The last year has been one unlike any other. Everything changed from everyday tasks to our jobs, taking most of us into our homes. While this was a dream come true for many, there were many things about working from home that we didn't see coming. Don't get your hopes up yet, though, because working remotely can still be an amazing alternative to the old 9 to 5 schedule.
Getting creative and finding what makes your ideas flow when working remotely can be a challenge, but here are the five proven ways to boost your creativity at home. Taking some time to observe yourself and understand what makes your ideas come to life, you could be on your way to brainstorming up the next big idea that will get you on the map.
So, without further delay, here are five ways to get more creative.
Creativity Is a Modern Business Skill
Some years ago, you might not have seen a big push for creativity. There was more demand for workers who could do the job efficiently and show up on time.
Nowadays, more and more companies are hunting for team members who know how to be creative. Creativity is related to the quality of work and the office atmosphere, making a better and more positive workplace. Being creative takes critical thinking skills and other vital skills to be used on the job, turning them into an in-demand skill that many employers are after.
5 Ways to Be More Creative Remotely
With creativity becoming a skill more employers are after, it's a good idea to find ways to be more creative. That's why we're here with five tips to get those creative juices flowing, even if you're stuck at home.
1. Make a Creative Space
The first thing that you should do when looking to amp up your creativity is focused on your space. Find whatever it is that makes your heart and brain happy, getting you in the mood to focus and get to work. Working from home hasn't been the easiest thing to get used to. But with just a few tweaks to furniture positioning and proficient use of space, it can be done. You should also look at the lighting, temperature, and overall comfort of your apartment to create a space that you can't wait to arrive at daily.
2. Learn What Makes your Creativity Tick
Things like music, art, motivational quotes, pictures, and the like can be motivating and get you in the mood to get creative. In this sense, we are all very different, enjoying different things. Some like complete silence, while others love a bit of music or noise in the background. Think of your favorite places to go when you're looking to get creative and try to recreate them in your home. The key is getting your mind in the proper condition, finding the things that make your wheels start turning.
3. Score the Right Audio/Video
When working at home, there is nothing worse than a faulty connection. Remote workers need to stay efficiently connected and effectively communicating when working online to get good connections and clear audio. So, it could be worth it to start investing in the right peripherals. A headset where your colleagues can hear you crisp and clear is one of them. Another is high-speed internet and a computer or tablet that works for what you need.
In addition to technology, consider office supplies. We don't think about so many things when we're making our home our new office space, and office supplies are one of them. So, think about the items you use in your job daily, making a list and checking it twice to make sure you have them all.
4. Work on Better Collabs
One part of working remotely is collaboration and meetings. Meetings are already a pain, with a room full of people with different points of view. Add in a slow connection and lag times, and you have a recipe for disaster. To make collaborations more doable, improve your teamwork. This could involve being patient while others are talking, waiting for your turn, and speaking clearly into a microphone so that all parties can hear you.
Keep in mind that all of those you're collaborating with have also had to adjust to the new norms of remote work, perhaps having to do them under different circumstances. So, don't get too mad if someone's kid comes running in the room screaming; it happens!
5. Keep an Open Mind
Last but not least, be sure to keep an open mind. When you're working remotely, things can change from day to day. If you've been in an office setting most of your life, you could find it difficult to adjust at first. But with an open mind, you can become a remote working superstar, figuring out the ropes and learning what works best for you and your company. Flexibility is the new universal skill that employees and employers cherish as things change fast, and an ability to adapt and be productive determines your success.
Never Lose Your Spark
Creativity is a gift that most of us don't use often enough. We get caught up in the mix of things and shut our creativity down, making things more mechanic along the way. As a remote worker, it can be challenging to get back in touch with your creative side. One reason is that you're out of the office and away from colleagues.
Still, working away from your buds doesn't mean you can't get creative. It is the path to creativity that changes, and you can return the muse by taking steps toward finding what makes your brain sing. Indeed, creativity is tricky as it cannot be imitated or forced. So, take our five tips and run with them, seeing what you can come up with. You might just surprise yourself, seeing that remote work has always been your ideal fit!
Author BIO:
Jilian Woods is a freelance journalist and a contributing writer with more than 4 years of writing experience. Being an essay writer at Grademiners, she sees her purpose in producing and sharing relevant content with people who are willing to expand their knowledge base and learn something new.
