Every person has the ability to be extremely creative. It only seems that others are more creative because they know how to easily coax it from within themselves. It’s actually very easy to think of creative ideas, you just need to seek it, be aware of it, and give it time. To help you, here are 5 unconventional ways to ignite your creativity.

1. Browse through catalogs

If you have any of the catalogs with those cheap and crazy products take a look through them. Some of the items are really good ideas, while others aren’t. Many times they were created by people just like you and I. Check out Harriet Carter to see various products and inventions. Another catalog with more expensive and great ideas is Brookstone.

2. Get frustrated

Things like computers, cars, and phones can get frustrating when they don’t work properly or they need improvements. This is probably one of the best ways to come up with a product idea. Next time you drop your phone, burn your toast, forget to do something, spill a drink, or anything like that, take a moment and wonder why it happened and how it could have be prevented or could be improved. Eventually I’m sure you will come up with an idea that can be very successful.

3. Don’t force it

Creativity requires patience. At times you wont be able to think of anything creative just like writer’s block. If you force yourself, you’re going to be worried about the quantity over quality of your ideas. Give it time and don’t plan for it because creativity strikes when you least expect it to.

4. Look to the uncreative

Look at products, art, books, or businesses that you think are just horrible ideas and wonder how you would fix it. Listen to your own view and opinions because great ideas lie within them.

5. Start with nothing

What do you possess when you don’t have money or material things you desire? You have something even more powerful and rewarding, your mind. When you don’t have money or resources you’ll find a way to get tasks accomplished. Another way to start with nothing is to forget your troubles and responsibilities. This is why children are so creative. They have no worries so their possibilities are endless.

Photo by Charles Chan*

“Don’t judge those who try and fail, judge those who fail to try.”

Anonymous

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“Your true passion should feel like breathing; it’s that natural.”

Oprah Winfrey

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Obviously if you are reading this you’re breathing, so you must be alive. Right? Well it depends on what your definition of alive is. Dictionary.com defines alive as: having life; living; existing; not dead or lifeless.

Do you have the life you want and are you living the way you want? If not, then you’re not completely alive. Many believe it’s a struggle to be alive while other’s rejoice every morning they wake up. What makes these people so happy to be alive? Is it because they live in a sprawling mansion and have millions in their bank account? Or is it because they’ve enjoyed everyday in their past and are enjoying every present day, no matter how much money they have? Most likely it’s the latter.

If you want to feel this happiness then you need to know the true definition of alive, the Lyved.com definition. Lyved’s definition is really an acronym, each letter represents something that indicates you’re alive.

Aware

• If you want to be alive you must be aware. Aware of your life and what’s going on around you. You cannot be closed-minded and shutout the rest of the world. See, smell, and hear what’s in your environment.

Laughing

• Have fun and laugh as much as you possibly can. If you’re laughing, you’re living. Don’t be a miserable person, be happy and thankful you’re alive.
  

Involved

• To be alive you should be involved. Help others live life and achieve success. Be a mentor to someone who needs it.

Vacationing

• Even if you’re working long hours give yourself mini vacations when you get home and on weekends. Put up your feet, relax, eat what you want, and enjoy yourself as much as you possibly can.

Evolving

• If you’re alive, you’re changing. Everyday your evolving, you’re different than the day before. You should always be learning and refining those things that you see fit.

If you’re aware, laughing, involved, vacationing, and evolving, then you’re alive. If not, get going and become ALIVE!

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“Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.”

William A. Ward

Photo by Zadok The Priest