6 ways To Re-connect You To Your Creative Mindset in a Distracting Digital World
As a digital marketeer I like to think of myself as a creative person. That’s why I got into the marketing industry in the first place.
To utilise my performing arts degree in a way that empowers me to put my creative mindset to good use, helping businesses reach their target audience in fun and creative ways whilst providing a stable income for me to build a life for my family.
However in my 10 years of marketing I’ve sometimes stumbled upon creative blocks. In these stagnant phases I have turned to the internet for inspiration, only to be bombarded with contradictory information and I’ve struggled to know what and who to trust as a source of authority. These experiences have left me feeling overwhelmed by the mass of information and hindered my creativity even more as the search for original thought goes on. So, it got me asking the question ‘What can I do to reconnect to my creative mindset and block out all of that noise?’.
So here are some of the creative strategies which have helped me to navigate the endless notifications and tap back into my creative mindset:
- Embrace Silence: In a world filled with digital chatter, silence is a rare commodity, especially with a wife, 2 kids and 2 dogs!! Try to take time each day to unplug, disconnect from the virtual world, and immerse yourself in silence. Whether it’s through meditation, lunch break walks in nature, looking up at the stars before bed or simply sitting in stillness for a few minutes to reconnect to yourself. By holding space for your mind, it can freely wander and explore without the constant bombardment of online stimuli and avoid creative blocks. Through silence comes clarity.
- Limit Distractions: How often have you been midway through a creative task when your phone pings with an urgent message, of course you pick up and respond, but then what? Do you instantly put down your phone to carry on with your task, or do you get distracted by the many alluring apps and notifications calling for your attention? Suddenly before you know it, you’re in a doom scroll and you’ve lost 30mins of your day. That’s why it’s important to set yourself boundaries around digital consumption. Designating specific times for checking emails, scrolling through social media, and browsing the web as well as creating a distraction-free environment by silencing notifications and removing temptations that pull you away from creative pursuits.
- Engage in Analog Activities: What truly inspires creativity for you? For me there is nothing more inspiring than when I see my 3 year old turn a blank piece of paper into a rocket ship, treasure map or beach scene all through the power of his imagination. When you spend all day on devices you loose touch of analogue activities which have the power to spark creativity within us. To rediscover the joy of analogue activities that stimulate your creative mindset, try picking up a pen and paper to indulge in the art of journaling, sketching, or doodling. Engage in hands-on hobbies such as painting, gardening, or woodworking that allow you to disconnect from screens and reconnect with tactile experiences by being present and aware of yourself in the moment.
- Take Back Control Of Your Online Space: How many times have you ended up following nonsensical accounts on social media because the algorithm thinks you might be interested? Only to find the content floods your mind with potentially negative or harmful information leaving you feeling creatively blocked. You can take back control of your online environment by following accounts that inspire and uplift you. Seeking out platforms that foster meaningful connections and constructive dialogue rather than mindless scrolling. For example I’ve unfollowed accounts that promote comparison or negativity, and instead, surround myself with content that educates, uplifts or ignites my imagination.
- Seek Inspiration Beyond the Screen: There so much of this world to explore and unravel. This is a key message I teach my kids and the main reason why we limit screen time. You have the power to look beyond the confines of the digital realm for inspiration by travelling to new places, exploring art galleries, attending live performances, or delving into a good book. These experiences can change the way you feel. Think of the adrenaline rush you get from theme park rides, charging up your endorphins by going for a run or the exhilaration you feel by jumping into a pool. By engaging with the world around us through sensory experiences we can fuel our creative spirit and give ourselves a fresh perspective.
- Embrace Imperfection: Think of the last time you did something perfectly? Then think about if the outcome was actually that good and what that experience taught you. I’ve found that by letting go of the expectation of being perfect and instead embracing vulnerability and the human aspect of self I can reconnect with my creative mindset. Your creative expression is a journey filled with detours, setbacks, and unexpected discoveries. But by allowing yourself the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from failure without fear of judgment or self-criticism you can produce some of your best work.
These are just a few of the creative strategies I use to engage with my creativity and open the doors for original thought. In a world overflowing with digital noise, finding moments of clarity and connection with your creative mindset can be challenging. When you hold space for your mind to breath, reflect and expand you’ll find you are able to tap into the creativity that lies within you allowing personal growth and fulfilment to take place.
If you’ve got a creative need which you are struggling to fulfil such as a new video concept, interesting blog ideas or a revamp of your entire digital marketing strategy please contact one of the team, we would love to talk through your requirements and help you build creative campaigns to reach your ideal audience and engage with them like never before!
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