5 Habits of Highly Creative People
Creativity is work. Yes, some of us come by it more naturally than others, but every successful creator you know has built habits and routines that motivate, inspire and challenge them. Here are 5 habits of highly creative people.
1. Morning Rituals and Mindfulness
Creative people often start their day with a calm, focused routine. Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or a few moments of deep breathing, taking time in the morning to clear the mind helps them stay grounded and open to new ideas. This daily practice helps creative individuals approach challenges with clarity and intention.
Why it helps:
It reduces stress, allowing you to tackle creative tasks with a fresh, focused mindset.
It fosters a sense of calm that encourages creativity to flow naturally throughout the day.
How to start:
Try setting aside 5 to 15 minutes each morning for journaling, meditation, or a mindful walk.
2. Daily Idea Generation
Creative individuals make it a habit to generate ideas regularly. Whether it’s through brainstorming, mind-mapping, or freewriting, dedicating time each day to come up with new ideas helps to avoid creative blocks and keeps inspiration flowing. This habit is about quantity over quality—producing many ideas, knowing that only a few will stand out.
Why it helps:
It creates a habit of creativity and primes the brain to constantly seek new ideas.
Even if some ideas aren't fully formed or perfect, it opens up the possibility for future breakthroughs.
How to start:
Set aside 10 minutes each day to write down or sketch as many ideas as you can on a specific topic.
Keep a notebook or digital app handy to capture spontaneous thoughts throughout the day and night. I love my my tiny moleskin weekly planner, it has a whole empty pag for each week for notes and ideas.
3. Engaging with Different Sources of Inspiration
Creative people often make it a point to consume different types of media or experiences to expand their worldview. This might mean reading books, listening to podcasts, watching documentaries, or simply going for a walk and observing the world around them. These varied experiences spark new connections and inspire fresh thinking.
Why it helps:
Exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives helps stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving.
Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and mixing up your routine can offer new creative insights.
How to start:
Set aside time to read, listen, or observe things outside your usual creative field.
Try new hobbies or visit places you’ve never been to in order to expose yourself to fresh ideas.
4. Regular Practice and Experimentation
Creative people know that their skills improve through regular practice. Whether they’re drawing, writing, coding, or working on a project, they make it a habit to work on their craft every day. They also experiment with new techniques, styles, and approaches, knowing that failure or mistakes are part of the creative process.
Why it helps:
Consistent practice helps you hone your craft and discover your unique creative voice.
Experimentation leads to new discoveries and helps you push the boundaries of what you’re capable of.
How to start:
Dedicate time each day to practice your creative craft, even if it’s just for 20–30 minutes.
Experiment with new tools, methods, or projects outside your normal comfort zone.
5. Reflection
Creative individuals often take time to reflect on their work, analyze what’s working (or not), and refine their ideas. This habit of self-reflection allows them to improve and evolve their creative process, leading to more polished and meaningful outcomes. They are constantly tweaking their ideas, making small adjustments to enhance them.
Why it helps:
Reflection allows you to identify areas for improvement and refine your creative approach over time.
How to start:
Set aside time each day or week to review your work. Look at your ideas, projects, or designs and ask yourself what can be improved or changed.
Conclusion:
Creative people aren’t just naturally gifted—they nurture their creativity with daily habits that keep their minds open, inspired, and constantly evolving. By adopting practices like morning rituals, idea generation, seeking new sources of inspiration, regular practice, and self-reflection, you can unlock more creative potential in your own life. Start small, build consistency, and watch your creativity grow!
