'You don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems' - James Clear 'Atomic Habits'

1. Make Creativity a Choice

Decide each day to engage with your work creatively and productively. Creativity is a choice, not a coincidence.

2. Frame the Problem Clearly

Take time to define and clarify the challenge you’re working on—clarity sparks better solutions.

3. Build Daily Discipline

Show up every day, practice your craft, and let go of perfectionism. “Just do it, no judgment, no attachment to the outcome.”

4. Structure Your Process

Set up routines and frameworks that support consistent output, making creativity a natural part of your day.

5. Practice Empathy

Understand your audience, clients, or collaborators—creativity thrives on connection and seeing from other perspectives.

6. Brainstorm and Use Design Thinking

Generate lots of ideas, then refine the best ones. Use open-ended questions and creative exercises.

7. Play Devil’s Advocate

Challenge your assumptions and invite tough questions to strengthen your ideas.

8. Simplify Tasks

Break big projects into simple, engaging steps to avoid overwhelm and encourage progress.

9. Surround Yourself with Creative People

Observe, learn from, and collaborate with those who inspire you. Creativity is contagious.

10. Overcome Blocks with Perseverance

When stuck, just keep doing it. As Charlie Chaplin said, “Perseverance to the height of madness.” New solutions emerge through repetition and preparation.

11. Step Away When Needed

Disconnect, do something else you enjoy, or sleep on it. Fresh insights often come when you least expect them.

12. Journal and Capture Ideas

Keep a notebook or digital journal handy to jot down flashes of inspiration anytime.

13. Copy, Adapt, and Learn from the Best

Study what works, consider how someone great at this would do it, and make it your own.

14. Create Space for New Perspectives

Physically and mentally declutter your environment to invite fresh ideas and inspiration.

15. Prioritize Movement

Stand up, walk, or stretch—physical movement stimulates the brain and sparks creativity.

16. Listen to Uplifting Music

Happy tunes can boost your mood and help new ideas flow.

17. Build Positive Habits and Rituals

Good sleep, regular exercise, time in nature, daydreaming, and positive social connections all fuel creativity and productivity.

18. Eat & Hydrate Well

Nutrition matters—feed your body and mind with quality fuel for sustained energy and focus.

19. Practice Mindfulness

Pause, breathe, and be present. Mindfulness opens space for insights and reduces stress.

20. Reflect and Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge your wins, however small, and reflect on what you’ve learned to keep motivation high.

21. Use the 2-Minute Rule

If a task feels daunting, start with just two minutes. Action breeds momentum.

22. Habit Stack for Consistency

Pair a new creative habit with an existing routine to make it stick.

23. Sharpen the Saw

Regularly renew yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually (Covey’s Habit 7).

24. Stay Flexible and Adaptable

Be willing to pivot and adjust as circumstances change. Resilience is key to ongoing creativity and productivity.

25. Connect and Share

Share your work, seek feedback, and build a creative community. Collaboration and connection fuel growth.

“Creativity & productivity are two sides of the same coin. Creativity is a choice.”— Kandarp Mehta, Phd, Professor of Creativity and Entrepreneurship, IESE

Ready to Let Your Creativity Shine?

At Life by Design Academy, we believe you can design a life and workstyle that energizes, fulfills, and inspires—no matter what. If you’re ready to move forward, connect with us for personalized coaching, team retreats, or leadership training. Let’s unlock your next level together!

Book a session or explore our programs today!

“When our team worked with Life by Design, it opened our eyes to the fact that we can change our organization’s energy, by changing our own.”

Let’s make this your most creative and productive season yet!