Have you heard of “suffering artists?” Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to suffer to boost creativity. Finding your purpose can help drive creativity from a place of joy and fulfillment.
Creative inspiration originates from a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex. This area of our brain handles higher thinking.
When we’re anxious or stressed, fear centers like the brain’s amygdala consume more energy. It takes away from the full potential of our brain’s creative centers.
So what does it take to prepare your mind for creative output? Research suggests a clear head and a meaningful mission to boost creativity.
Are you painting a masterpiece? Are you in charge of finding a creative solution to a problem at work? All creative thinking comes from the same place in your brain. Thus, your approach should be the same before approaching any innovative thinking.
Here are three easy tips on how to redefine your creative approach by finding your purpose.
3 Ways to Boost Creativity by Connecting With Your Purpose
1. Start by getting out of your head.
The first step to getting rid of creative barriers is to ease racing thoughts. Prepare your mind to focus on the task at hand. Your prefrontal cortex works best when you’re mentally present.
Meditation is a proven way to quiet distracting thoughts and live in the moment. Try a short meditation before you sit down to exercise rigorous creative thinking.
Another practice to overcome creative mental blocks is mindful reflection. Consider how your creative thinking has bettered the lives of others. Altruistic actions have a measurable impact on your happiness. So, take a moment to reflect on the positive impact you’ve had on others in the past.
2. Give your work value by finding your purpose.
After you meditate, you’ll feel more prepared for more meaningful levels of thinking. Once your mind is calm, the next step is to reflect on your values.
Personal values are our moral compass. They drive every thought and action throughout our life, including how we create. Are you driven by adventure? Do you desire more justice in the world?
Consider how the creative thinking you’re tasked with connects you to your values. Maybe you’re composing a song or brainstorming a financial strategy. Whatever it is, reflect on how your creative thinking gives you a sense of purpose.
Grounding your actions in your true purpose sustains longer bursts of innovation and can boost creativity. That’s because you’re expanding activation in your prefrontal cortex. Morality lives in this same structure of the brain as creativity.
Envisioning yourself as a generous and good person leads to happier thoughts. Studies suggest that happy people are ultimately more creative.
3. Focus on what makes you happy.
Creating novel ideas, solutions, and products is exciting. It’s crucial to focus on the steps in your creative process that bring you happiness and fulfillment.
What do you look forward to the most in your creative process? Is it the idea of finding something novel? Is it the feedback you get from others? Seeking pleasure throughout the process makes you more receptive to creativity. It primes your prefrontal cortex to enjoy the creative process more fully.
Before you dive into your next creative project, be mindful of the parts you’re looking forward to the most. Remember, happiness can boost creativity and unlock the brain’s full creative potential.
Your potential for creativity is boundless. This is especially true once you discover your purpose. You’ll find yourself producing more creative ideas and living a meaningful life.
Are you still exploring your values and purpose? This may be part of a larger journey of personal growth and development. If you’re new to the journey, consider building more mindful practices into your day. You can even seek the guidance of a personal development coach to help you find your true purpose.
