Paul Castain's Blog

3 Easy Ways To Rock Your Creativity!

Posted April 11, 2011

Whether we like it or not, creativity is a very important quality for us to bring into ALL of our relationships.

Think about it . . .

Our clients need creative solutions to their challenges!

How about the boss and our internal clients?

How about our own challenges and opportunities?

Now you don’t have to be a George Lucas or the development team at Apple to be creative.  You certainly don’t have to be Lady GaGa sporting your meat dress to rock your creativity (I hear those things are a bitch when it comes to attracting seagulls and whatnot)

You just need to get your idea muscles going dude.

Here are 3 ways to help you!

1)    One A Day With A Twofer: In the April edition of Success Magazine they offered a very cool tip that can help with your creativity . . . Surprises! Challenge yourself daily to surprise a client, someone in your network, the boss, a co worker, a neighbor, friend and lets not forget our family. Here’s where the “twofer” comes in. You not only work your creative muscles, you get to feel good by doing good! Maybe that’s a threefor 🙂

2)    Musical State Inducers:

Back when I was in High School I started listening to classical whenever I studied or whenever I had to write a paper. Today, I have a playlist on my I=Pod with numerous classical pieces ranging from Vivaldi and Bach to Mozart and Paganini. This is one of the playlists I listen to when I need to be creative and it helps block out the sounds that tend to distract me.

I also have a playlist with new age and meditative music to help me get into a relaxed state. Being relaxed seems to open up my creativity and allows me to embrace it without lots of “rules” or barriers. I simply create and judge later.

3)    There’s An App For Your Creativity: As many of you know, I’m a big advocate of having a digital recorder handy to capture ideas. In addition, I use a cool app on my I-Phone called Dragon Dictation. It allows me to speak into my phone and it will transcribe my thoughts which I immediately email to myself. Dragon Dictation not only allows me to capture my thoughts, it saves me lots of time transcribing. The app is free and you can download it here

But that’s only 3 ways to spark creativity and quite frankly I know we can come up with more than that.

So here’s an offer I hope you can’t refuse.

Share your best creativity tips in the comment section and then provide me with your full name and (get this) a link to your website. Now if you’d rather I link to your Linkedin or Twitter account in the PDF . . . just give me that link instead!

Once we get a good amount of ideas, I’ll compile them into a handy dandy (and free) PDF giving you all the credit and giving you some link love.

Sound like a plan Stan?

Today’s News: If you enjoy this blog and my podcasts and would like to consider hiring me as your personal coach, then by all means . . . Click here dude (or dudette)

49 thoughts on “3 Easy Ways To Rock Your Creativity!”

  1. Paul,

    You already know one of my favorites: http://www.sendaball.com
    You can send a fully inflated ball with a message on it in the mail.
    Have a ball:
    On your birthday
    In your new house
    With your baby boy or girl
    On vacation

    Just about anything you can think of and they are a hit. You will not be forgotten.

    Looking forward to some great ideas.

    Thanks,
    Jamie McLennan
    http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieprints

    1. Thanks Jamie and this is one of my favorite creative door opener ideas that I stole from you a few months back.

      What I’m looking for here is more of a suggestion on how we can generate ideas and spark our creativity.

      Thanks again buddy!

  2. Hi Paul,
    At least once a day pick a situation and ask yourself the question, “what if” then let your mind run wild. can be a great way to fill in the time if driving long distances to.

  3. Great idea, Paul!

    I find a nice glass of shiraz or a Corona and reading a chapter or two of a good book starts my creative juices flowing.

    As a fellow believer of keeping a journal, I keep one figuratively holstered around me at all times, so that when I come across an idea I don’t have to rely on my memory to jot it down later.

    I also keep a “Thoughts” folder in my desk where I drop articles, clippings, notes and so forth. I go to the folder when I’m looking for something to build thoughts off of.

    John “Profit Doctor” Patrick
    http://thesalesgazette.com

    1. I love it John!

      I love going outside after dinner to have a beer, watch the sunset and work on my creative projects! Something about being outside (and the beer) seems to help 🙂

      Thanks for contributing!

