10 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLES

How badly do you want to create your own schedule, be your own manager, and make all the big moves?

Be nimble. If a plan isn’t working, you can always change it, innovate, and evolve.

Avoid burnout: the one true motivation killer

Burnout is motivation killer, and it’s the only thing that ultimately ends everything. You can adapt to and overcome all of the challenge above no matter how difficult. But the minute you become unmotivated, is the minute you’re in trouble. It’s the last straw. It’s the only thing that will truly make you pack up your bags and leave. That said: we’re going to focus on avoiding burnout.

The creative genius workout plan

1. Shake up your daily routine

Having a steady routine is great, until it gets boring. If you train at night, try going in the morning or at lunch. If you’ve been doing the same workouts for the last 3 months, then start changing them every 4, 6 or 8 weeks. Try one of my free workouts.

If you take the same route to work everyday, try a different one. If you work late most days, try reversing, go in earlier and leave earlier. Shaking up the daily routine isn’t about complete change, it’s about little doses of new flavors to freshen up your perspective.

2. Create a mind-eraser routine

It goes without saying: exercise is just as good for your mind as it is for your body. In addition to the weights and cardio, add in some yoga or start reading a new book. The yoga moves don’t need to be anything advanced or elaborate, you can find plenty of step by step guides on youtube.

3. Digital detox more

Turn off your phone at least 20 minutes before bed. (I know, it’s hard) It’s also worth doing it for extended periods of time during the weekend or after the workday. However you decide to detox, try and aim for a few hours per week. (And that doesn’t count sleep hours)

4. Try to ease up on the stimulants

It’s tempting to drink a cup of coffee when you’re feeling uninspired, but if it’s your 8th today, or you already drank a pre-workout before hitting the gym, it might be worth considerings scaling back. Caffeine might get your fired up, but too much could scatter those thoughts. Switching to tea might be a good idea, too.

5. Keep a log of productivity reports

If you want your thoughts to flow regularly, then solid confidence is a must. The best way to keep your head strong is by reflect on what you’ve accomplished every day, week, month, and year. Celebrate your goal achievements, big or small. They all add up.

6. Have an office exercise

You need a piece of equipment in your office or at your desk. You won’t do a full blown workout, but a set of curls or incline pushups against your desk will take your mind away from what’s stressing you out and onto that quick shot of endorphins you’re getting. You’d be surprised, that 2 minute “break” could be what you need to spark an idea.

7. Appreciate other creatives

Instead of living and working in your own world all of the time, take some time to appreciate all of the creative work around you. Don’t look at your competitors. Read and watch something creative or expressive that has nothing to do what you do. Scroll through TV programmes you never thought you would watch, a website you never thought you read, or an Instagram account you never thought you’d follow.

8. Hire a healer

There’s nothing wrong with getting a little help here and there. Think about it: how many great ideas come from the help of a nice, long, hot shower? You’re just standing there! Look into a massage therapist or acupuncturist and get on their schedule once a month. As they work out the stiffness and stress, the ideas will start to flow. And if you want to elevate your showering experience, get a diffusor and essential oils.

9. Always have an escape plan

Holidays and paid time off are there for a reason. If you work for a company, use them. If you’re self-employed, make sure you fit some in your schedule. While your natural tendencies might be: go, go, go, but if you’re not seeing results, you’re just foolishly overworking yourself. Take time away, completely away, then get back with higher motivation to go again.

10. Keep your emotions in check

Inspiration can come at any moment and during any state of emotion, but it can only flourish in a positive one. When you’re feeling negative, it’s important to try and spin it into the other direction. Imagine being on a scale. While it’s almost impossible to be 100% positive all the time, you can at least try and lean that way.