Think about some situations you’ve been in where you’ve felt powerless, frustrated, pushed in a corner, isolated, and confused about what you should do next. Do you think if you could write a song it would help you get out of that trap? Do you think painting a picture or writing poetry would be able to help you solve that problem either? When experiencing the problems just mentioned these are the times it’s most important to be creative. Consider these 5 ways to be creative when you’re feeling you have no innovative juice inside of you and tap into creativity you may have overlooked.

1. Reflect: We live in a reactive often unconscious society. By simply engaging in reflection and recognizing the moments in your life and what you’ve learned you’re tapping into that part of yourself that many never seek to know. Consider what parts of yourself, what answers you could discover if you simply made the time to reflect on your feelings, your thoughts, you gave yourself the space of silence to hear your own intuition. Get a journal and make time everyday to reflect and write.

2. Be vulnerable: The next time you feel as if you don’t know the answer or you’re confused about something simply say so boldly. Be that person who is willing to get the conversation rolling. Allow yourself to tell others what you’re experiencing instead of responding the way you think you should or by staying silent. Express yourself in an authentic and respectful way and you’ll soon be the go to person for creative solutions because you’re willing to be real, which not everyone is willing to do.

3. Be Flexible: When things are supposed to go one way and they don’t, tell yourself you’ve got nothing to lose even if you think you might. Consider at least two alternatives on how you might proceed and move forward. Model to others that you’re open-minded and be willing to receive feedback and adjust when necessary. Creative people welcome ideas and recognize there are ideas and opportunities everywhere. Be willing to see them.

4. Be Proactive: Recognize that there are times when we’re not able to plan, but in many cases we can prepare and be ready for what’s to come. Consider a potentially difficult client or staff meeting that always results with the same negative outcome. How could you proactively change how things go the next time. Possibly this would be to proactively at the beginning of the session state “This is what has happened the last 3 times we had this discussion, let’s make sure we don’t do it again. If it starts to happen I’m going to _________________” and establish your boundaries accordingly. Politely request their feedback as well and agree on how you each are going to respond when x occurs. Proactively address your boss privately when no conflict is present and say “every time I get called to your office I experience anxiety. It would really be helpful if you could let me know ahead of time what we’ll be discussing so I can prepare”. There are always exceptions and circumstances where this may not be effective, but just remember being proactive is about you being in the driver’s seat and in charge of how people treat you. If you’re not feeling respected or a situation is too great to deal with you always have a choice.

5. Support Creative/ Innovative people: Often times the few people who are willing to speak up or stick their neck out on the line are on their own. Those who don’t speak up may be thinking “thank goodness so and so spoke up and said exactly what I was thinking”. Just because it was said doesn’t mean it is going to have the same impact as it would if other people supported it as well. Connect with people who think like you, who you admire, who you respect, and practice supporting them fully. Surround yourself with the people who bring your energy up, who challenge status quo, who can help you tap into your own creative energies.

These are some examples of what creative people do. It doesn’t take any artistic skill to be able to perform these successfully, but it does take a commitment. When you’re drained or exhausted or thinking about what you’re lacking you’re not focused on your gifts and talents and getting them out into the world. Consider what a disservice this is and make the change to embrace your creativity today.

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