    2. I love it John!

      I love going outside after dinner to have a beer, watch the sunset and work on my creative projects! Something about being outside (and the beer) seems to help 🙂

      Thanks for contributing!

  4. Go for a walk — by yourself — no headphones — just listen and look around — enjoy the natural sites/sounds — when I do this the creative ideas seem to flow. Then write them down quickly as soon as you get home.

    Debbie Knoedler
    http://www.humantech.com

    3. Yes! This is what I do, as well. I walk around a circular route on our own 2-acre property so I don’t have to worry about crossing streets, watching for cars, dogs, weirdos, etc. And I carry a small digital recorder so when an idea pops into my head, I don’t lose it. Then I transcribe the recording when I get home.

  5. I get super ideas when spending time with people of different generations and cultures. Their perspectives, experiences, values and personalities will open your eyes to different possibilities.

    Come to think of it, I’m kind of missing that element in my life lately – think I’ll slow down this week and make time for a few cool people.

  6. Best creativity booster?
    I often share an office with a group of people who work in totally different sectors. We have agreed to help eachother whenever someone has a creativity block, or a business problem. Because we know next to nothing about eachother’s trades, we are not restrained. The ‘weirdest’ solutions pop up! There are only advantages: we help eachother, we learn from eachother, we generate wonderful ideas, we find solutions, . And on top of that, we have fun!

  8. When I am lining up ideas in the old noggin they seem to gell as I am shampooing. There’s just something about warm soapy water being rubbed all over my head that makes the creative ideas jell. I’d be intereseted if this happens to others. It feels weird even saying it!
    Ted Okolichany
    http://www.linkedin.com/in/tedok

    1. Ted with my hairline its hard for me to comment on that one way or the other 🙂

      I do think there’s a lot to be said for being in a relaxed state and I wouldn’t feel weird about it dude!

      Thanks for stopping by and contributing my friend!

  9. I find that yoga or meditation helps me to relax, frees my mind and often kick starts my creative juices. Sometimes just a few neck rolls and purposeful breathing can ease the mind. And don’t forget to get out from behind that desk! I often sit at a table in my office to get a different perspectibe – it I can’t get out of the office .

    1. So true Prudence!

      I’ve been meditating for the last 6 months and its made a huge difference in my results and well being too.

      Yoga (once I drop a few more pounds) will be next on my list.

      Thanks for contributing Prudence!

  10. I agree with Debbie; some awe-inspiring nature, without man-made distraction, will definitely get the creative juices flowing. When was the last time you took your lunch to a park?

    Also, change up your reading habits. Try something new. Increase your exposure to new concepts; most ideas come from other ideas.

    🙂 Traci
    http://www.maxxafe.com

  11. Great idea and I’ll be heading over there later today.

    My Dad used to read and recite poetry as a way to relieve stress so I would imagine that this would help us take things down a notch which in turn helps the creativity too.

    Thanks for the input Jeanine!

  12. Love that approach Erik!

    I truly believe that we limit ourselves when we only turn to those in our industry for guidance.

    I have also found that the “newbies” in an organization can bring a fresh perspective as well.

    I love your final point about having fun. Part of the reason why people avoid being creative is because their process lacks the fun element.

    Thanks for contributing Erik!

  13. You know LA, I was listening to a Success Magazine interview with Gary Vaynerchuk last year and he mentioned how he will go out of his way to move his seat on flights to be able to sit next to older people.

    His reasons are exactly the same as yours: perspective, experiences etc.

    Awesome suggestion LA . . . thank you for contributing!

  14. Paul – You and I are thinking the same. Last month I bought twenty books in bulk and have been giving them to people I know who are struggling lately (friends or family), or because I thought they would enjoy the subject, or someone I meet who I think may be able to use it.

    1. I really like that Gary.

      Two people that were early mentors of mine practiced this habit and its something I need to do more of!

      Thanks for your contribution!

  15. Great points Traci.

    Up until a few years ago, I only read sales books with only an occasion diversion into leadership or something motivational.

