When we take time to think about experiences we have every day and how they change our perspective on work and life, we create the potential to learn everywhere and all the time. As wonderfully captured in this Fulfillment Daily article by Scott Barry Kaufman, human beings know that we need to be creative and yet we have a really hard time breaking out of the comfort of our routines and thinking outside the box (or the bathroom). Here are 11 simple, awesome and weird experiences that enhance creativity by helping you empathize differently with folks in your community.
Ride public transit!
The experience
I live in a community, the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, where less than 30% of people use public transit regularly. When I used to ride the 99 B-Line to UBC I experienced what some folks call “a clashing of worlds” – public transit inspires collisions of communities because you never know who is getting on or off at each stop.
The takeaway
Whether you people watch, engage people or are engaged by people, riding a bus (or forms of transit) will expose you to stories and communities that might inspire you and also might make you a little bit uncomfortable, which is a very good thing – just ask Amy Poehler.
Change your commute!
The experience
Okay, maybe riding the bus isn’t your thing. Most people in the Lower Mainland drive a car to work and most of us take the same route to and from our jobs every day. Wow. Just writing that felt pretty boring. So when you are driving or riding your bike home from work tomorrow mix things up a little bit by taking your commute into uncharted territory.
The takeaway
During a routine like morning commutes our brains are not accustomed to problem solving, so the simple act of taking a different route builds your creative muscles and also exposes you to different stimuli.
Say ‘no’ (or ‘yes’)!
The experience
I’m a ‘yes-man’. Being of service of others becomes me and it also means that I take on too much, which isn’t great because I often bring in more work than my team can realistically handle. So, I’ve been working hard to say ”no” to more things and, to be honest, I don’t like it. It’s making me a better leader and parent, but it’s hard. For you, saying “yes” to more things might also present a challenge.
The takeaway
One of the reasons that I say ”yes” so often is that I’m a people pleaser. When I say “no” it builds my assertiveness as well as my ability to apply my social skills in different ways, like smoothing things over with a disappointed stakeholder. Whether you say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ next I promise that these two simple words will change your perspective on work and your personal life.
“Pull a Costanza”!
The experience
Remember the 1990s? Well, that decade produced a hit TV sitcom called Seinfeld and one of its episodes saw the not-so-lovable liar, George Costanza, improve his personal and professional circumstances by doing the exact opposite of what his ‘gut’ told him to do. So, do that – wait – don’t do that. Right?!
The takeaway
The thing about our ‘gut’ reaction is that this kind of super-fast thinking is more about survival than it is about professional success or being an awesome friend. Check out this video starring Thinking Fast and Slow author, Daniel Kahneman, and learn cool ways to ask questions and think more deeply about what our gut tells us to do. Because it might be best to do the opposite.
Talk to strangers!
The experience
We’ve been hardwired to keep a skeptical distance from people we don’t know, especially if these folks don’t look and speak the same way that we do. And, no matter who we are or the potential benefits of the experience, many of us absolutely dread starting conversations at networking events. Meeting new people is uncomfortable (and it doesn’t have to be!).
The takeaway
Talking to strangers will enrich your career by teaching you something new about the world and enhancing your communication skills, too. The more we all know each other – even if it’s just a little bit – the more we enhance the well-being of our communities, too.
Listen deeply!
The experience
It’s pretty simple (and also incredibly hard). Stop talking and apply the art of listening to deeply focus on what is happening around you. At the end of the day, take 10 minutes to reflect on how you listened to people with presence, empathy and authenticity.
The takeaway
At its full potential, thinkers like the Presencing Institute’s Otto Scharmer believe that listening deeply can inspire “The capacity to connect to the deepest source of self and will allows the future to emerge from the whole rather than from a smaller part or special interest group.”
Take breaks every 90 minutes!
The experience
When it comes to productivity, spending less time at your desk or hurrying to and from meetings actually helps us accomplish more. Basically, this simple change means work in 90 minute bursts, which is basically as long as human beings can perform to our full potential. Once the 90 minutes are up, take a short walk, rest your eyes or, if it’s lunch time, engage in some light exercise or share a meal with colleagues in the lunch room (or outside).
The takeaway
The Harvard Business Review’s Tony Schwartz outlines the key takeaway from this simple and effective change to your work routine:
It’s not just the number of hours we sit at a desk in that determines the value we generate. It’s the energy we bring to the hours we work. Human beings are designed to pulse rhythmically between spending and renewing energy. That’s how we operate at our best. Maintaining a steady reservoir of energy — physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually — requires refueling it intermittently.
Turn it off!
The experience
Oh boy, this might be the hardest change to make! We’ve all seen it: people crossing the street while scanning their phone or a couple who are more interested in their phones than each other while on a date. For a few minutes a day – start with 5 minutes and strive for 50! – turn off all screens in your home. This means televisions, laptops, tablets, and – gasp – your phone, too.
The takeaway
The Guardian’s Philip Hensher articulates that “to observe what is there is the only place that art, thought, literature can start from.” Sharing more glances with each other instead of text messages enhances creativity.
Play with children (ask permission first)!
The experience
For many reasons, growing up kills our creativity. We’ve been trained to think of failing as a very bad thing and, as we age, we tend to shrink from the many risks life offers us. Kids do not think and feel this way. They are irrational, hopeful, audacious, and kids like my son have contagious enthusiasm, too. Fast Company’s Lisa Evans thinks that you should ask kids for business advice, too. Because they’re pretty fun!
The takeaway
Watch this awesome TED Talk by Adora Svitak:
Eat something new!
The experience
We eat food every day. Many of us create and consume meals within some kind of routine – a colleague of mine eats a peanut butter sandwich once a week! Needless to say, changing what you eat can lead to wonderful experiences and adventures! In fact, preparing meals differently can enhance your cognitive ability and trying a dish for the first time will might change your perspective on life (even if you hate it).
The takeaway
Try a recipe from your favourite cookbook that you’ve never made before. Visit a food truck that always kinda sorta intimidated you. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Put jam on that peanut butter sandwich! And be prepared to taste the creative benefits of the experience.
Go outside!
The experience
Read my article from last week and then go for a hike with some friends because spending time in nature is relaxing, enlightening and doing so enhances your physical health, too.
The takeaway
Whether you go on a seven-day backcountry camping trip or simply stroll through the most tree-covered park in your neighbourhood, spending more time in the natural environment is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to boost your creativity.
What are other simple, awesome and weird experiences that have enhanced your creativity?