Hello, Ilkomers! In the Creative & Design Thinking course, we learn that creativity is not merely an innate talent, but a process that can be trained and stimulated through various strategies. Even so, in reality, creative blocks or mental dead-ends still frequently appear and hold us back when we need to come up with ideas. When this happens, there are several anti-mainstream ways you can try to reopen your creative thinking space. But don’t worry, Ilkomers can try the following five anti-mainstream tips that will definitely help you overcome creative block. Let’s take a look together!
Preparing a Physical Notebook to Capture Spontaneous Ideas
Creative ideas usually appear spontaneously at unexpected moments, such as while eating, getting ready for bed, or even during various activities on campus. Therefore, it is important to prepare a medium that can be used immediately when an idea comes up. One of the most effective mediums for this is a physical notebook. A physical notebook has advantages that digital media does not, as it is free from distractions and provides wide space to doodle or sketch freely. The sensation of writing by hand also helps strengthen memory, making it easier to develop the idea further.
Taking a 10–15 Minute Walk
In addition to getting into the habit of writing down small ideas, taking a leisurely walk for 10–15 minutes can also be an effective way to release mental pressure. Light physical activity like this helps the brain move more freely, without the tension that usually blocks the flow of ideas. The small things you encounter around you, from the shapes of nearby plants, the sound of vehicles, to fragments of conversations from people passing by, can often spark new associations that develop into brilliant ideas
Doing a Brain Dump to Clear Your Mind
When your mind feels too full, Ilkomers can try the brain dump technique. This technique is done by writing down whatever comes to mind on a piece of paper for a few minutes without limiting yourself. The result may be messy, disconnected, or even seem absurd, but that is exactly where the benefit lies. A brain dump helps clear your “mental space” so your brain once again has the capacity to receive, process, and build fresh ideas.
Having an Imaginary Dialogue with Inanimate Objects
Although it may sound a bit strange, this technique can actually encourage the brain to step out of conventional thinking and think outside the box. The method is to take any object and imagine that it has its own voice and perspective. Ask what the object feels, what it complains about, or how it views its own function. This technique essentially invites us to see things from an unusual point of view, which can generate unique insights that never crossed our minds before.
Repeating Monotonous Activities with a Slight Variation
The human brain tends to become more creative when its routine patterns are slightly disrupted. Therefore, Ilkomers can try modifying monotonous activities by adding a small twist. For example, take a different route when heading home from campus, draw using colored markers, or read a book while listening to music from a different genre. With these small twists, activities that once felt like mere routines can turn into opportunities for the brain to explore new creative ideas.
By applying the five strategies above, Ilkomers will surely be better prepared to face creative blocks. Remember, creativity is not an inborn talent, but something that can be continuously trained. Let’s start building creative thinking habits so you can easily come up with brilliant ideas!
Behind The Semester Vol #7