, and consulting programs are available. Schedule a complimentary consultation at whatworkscoaching.com.

What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City, Nevada. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. She is also the creator of DOCS Theory, also known as The Theory of CrappertunityTM, a mindset and change theory which defines the moment crisis creates more opportunity than would have existed without the crisis.

Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino and a Masters in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of What Works Recruitment, a company which specializes in filling hard-to-fill positions and fitting talent with culture. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.