creativity

Observation Skills and Creativity

observation skills and creativity Keen Observation Skills and Creativity

Creativity is all around us!  Each of us has the ability to be creative – it’s just a part of who we are. Sometimes it comes easily, and sometimes it seems to be a struggle. If the latter is the case for you and you can’t seem to find the keys to creativity, it doesn’t have to be that way for you. You just need to train yourself to be creative.  You’ll be surprised…sometimes all you have to do is practice your powers of observation and become more aware of your surroundings. You’ll be amazed how keen               observation skills and creativity go hand in hand!

Here are some tips you can try that will help you improve your observation skills that will then help improve your creative skills.

Pay attention to details – this requires you to slow down and be mindful about what you’re doing and where you are. For example, when you eat a meal, really concentrate and be aware of the food you’re eating.  Is it a salad; is it a sandwich?  Don’t multi-task while you’re eating either.  When you get dressed, pay attention to what you do first, second and so on. When you leave your house, look at and notice the color of the door; does it need a coat of paint or a washing? Little things like this will help you learn to be present in the moment no matter what you’re doing, and this can carry over into creativity. When you’re mindful of what you’re doing, you see things in a different light, and your creativity will begin to come alive!

Do something different – sometimes all it takes to fine tune your observation skills and get the creative juices flowing is to simply take the time to do something different. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate like running off to enjoy an exotic vacation. It can be something as simple as visiting a new place locally you’ve never seen before. When you do something new, you’re more aware of what’s going on around you because you’re paying closer attention while observing what it is you see, smell, hear, feel and taste.

Go to a park, coffee shop or some other public place with a pen and notepad and people watch – this one is fun because people watching can be very interesting. Set aside some time to head to a nearby park (or anywhere public) and observe those around you. Pay attention to how they walk, what they’re wearing, and how they interact with others.

As you observe them, begin to write down different details. Pay attention to your senses and write about things you see, hear and smell. Don’t spend too much time thinking about what to write, just write down whatever pops into your head; you know…stream of consciousness. Again, not only does this help you improve your observation skills, it helps you learn to focus and be mindful of what’s going on around you. As you do this exercise and begin writing, you’ll start using those creative thinking brain muscles that need to be exercised.

Being mindful and observant is a skill we can all improve upon. Too often we go through life missing many of the details, but if you make it a point to notice what’s happening around you, you’ll soon find many creative ways to use what you learn in your writing, artwork, or other creative endeavors.

To be your best and most creative, make sure your diet is balanced and you’re taking the proper vitamins.  Check out this post on the health benefits of omega 3 and omega 6 to find out if you need to supplement your omegas!

Be Your Best You!

Cheryl A Major

Cheryl A Major

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