Creativity isn’t something you’re born with, it’s a habit you can cultivate. And those who think outside the box often have certain habits that fuel their unconventional thinking.

Want to give your creativity a boost? It’s time to embrace the habits of these unconventional thinkers.

In this article, I’ll share 9 habits that you can adopt to spark your creativity. Let’s dive into the world of unconventional thinkers and see what they do differently.

1) Embrace curiosity

Unconventional thinkers have one common trait – they’re intensely curious. They’re always asking why, and they’re not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Curiosity breeds creativity.

When we’re curious, we’re open to new experiences, new ideas, and new ways of looking at things. We dive into subjects that interest us, we seek out new perspectives, and we’re not afraid to question everything.

Curiosity is the fuel that drives creativity. It pushes us to explore, to experiment, and to ask questions that others might not ask.

So if you want to boost your creativity, start by nurturing your curiosity. Ask questions. Explore new ideas. Challenge accepted norms.

But remember, curiosity isn’t about finding quick answers. It’s about exploring possibilities and seeking out the unknown.

In a world where answers are just a Google search away, it can be a challenge to keep this sense of wonder alive. But it’s a habit well worth cultivating if you want to think outside the box.

2) Make time for solitude

This might come as a surprise, but one of the habits I’ve found most helpful in boosting my creativity is making time for solitude.

Quiet moments alone can be incredibly stimulating for the creative mind. In fact, many unconventional thinkers value solitude as a time to reflect, generate new ideas, and connect the dots in unique ways.

I remember when I was working on a challenging design project. The ideas just weren’t flowing. The constant buzz of the office was distracting, emails were piling up, and I felt stuck. So, I decided to take a break and go for a walk alone.

As I walked in silence, letting my mind wander, I found myself coming up with new approaches to the project. The quiet allowed me to hear my own thoughts more clearly and see connections that I missed in the hustle and bustle of the workplace.

So, if you’re looking to enhance your creativity, don’t underestimate the power of solitude. It’s not about isolation, but about giving your mind a peaceful space to wander and explore new ideas.

3) Seek out diverse experiences

Unconventional thinkers don’t stick to the same routines or environments. They seek out a variety of experiences and perspectives, which can be a rich source of creative inspiration.

Did you know that Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, took a calligraphy class in college? At the time, it seemed unrelated to his future career in technology. However, he later credited this class as a major influence in the design of the first Macintosh computer. The diverse experience sparked an idea that revolutionized the personal computing industry.

By stepping out of your comfort zone and exposing yourself to different ideas and cultures, you open up your mind to new ways of thinking. This diversity of experience can lead to innovative ideas that might not have been possible within the confines of a more narrow perspective.

4) Embrace failure

Failure can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s often seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. But for unconventional thinkers, failure is seen in a different light – it’s a stepping stone towards success.

Instead of avoiding risk for fear of failure, they embrace it. They understand that the road to innovation is littered with mistakes and dead ends. But it’s from these failures that they learn, grow, and come up with new ideas.

By reframing failure as an opportunity to learn rather than a setback, you foster an environment where creativity can thrive. You become more willing to take risks and push boundaries, which are key elements in creative thinking. So don’t shy away from failure – embrace it, learn from it, and use it to fuel your creativity.

5) Practice mindfulness

Unconventional thinkers often practice mindfulness. Being in the present moment can enhance creativity by allowing you to notice details and connections you might otherwise miss.

Mindfulness isn’t about quieting your mind or achieving a state of bliss. It’s about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When you’re mindful, you’re fully engaged in what you’re doing, whether it’s a conversation, a work project, or even washing dishes.

Practicing mindfulness can help you see problems from new angles and come up with creative solutions. Plus, being in the moment can also reduce stress and increase happiness, which can further boost your creative energy. So why not give it a try? You may find that it opens up a whole new world of creative thinking.

6) Nurture your passion

Unconventional thinkers are often deeply passionate people. They’re not just interested in their field or hobby—they’re obsessed. This passion fuels their creativity, driving them to explore, innovate and push boundaries.

When you truly love what you do, it’s not just about the end result. It’s about the process, the journey. You’re willing to put in the time and effort because it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like play.

So, if there’s something you love to do, don’t push it aside. Nurture it. Dive into it. Let it consume you.

Your passion can be your greatest source of creativity. It can lead you to ideas and innovations that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

So follow your heart. Let your passion guide you. It might just lead you down the path of unconventional thinking and creative brilliance.

7) Challenge the status quo

Growing up, I was always the one asking ‘why’. Why do we do things this way? Why don’t we try something different? It wasn’t to be rebellious or difficult, but because I had a genuine curiosity and desire to explore new possibilities.

Unconventional thinkers are often those who challenge the status quo. They don’t just accept things as they are. They question, they push boundaries and they’re not afraid to shake things up.

Challenging the status quo can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. It’s about looking at things from a different perspective and daring to think differently.

So don’t be afraid to question the norm. You never know where it might lead you. Remember, the greatest innovations often come from those who dared to think differently.

8) Cultivate resilience

Unconventional thinkers often face resistance. Their ideas may be seen as too radical or too different. They may face setbacks and adversity. But they persevere.

Resilience is a key trait of many creative minds. It’s the ability to bounce back from failures, to keep going despite obstacles, and to stay committed to your vision even when things get tough.

Resilience allows unconventional thinkers to weather the storms of criticism and rejection, and to keep pushing forward with their creative ideas. So, developing your resilience can be a powerful way to boost your creative thinking.

Remember, the path of creativity isn’t always smooth. But with resilience, you can navigate the bumps along the way and keep moving forward.

9) Trust your instincts

Unconventional thinkers trust their instincts. They listen to their gut feelings and trust their intuition, even when it goes against conventional wisdom or popular opinion.

Your instincts often tap into a deep well of knowledge and experiences that your conscious mind may not immediately register. It’s an inner voice that can guide you towards creative solutions and ideas.

So, if something feels right (or wrong), don’t ignore it. Your instincts can be a powerful guide in your creative journey. Don’t be afraid to trust them.

Final note: It’s about the journey

In essence, being more creative isn’t about adopting some mystical persona or achieving a particular outcome. The core of creativity lies in the journey – a journey of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” This sentiment echoes through the habits of unconventional thinkers. Their quest for creativity is fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a desire for exploration.

Remember – every failure, every question, every moment of solitude or burst of passion, is a step on the path to creativity. So, don’t be afraid to dive into the unknown, to ask ‘why’, and to embrace the wonderfully unpredictable journey of creative thinking.

As you reflect on these habits of unconventional thinkers, remember that creativity is not a destination, but a journey. It’s an ongoing process that unfolds with each question you ask, each failure you learn from, and each moment you dare to think differently.