Success Advice
10 Ways to Cultivate a Creative Mind

More often than not, success is synonymous with creativity. Thomas Edison is known as successful because he created the lightbulb. Richard Branson’s mega success came from his unique creations and branding of the Virgin company. Jony Ive, who has repeatedly been described as the creative genius behind Apple’s greatest products is indeed notorious due to his creativity. The list goes on and on with the numerous creative minds behind successful products.
If success comes with being creative, the crucial question then, is what does it take to possess a creative mind?
Creativity has been defined by neuroscientists as the ability to take disparate or scattered ideas and bring them together in new and useful combinations. Not surprisingly, the creative process of the mind is similar in bringing together different parts of your brain. Thankfully, much of the research in modern neuroscience has demonstrated that mental capabilities such as creativity are a result of a person’s own intentional activation of different parts of the brain. It is something that can be harnessed through practice, cultivation, and development.
Here are ten ways to spark off your creative mind!
1. The cloud exercise
You probably had to do this when you were a child, but do not let the simpleness of this cause you to think that it is not effective!
Clouds are notorious for resembling something else. Take a look up at a few different cloud formations and note what some of the shapes resemble. A tree? A Cat?
2. Increase your vocabulary
Most online dictionaries will always have a “word of the day” already featured. No need to try and chew up a ton of words in one go, just add one word a day to your vocabulary. Most importantly, find a way to use it during a conversation- that even makes it challenging and fun.
3. Pick any object and describe it ten different ways
What is in front of you right now? Most likely your laptop or computer. How many different ways can you describe it? Shiny…sleek…modern…silver…try and come up with ten adjectives for it.
4. Pick up a pencil and draw
Studies have shown that drawing activates certain parts of your right brain. You do not need to be the next Da Vinci to reap the creative benefits of trying to draw something you see. Just take a look out the window, or try and draw the coffee mug in front of you.
5. Do something with your non-dominant hand
Doing something unfamiliar will give your brain a kick in the pants and fire off neurons that will support your overall creativity. Whether it is brushing your teeth, combing your hair, or writing your name on a piece of paper, try it with your less dominant hand.
6. Learn a few phrases in a different language
Always wanted to throw out a couple of romantic French or Italian phrases? Learning a language activates the left temporal lobe of your brain. You will not only be able to impress someone with your bilingual talents but also do your creative brain a favor! Pick up a little phrase book from a used book store for a couple of dollars.
7. Play devil’s advocate to yourself
Come at a conversation or discussion from a different angle. Argue with yourself and force your brain to wrestle with a different side. Stretch your mind into having to reason through a different perspective.
8. Experiment
Try something new. If you are a foodie, step out and try a different ingredient or a style of cooking you have never had. If you are into concerts and music, try listening to something different. Uncharted waters gets the brain to lay some new creative networks. Ask yourself, “when was the last time you did something for the first time?”
9. Learn a musical instrument
Most songs are a repetition or variation of four simple chords which are easy to learn on a guitar or a piano. Music is immensely powerful tool in activating creative parts of your brain as it stimulates multiple areas of your brain.
10. Find a different use for an item
A pillow could be used as a chair cushion- you do not have to actually go ahead and use it, unless you really want to, but come up with alternative uses for items in your possession. An empty jar of strawberry jam could be used as a drinking glass.
All these exercises are designed to activate dormant parts of your brain and cause different portions to work together in ways that they usually would not. This unique cooperation of different portions of the brain will create the perfect environment for your mind to be at its creative best.
Success Advice
The Dilemma of Vulnerability: How Safe It Is to Share It in a Business Environment

I get asked all the time: “Debora is it safe to be vulnerable and share my story? Will it diminish my credibility?” Vulnerability is one of the most potent ways to connect to your audience deeply. I want to make a distinction though. Vulnerability is not about sharing your story only, but about how you share it and how much or little you refer to the emotions and feelings involved in the story. (more…)
Success Advice
It’s Time to Stop Chasing a False Image of Success

