Originality is an inevitable result of being true to yourself. Writer C.S. Lewis said that if we simply tell the truth as we see it, we’ll end up being original without trying. So here are some simple ways to encourage your originality and the ability to have good ideas!
Look at what there is to hand
What materials are available? What are the surroundings like? Ideas often begin with raw materials, or suggestions from our environment.
Put yourself in someone else’s place
What do they need? We can imagine what it feels like to be the person in need of our idea or solution. This can sometimes show us the way to fulfil the need – insight helps inventiveness.
Switch off media
If we switch off the media for a while, we let our own thinking come to the fore. Other people’s opinions and ideas may be stifling our own. Ideas often develop when we have space and freedom to think our own thoughts, not someone else’s.
What do we like best?
Study the things that inspire you personally – nature, art, music, writings. Choose your personal favourites which form your particular tastes. When you are in touch with your own individuality, your unique ideas will be more likely to develop.
Other people’s examples
Look at the examples of other people – then put them away and have a go on your own. Your own selective memories can feed your creative ideas.
Discuss the problem
Discuss the problem/issue with others. Make sure you choose someone who will be onside, and not likely to quench your ideas with theirs. Good ideas sometimes come while you are in conversation with a sympathetic person. Their interest and encouragement may point a way forward in your own mind.
Change your motives
Some motives kill ideas – money, hurry, fashion, the need to impress, focussing on being original. But other motives produce ideas: the desire to help others, peaceful enjoyment, solving a problem, improving quality of life, or being true to yourself.
Uniqueness is imprinted within every one of us. Your ideas will flow when you act to uncover it!
View Goldcrest Gallery’s completely original children’s picture books – only available from Goldcrest Gallery!