4 alternative ways to boost your creativity

Distractions. Lack of sleep. Writers block. Oh hey, my phone just lit up! Sorry, where were we? In the midst of so much routine related chaos it's hard to find the motivation to meet bog standard goals let alone blogging extraordinarily.

What's the key? How can we ultimately 'do it all' whilst creating high quality content we're genuinely proud of? Ah ha. Let me tell you..




I absolutely love to write, to say I'm passionate about it is a little bit of an understatement but enthusiasm often doesn't curtail a deep lack of motivation, disbelief and dreaded procrastination. It's easy to push things to the side and trust me, it's even easier to dip your toe into the pool of disbelief.

What am I getting at? With my first blog I found it incredibly difficult to maintain continuity whilst producing content I was proud of. Truthfully, I didn't have a dang clue what I was doing nor did I find one useful article on motivation on the entire world wide web. Yup.

Now, I'm no Steve Harvey or Tony Robbins but I'm so thankful to have finally found and sealed some tricks that continually motivate me. Now what's next? Well, it's time for me to deliver. Ps. Yes, I semi dismantled a Stevie Wonder song.

1. Scents

Nothing is more memorable than a scent. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains. 

- Diane Ackerman

To some people, lighting a candle is a symbol of romanticism. To others it's a habitual chore in quest of a cosier atmosphere. To me? It's motivating. Each night I write I look forward to striking a match and watching the wick take light as my mind drifts far beyond the confines of my room. 

Yes, it's a simple candle but as the scent fills the room I no longer feel the mundane, instead I imagine I'm relaxing in a bustling hotel lobby, or I'm in a city enjoying myself in a coffee shop. It creates an atmosphere but it's up to you to train your mind to associate said scents with relaxing moods in order to tap into that creativity you possess. 

I find the most creative souls are the ones that fill rooms with fresh flowers, books, natural light, 'in the zone' music and mood inducing candles. Train your mind to associate lighting a candle with slipping into your 'creative mode' and you'll cultivate one awesome habit. 

On a final scent related note, don't just apply this theory to candles also apply it to perfume. I systematically spritz Jo Malone Pomegrante Noir (here) and Peony & Blush Suede (here) when I feel lack lustre with my surroundings as it instantly lifts my mind to the streets of West Village NYC where I bought and began combining these scents. It's simple but effective and you too can apply this to your collection.

2. Travel

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

- Marcel Proust

You don't need to book flights, travel around the world or decide you'll couch surf from city to city but you really do need to open your mind. I find when we work XYZ hours a week we're already set in a rigorous routine that derails our focus on enjoying life itself . Often we skip going for brunch, grabbing that coffee or taking that long walk simply because we 'can't be bothered'.

It's time we all kick that awful habit and get out there, see the world even if it is only your immediate world. If you're able, then travel. See, experience, dream and plan! There's one world and you have one life, if you want to see places then for heaven's sake go go go!

How will this motivate me? Because working all day, everyday and coming home to write will be darn hard if you aren't experiencing anything in life. Experience causes us to feel, we create memories and find inspiration; however, if you've no inspiration then writing what you want will be no easy feat.

Tip: I'm inspired when I take my laptop, pop to a coffee shop and soak up the surroundings. I feel like I'm far from my house and subsequently am far from the mundane. Find your own version, you'll thank yourself one day!

3. Read

One must always be careful of books and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.

- Cassandra Clare

Ironically, a lot of bloggers don't read. I'm not asking you to pop out and pick up the essential Tolstoy collection but I am challenging you to invest in reading a book, magazine or blog that will spark something inside of you. 

When I was 20 I devoured Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love (here) in one sitting. I was inspired, excited and full of dreams. Little did I know I would actually take the plunge months later and embark on a solo journey of my own. 

The point? Books can and should powerfully educate, inspire and evoke something inside of our very souls. At the moment I'm reading and re-reading the above books. I must admit they're awesome. So many of us want to take action in life but don't have the resources to aid the effort, I truly hope some of these books will help you on that front.

Purple Cow - Seth Godin (here)

Linchpin - Seth Godin (here) 

The Power of Positive Thinking - Norman Vincent Peale (here)

4. Support

I want to be around people that do things. I don't want to be around people anymore that judge or talk about what people do. I want to be around people that dream, support and do things.

- Amy Poehler

Ah, the preeminent factor. Support from valuable friends, family and other halves is oh SO important beyond belief. 

Firstly, you need to believe in yourself. Trust there's a point to your blogging and there's an end goal you believe you'll actually achieve. 

Secondly, you need to learn to only share that goal with the people that won't kick your plans to the curb. Don't let their negativity sink your boat, let them find their own way and you find yours on a path of positivity.

Thirdly and finally, when you know people are cheering you on and genuinely want to see you succeed, it motivates you do push yourself to attain your full potential. When your family, or readers encourage you, cherish that and be thankful of it. Lock it up, store it away in your mind and let it fuel your endeavours.

On a personal note, my blogging has changed so much because of you amazing readers encouraging me. I can't tell you the amount of times I've taken a screenshot of lovely words, quick sentences of encouragement or darn right tear jerking messages. Hey - I'm a softie, no judgement! Also a tiny shout out to my lovely other half Peter that never stops believing in me. Le sob, that is I. 

So - what's my most asked question? It is simply 'how the heck do you blog, work mostly 6 days a week, write, edit pictures and find some level of normality in the midst of all that?'. I do it because I absolutely love it, and I genuinely believe you can do it too!

If you have any questions or fancy a chat, please email me: sarahlouise06@googlemail.com