Each person reading this will have a different idea about what accomplishing success involves. For some, you want to lose weight. For others, you desire to build a business that creates financial freedom. An excellent general definition could be becoming the best you in each major area of your life. (more…)
Success Advice
8 Steps to Go From a Wannabe to a Powerhouse Brand That People Will Love

In today’s digital world, consumers are navigating up to ten thousand ads every day. Brands are how consumers decide where to pay attention – they help us make decisions about what products we buy, the restaurants we eat at and where we go on vacation. For this reason, developing a brand is essential for the health of your business. Building a brand won’t happen overnight, but by pursuing the following eight steps, you can create a brand that will help your business stand out and put you on the right path to sharing your story with the world. (more…)
Success Advice
4 Principles You Need to Understand About Creating Success and Not Settling

You know there’s so much more you want to accomplish in your life, but you feel paralyzed by setbacks in the past and a little voice that tells you to sit back down. You’re afraid of failing and tired of all that life throws at you. You want to build a business, get a better job, make more money, have better relationships, be recognized as an industry leader, make an impact, skydive, and a hundred other things. You want to live full out and experience all that life offers those that take action. (more…)
- Success Advice3 weeks ago
How to Achieve Success – The Best Tip for Massive Growth
- Life4 weeks ago
Remember, A Setback Is Setting You Up for Your Comeback
- Success Advice4 weeks ago
The A-E-I-O-U’s of Success: Increase Your Opportunities for Future Success
- Success Advice3 weeks ago
Stop Letting This One Thing Rob You of Your Morning Productivity
- Success Advice4 weeks ago
It’s Time to Stop Letting the Fear of Failure Derail Your Success
- Success Advice4 weeks ago
4 Characteristics That Made the Legendary Didier Drogba Great
- Success Advice3 weeks ago
Use This Framework to Reach Your Highest Goals
- Success Advice2 weeks ago
5 Success Secrets From Elon Musk You Need to Know
rayano
Oct 28, 2015 at 3:31 am
Nice articles thank you it even let less stress
Band Grrl
Mar 4, 2014 at 5:38 pm
Each week go somewhere new… Julia Cameron (The Artist’s Way) called it “The Artist’s Date”. Great book by the way.
Thai Nguyen
Mar 14, 2014 at 6:08 am
Thanks for the recommendation! Will definitely check it out.
Daniel
Feb 5, 2014 at 12:31 pm
The drawing idea is actually interesting. Way back I would sit down and draw my dining room from my point of view. When I finished the replica blew me away. Now that’s creative.
Thai Nguyen
Mar 14, 2014 at 6:07 am
Hi Daniel, I gave drawing a shot a little while ago and had a similar experience! Worth doing just for that experience.
Thai N
Feb 5, 2014 at 4:24 am
Glad you enjoyed it Ankit- hope you are able to start incorporating some of them into your life!
Ankit
Feb 4, 2014 at 5:52 am
Hey Thai, the article is awesome. I am completely agree with you.
Ve Dixon
Jan 31, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Great Article.
Thai Nguyen
Feb 1, 2014 at 9:22 am
Thanks Ve! All the best!
Steve
Jan 31, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Great article!
Thai Nguyen
Feb 1, 2014 at 9:22 am
Thanks Steve. Wishing you all the best!
Naomi@quitmyjob
Jan 31, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Hi Thai,
Creativity is important for success. A good business can’t survive without it.
Meditation is also supposed to be very good from improving your creativity.
I like the idea about musical instruments. I’ve been meaning to start learning how to play guitar for about a year now. Knowing it can help with my business is all a better reason.
Thanks for the good read
Naomi
Thai Nguyen
Feb 1, 2014 at 2:03 am
Yes, meditation! Great addition to the list Naomi! Thanks for your contribution. I taught myself guitar a few years ago and it has been great for giving my brain creative spurts! Wishing you all the best!