10 Psychological Ways to Boost Originality.

Originality/creativity can seem innate, but like many things, it is actually a delicate balance of nature and nurture. 

In other words, creative thinking can be enhanced by external forces, and isn’t necessarily reliant on “good genes” or natural ability.

Focus your energy.

Creativity requires significant mental resources of energy. If your energy is scattered among many competing projects, you may not have enough energy focused at any one time and place to realize your creative potential. Highly creative people are able to focus their energy on their work. 

Stay positive.

Although negative moods can sometimes spur creativity, researchers have found that it is during strong positive moods that our best creative work is done. In fact, the feeling of love or even thinking about love was shown to best encourage creative thinking.

Increase your courage to be different.

Be different from the normal. Be brave in asking and sharing your thoughts. You may never know if your ideas may be viewed as creative ones by others. Try not to view as if your ideas will be graded, or considered "right" or "wrong". Speak your mind; it’s easy when you think that it’s something you would like to share with others.

Get involved with many things.

When you are deeply involved with myriad things, then you become in tune with the now. Only then do you see everything clearly, the way it is and can be. When you open your mind to possibility, it is very easy to enter the creative mode.

Don't limit yourself.

To a significant degree, how you think about your creative ability will determine its presence. If you generate self talk that insists that "I'm just not a creative person" or that creativity is the province of genius, then you are limiting your own ability to exercise your inborn creative talents. Everyone has the ability to be creative. 

Separate work from consumption.

It has been shown that we are particularly terrible at creating when we try to combine the gathering of information and actual creation. Researchers recommend only consuming information in an “absorb state” where you are not attempting to multitask.

Expand your interests.

Creativity is fuelled by passion. Expand your interests by shifting your focus to include other interests that you may be passionate about.

Spend time with creative people.

Synergize your energies by spending time with people who share the same interest as yours. Brainstorming, planning, or simply talking to people will keep creative juices running, giving new and fresh ideas.

Cultivate creative inspiration.

As you explore your creative potential, you will discover the conditions that facilitate this potential. Different people find different strategies to enhance their creativity. Some people find that solitude or meditation enriches their imagination.

Get enough rest.

If you're tired, there's little point in trying to squeeze out something creative from your head, as it may require more luck for radical ideas to pop by when you're drained. If you're tired, try to take a break, take a nap, or a tea break. You can think better when your mind is fresh, thus being able to come up with creative ideas more easily.