Are You Unlocking Your Creativity as a Business Owner?

As a business owner, you know how important creativity is to the success of your company. Whether you’re developing new products, marketing strategies, or improving processes, having a creative mindset can help you stay ahead of the competition and find innovative solutions to the challenges you face. 

Although creativity is fundamental to your business, It can be easy to get stuck in a rut, especially when the pressures of running a business start to weigh you down. 

Together we’ll explore two ideas that can help you tap into your creativity and drive success for your company.

Don’t give up – keep trying: Most people evaluate everything they do, and if they’re not happy with all of the results or don’t receive the feedback they want, they quit. This is especially true when it comes to creativity. You may have an idea that you’re excited about, but it may not be well received or may not work out the way you planned. As Hayden mentions at 26:00 in the podcast, keeping that creative energy up is key to keeping that flame going!

It can be easy to get discouraged and give up, but it’s important to keep trying. Remember that creativity is a process, and it often takes multiple tries to find the solution that works best.

Bringing lightness and fun: Creativity is what brings joy and excitement to the process of developing new ideas and solutions. It can be easy to get bogged down by the pressures of running a business, but it’s important to keep things light and fun.

This doesn’t mean you should neglect your responsibilities or make light of important decisions, but it does mean that you should approach your work with a positive attitude and a willingness to have fun. When you’re having fun, you’re more likely to be open to new ideas and more likely to come up with creative solutions.

So, yes, these are easier said than done, but how can you put these ideas into practice? 

Here are a few tips to help you:

Set aside time for creative exploration: Make time for creative exploration, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Whether you’re brainstorming new ideas, working on a project, or simply doodling, make sure you’re giving yourself the time and space to be creative. Getting the ideas out is better than keeping them in. “Everything you do, do it 100 times” -Keith Hayden

Surround yourself with creativity: Surround yourself with people, places, and things that inspire you. Whether it’s visiting a museum, taking a class, or simply spending time with friends who are creative, make sure you’re exposing yourself to new ideas and experiences. Finding a community can make these ventures much more enjoyable and shared. 

Take risks: Creativity often involves taking risks, and it’s important to be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they seem a little crazy at first. You never know what you might create.. As Keith Heyden says at 35:16 in the podcast, “Just start doing it; I felt like when I was starting, I had to have the full solution.” No one will at the beginning, so experiment and see what works!

Celebrate failure: It’s important to celebrate failure as well as success. When you fail, you learn what doesn’t work, and that’s just as valuable as knowing what does work. Celebrating your failures will help you stay positive and motivated, and it will also help you keep a growth mindset. Mentioned by Keith at 28:58 in the podcast, be all in mentally, understand not everything will be a success and keep pushing forward.

Have fun: Finally, make sure you’re having fun. When you’re having fun, you’re more likely to be open to new ideas, and you’re also more likely to come up with creative solutions. So, make sure you’re taking breaks, laughing, and enjoying the process of being creative.

Finding your creativity as a business owner can be a challenge, but it’s important to keep trying and to bring lightness and fun.

 Keith Hayden is a fantastic example of an artist that embraces their craft, by staying persistent. “Everyday I have to flip the script and tell myself, I am qualified, because I’m doing it.” “That’s the only qualification you need to do it.” (30:35 in the podcast) Creation is never easy, but if you put your mind to it, start small, and don’t give up, creative endeavors will be like clockwork!

Listen to the full episode here!