When you are feeling stressed out, how does that affect your creativity?
And I’m not just talking about the more obvious creative aspects of your work. But also think about your ability to deal with a challenging client or coworker.
Or being able to create enticing win win situations or joint ventures with other professionals.
Or how about coming up with new ways to serve your clients or customers that make you really stand out.
Or thinking up an unusual way of marketing yourself, an idea or a product.
Or even your ability to develop new work habits that make your life easier.
How, well do you do any of these things when you’re stressed out?
One way to open yourself up to being more creative is to simply break out of your normal habits for a short period of time. And a great way to break out of your routine is to bring some playfulness and spontaneity to your work environment. You will find that some of your most creative flashes will come when you are having fun, if you allow yourself!
Ann McGee-Cooper in Time Management for Unmanageable People wrote, “The more we work, the more tired we get, the less creative or open-minded we are, and the less we accomplish, so we get further behind and then we think we have no time for play.”
Isn’t that the truth!
So, think about some of the things that you loved to do as a child? The more wacky the better?
Is there any way you can incorporate any elements of those things into your workday? Especially on days that you know are going to be tough on you.
Taking time out to add fun and playfulness to your day WILL actually re-energize you, and get the creative juices flowing so that you actually get more done in less time. Try it!