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Six Entrepreneur-Recommended Tips For Achieving A Creative Flow State

YEC Women

Innovation is often a key driver for long-term business success, but in order to properly innovate, you have to get creative first. A creative flow state, or any length or period of time during which a professional can think and create uninterrupted by distractions or intrusive thoughts, can be beneficial to those aiming to generate quality ideas in less time—but getting into this state isn’t always the most straightforward task.

To help, six members of Young Entrepreneur Council share their best tips for getting into a creative flow state and explain how these methods help them achieve their creative goals.

1. Clean Up Your Environment

I think that it is crucial to put yourself in an environment where you feel most inspired and creative. If your home office is messy, try this: Take an hour to clean up everything that doesn't belong where it currently sits. Move stuff around until things feel comfortable. That may mean getting rid of some things altogether or making more space for others in order to create an environment conducive to creativity and flow-state-inducing happiness. When I do this, or just tidy up a bit, I always feel better afterward—and I sometimes even notice myself getting into a flow state sooner than usual because I'm not distracted by messes or clutter! - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

2. Step Away From Screens

I find that creativity blooms most when you’re away from a screen, so put your phone away and close your laptop. Spend time with family and friends, go on a walk or hit the gym and you'll find that using your brain for things outside of work actually helps you be more creative during work. Some of my biggest ideas and most clarifying moments have come while spending time outside. For me, experiencing the peacefulness of nature and being away from the office really gets the ideas flowing. - Leila Lewis, Be Inspired PR

3. Reduce Restrictive Thinking

Creativity is a skill that can be learned and practiced. It is not the result of a magical power but instead of a disciplined mind. It may sound trite, but to truly get creative, you must open up to creative impulses. Try to eliminate as many restrictions on your thinking as possible. I've learned over the years that a great way to get into a creative flow state is to listen to music that inspires me. I've found that listening to my favorite bands or composers is a great way to brainstorm ideas, write or draw. Also, take long, deep breaths. As you exhale, empty your mind and focus on your breathing. It usually doesn't take more than 10 minutes for me to start feeling the flow state kick in. Once that happens, I can crank out ideas with lightning speed. - Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz

4. Get Moving

My creative juices tend to flow when my body is in movement, such as when I'm out for a run, swimming or even in the shower. In my shower, I have something called AquaNotes, which suggests you "don't let great ideas go down the drain." My most creative state rarely happens when I'm at my desk. In my dance class, no phones are allowed in the studio, so when a bright idea comes in and I can't afford to lose it, I'll step out to go to the locker room and add a note to my phone. To get creative, get your body moving, listen to music and get away from your desk. - Givelle Lamano, Lamano Law Office

5. Declutter Your Mind

Companies are now investing heavily in their employees' mental health due to the sheer pressure of the workplace. Any creative flow starts with a healthy state of mind; you have to find a way to declutter it. Most creative people do daily meditation and deep mind detoxification to get into a creative flow state. Additionally, many creators and artists practice heavy meditation techniques to get completely engaged in their creative performance without a sense of time. They also protect themselves from distractions to continue their creative flow state and perform their daily tasks at high levels of dexterity without getting influenced by their ego and sentimental judgment. Always remember that creativity is your core feeling toward a particular challenge. - Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day

6. Clear The Noise

There are different ways to tap into your creative zone. Which one is best suited for you is defined by your personality, interests and preferences. For me, it's being close to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This clears the noise for me and helps fuel my creativity. The key is maintaining a constant focus and an uninterrupted state of concentration. So, what works for me may not work for you or anyone else. All you have to do is find what helps you gain focus—though I believe seclusion is the prerequisite. It's less likely for you to maintain a creative thought process when there's a lot of noise or people around you. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

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