107 ways to inspire creativity

Creative minds don't just feed themselves. We don't just wake up every day with a pile of creativity gushing out of every pore. Sometimes we might wake up with a brilliant idea but even then, if we don't write it down or tell someone, chances are that idea might drift off as the day progresses. So I was thinking – what do we need to help us stay creative? Here's what I came up with…

107 ways to inspire creativity

from things you need, to places you go and things you do, there's always something nearby that can be a potential creative idea starter. I'm sure there's a ton more, so if I've missed something, please holler and I'll add your ideas to the list too!

107 ways to inspire creativity

Objects, supplies and materials to inspire creativity

Having things around the house or the office to inspire your creativity can be so helpful. Sometimes just staring at something for a moment will spark an idea. How many of these items do you already own or maybe even have within arms reach right now?

1. Scissors
2. tape
3. glue
4. pencils
5. pens
6. crayons
7. colored pencils
8. paint
9. kids water color paints
10. stamps
11. music
12. movies
13. tv
14. nature
15. sunshine
16. friends
17. phone calls
18. books
19. magazines
20. websites
21. games
22. food
23. recipes
24. glitter
25. buttons
26. cardboard
27. wood
28. musical instruments
29. chalk
30. camera
31. chop sticks
32. paint brushes
33. sewing machine
34. newspaper
35. calendar
36. kids

Things to do to inspire creativity

Every experience we have inspires a thought and potentially an idea. The more we experience, the more ideas and views we can pull from when trying to come up with something new. Even the little day to day tasks, if done a bit different just today, can spark a new idea for tomorrow. How many of the following activities have you done or do regularly?

1. Window shopping
2. walking
3. biking
4. yoga
5. get off your butt and move
6. reading
7. listening to music
8. listening to books
9. watching movies
10. sitting in the sunshine
11. people watching
12. story telling
13. camping
14. roasting marshmallows
15. cloud gazing
16. traveling
17. making art
18. going to a museum, event or other activity
19. picnicking at the park
20. cook
21. eat something new
22. try something new
23. think of trying or eating or doing something new
24. day dream
25. sleep, nap, rest
26. eat breakfast
27. call a friend
28. write a note
29. search Google on a topic that interests you
30. try Googles “I feel Lucky” option and follow that path
31. Follow recommended links from websites you already like
32. go to the library and browse a random aisle
33. experiment with new spices or mixing flavors you already like
34. try a new ice cream flavor
35. part your hair different
36. get a new hair cut
37. turn your favorite shirt inside out and wear it that way all day
38. write down all the interesting comments people say for a week
39. keep a journal
40. keep a journal of just ideas

Words to inspire creativity

1. color
2. sound
3. smell
4. perspective
5. view
6. opinion
7. think
8. thoughts
9. texture
10. feel
11. goal

Question starters to inspire creativity

Most often new ideas come from asking a question. Create a “problem” that needs an answer and you might come up with answers you didn't expect. The first step is asking a question the second step is allowing yourself to explore new, maybe even ridiculous answers. Don't ask questions that that require you to decide if something will work or not and don't assume an idea is bad. In hindsight, I'm sure good ol' Ben Franklin would not recommend standing out in the middle of a lightening storm with metal in his hand.

1. What if…
2. Did you know…
3. What would happen…
4. What do you think…
5. Remember when…
6. What did you see…
7. What do you hear…
8. What's that smell…
9. How does that taste…
10. When…
11. how does that feel…

Things to make and ways to organize your ideas to inspire creativity

Sometimes collecting ideas, dreams, wishes, favorites and other pieces we already like can inspire something new. Here are some ideas of things you can put together to help keep those creative juices flowing and ideas growing.

1. A dream board
2. A collage of ideas
3. A doodle page
4. A music mix (aka “mixed tape” from the 80s)
5. A new recipe
6. A Pinterest board (I'm adding new boards all the time)
7. A creative ideas notebook
8. A journal of ideas
9. A sketchbook

Need more inspiration? Here are 5 tips to Improve Creativity.