Living a creative life is more than just a hobby, it’s a mindset. It’s not about being the next Picasso or Mozart, but rather about nurturing your own unique inner artist.

But let’s face it, daily life can often feel like a creativity crusher. With our busy schedules and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to lose touch with that creative spark that makes us feel alive and inspired.

Don’t despair! There are strategies you can adopt to keep your creative juices flowing amidst the daily grind.

In this article, I’ll walk you through nine ways to sustain creativity in your everyday life. They’re simple, practical, and designed to fit into even the busiest of schedules.

So let’s dive in and start fostering that inner artist of yours.

1) Embrace the everyday

Living a creative life doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be creating masterpieces every day. Sometimes, it’s the simple, everyday activities that can inspire the most creativity.

Take a moment to appreciate the world around you. Observe the shapes formed by shadows on your morning walk, or the color combinations in your favorite food. These seemingly insignificant details can spark unexpected ideas and jumpstart your creativity.

Remember, inspiration is everywhere. You just need to be open to see it.

So, don’t wait for grand moments of inspiration. Instead, embrace the everyday and let it fuel your creativity.

But remember, it’s not just about observing – it’s about engaging too. So don’t just passively observe; take a moment to sketch, write, or photograph what catches your eye. This active involvement with your surroundings can further boost your creative thinking.

Above all, stay curious about the world around you. That’s what being an artist is all about.

2) Regular creativity dates

One strategy I’ve found incredibly helpful in nurturing my own creativity is setting aside regular “creativity dates”.

These are dedicated pockets of time that I reserve exclusively for creative exploration. It might be an hour on a Sunday morning to sketch, or a Wednesday evening spent writing poetry.

For instance, I have a fondness for photography. During my creativity dates, I take my camera and go on a little adventure around my neighborhood. I photograph anything that catches my eye – an interesting shadow, a colorful door, or a vibrant flower. These sessions don’t just fuel my creativity, they also allow me to see my surroundings in a new light.

The key is consistency. By setting a regular schedule, you train your brain to anticipate these creative sessions, making it easier to tap into your inner artist when the time comes.

So, try scheduling your own creativity dates. You might be surprised at how much this simple practice can boost your artistic inspiration.

3) Embrace failure

Did you know that J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series was rejected by twelve publishers before it was finally accepted? Or that Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb before he finally succeeded?

Failure is an inherent part of the creative process. It’s where we learn, grow, and refine our ideas. It’s easy to view failure as a dead end, but in reality, it’s just a stepping stone on the path to success.

So, don’t be discouraged by failure. Instead, see it as an opportunity for growth. And remember, every time you fail, you’re one step closer to success. So embrace failure and keep moving forward in your creative journey.

4) Surround yourself with diverse influences

Creativity thrives on diversity. The more varied your influences, the richer your creative output will be.

This means stepping out of your comfort zone and exposing yourself to new experiences, cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Read books from different genres, listen to music from various decades, visit museums and art exhibits, or travel to new places.

By broadening your horizons, you’ll have a wider pool of ideas to draw from in your own creative work. This diversity can spark new ideas and lead to more unique and innovative creations.

So don’t limit yourself to what’s familiar. Embrace the new and let it fuel your creativity.

5) Cultivate a creative space

Your surroundings can significantly impact your creative flow. A cluttered, disorganized space can be distracting and stifling, while a clean, inspiring environment can boost your creativity.

That’s why it’s essential to cultivate a space that inspires you. This might be a dedicated studio, a corner of your living room, or even a quiet spot in your local park.

Decorate it with things that inspire you – it could be artworks, photographs, favorite quotes, or objects from nature. Keep your tools and materials within easy reach so that you can dive in whenever inspiration strikes.

Remember, this is your creative haven. Make it a place where you enjoy spending time and where your inner artist feels free to explore and create.

6) Give yourself permission

This may sound simple, but it’s often one of the biggest hurdles for many of us. We tend to be our own worst critics, setting impossibly high standards and then berating ourselves when we fall short.

But creativity needs freedom to flourish. It’s about expression, experimentation, and taking risks. And that can’t happen if we’re constantly judging ourselves.

So give yourself permission to be imperfect. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to explore, to play. Remember, it’s not about creating a masterpiece every time. It’s about the process, the joy of creation, and the journey of self-expression.

Be gentle with yourself. Allow your inner artist the freedom to create without judgement. This is your journey, and every step – no matter how small – is a testament to your courage and your creativity.

7) Practice mindfulness

I’ve found that one of the most powerful tools in nurturing my creativity is mindfulness. When we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, our minds often become cluttered with worries, to-do lists, and distractions. This mental noise can stifle our creativity.

Mindfulness helps to quiet this noise. By focusing on the present moment – on our breath, our senses, or just the task at hand – we can clear the mental clutter and make space for creativity to flow.

For me, practicing mindfulness has been a game changer. It has not only helped me be more present in my daily life but also opened up a wellspring of creativity I didn’t know I had.

So whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to fully experience your morning coffee, try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. It might just unlock new levels of creativity you never knew you had.

8) Keep an idea journal

Inspiration often strikes when we least expect it – a random conversation, a beautiful sunset, or even a dream can spark a new idea. But these moments of inspiration are fleeting, and if we don’t capture them, they can easily be forgotten.

That’s why I always keep an idea journal. It’s a place where I jot down any ideas, thoughts, or inspirations that come to me throughout the day. It doesn’t matter how big or small the idea is – if it sparked a creative thought, it goes in the journal.

This practice not only helps me remember these ideas but also serves as a valuable resource when I’m in need of inspiration. Whenever I’m feeling stuck, I flip through my idea journal and almost always find something that ignites my creativity.

So consider starting an idea journal of your own. It could be a physical notebook or even a note-taking app on your phone – whatever works best for you. The important thing is to make it a habit to capture your ideas as they come. You never know when they might come in handy!

9) Prioritize self-care

Above all, the most important aspect of nurturing your inner artist is taking care of yourself. Creativity can’t thrive if you’re running on empty.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time for relaxation and play. It’s equally important to maintain a healthy emotional state, so don’t neglect self-reflection and emotional self-care.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing self-care, you’re not just taking care of your physical and emotional well-being, but also laying the foundation for your creativity to flourish. So make self-care a non-negotiable part of your creative journey.

Final thoughts: Creativity is a lifestyle

At its core, creativity is not just about painting a canvas or writing a novel. It’s about the way we perceive the world, how we solve problems, and how we express ourselves. It’s a fundamental part of what makes us human.

The painter Vincent Van Gogh once said, “I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.” This encapsulates the essence of what it means to nurture your inner artist; it’s about turning your unique dreams and ideas into reality.

Remember, creativity is not a finite resource that can be depleted. Instead, like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. So don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and express yourself.

Your inner artist is waiting for you to take the first step. So go ahead, nurture it, and let your creativity shine in all aspects of your life.