    I now read such a wide variety of books that it has really sparked numerous ideas and more importantly, has kept me open to numerous ideas!

    Thanks for contributing!

  16. Hi Paul,

    I know this one sounds weird…but sometimes I take a mental break and play solitaire on the ‘puter. As I mindlessly move the cards…for what ever reason, ideas come to me. I’m not really concentrating on the card game…just letting my mind wander when it’s not full of work related thoughts.

    I do marvel at your seemingly bottomless pit for ideas Uncle Paul!!

    Cheers,

    Larry

    1. Maybe this is why so many people dig that game angry birds 🙂

      As a musician and as a trainer, I will shift gears like this to an unrelated activity to clear the mind. I think it works wonders and appreciate the suggestion Larry!

      Thanks for the kind words too my friend!

  17. Hey Paul – The one pro of being on a bus 3 hours a day is it does give you time to think and concentrate on ideas and put them down. Simply when one arises, I send an e-mail to myself on the Blackberry. No walk on the beaches here…www.secure-faxing.net

    1. I used to really enjoy a 1 1/2 hour commute to see a client in Jersey several times a week for that exact reason Steve. The same can be said for those of us who take to the air and have a few hours at a time to collect our thoughts.

      Thanks for the input Steve!

    2. I used to really enjoy a 1 1/2 hour commute to see a client in Jersey several times a week for that exact reason Steve. The same can be said for those of us who take to the air and have a few hours at a time to collect our thoughts.

      Thanks for the input Steve!

  18. Paul, I get my best ideas while in the car. Good music or a good radio station that shares cool places to go and things to do. I always have a note pad to jot down these ideas since I log many miles. It is also a good place to think about the last meeting and what I could have done differently or what I learned. That night when I am home I will add the items to a fun ideas to share folder or what I need to work on folder on my desktop.

    Another thing we all do is to use your great ideas from this blog. I have a separate folder for sales tips that you post here.

    Thanks for sharing everyones ideas Paul.
    Jamie

    1. I agree Jamie.

      I remember when I was on my way back from Philly after our dinner and had that 2 1/2 hour ride. I came up with so many ideas.

      I really like the idea of the folder because we need places to house these thoughts.

      Thanks Jamie!

    2. I agree Jamie.

      I remember when I was on my way back from Philly after our dinner and had that 2 1/2 hour ride. I came up with so many ideas.

      I really like the idea of the folder because we need places to house these thoughts.

      Thanks Jamie!

  19. I like a card game even better than Solitaire: Osho Zen Tarot. It is deliberately NON-rational and forces my brain into a completely different mode of problem solving. One theory is that the subconscious already has plenty of creative answers that the conscious “rational” mind is blocking. The Tarot cards force the rational mind to take a back seat. If you don’t want to buy a deck of cards, the free online version is at http://www.osho.com . Jim Cox http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jim-cox/28/316/967

    1. I will have to check that out Jim!

      You are so right about the conscious mind blocking ideas from the subconscious mind.

      There is a story that Edison used to try and fall asleep, standing up with a metal ball in his hand. As he would start to drift off to sleep the ball would drop waking him back up and he would then record his immediate thoughts.

      He felt the quality of thoughts immediately before and immediately after sleep were high quality because the conscious mind didn’t impose rules.

      Kind of cool if you ask me.

      Thanks again for contributing!

    2. I will have to check that out Jim!

      You are so right about the conscious mind blocking ideas from the subconscious mind.

      There is a story that Edison used to try and fall asleep, standing up with a metal ball in his hand. As he would start to drift off to sleep the ball would drop waking him back up and he would then record his immediate thoughts.

      He felt the quality of thoughts immediately before and immediately after sleep were high quality because the conscious mind didn’t impose rules.

      Kind of cool if you ask me.

      Thanks again for contributing!

  20. Writing with my left hand (I’m a righty) fires up neurons on. I stumbled upon this as therapy after recovering from a minor stroke. The creative spark was very suprising. Try writing rows of letters and numbers filling up one page – I use scrap paper. If you’re lefty, use your right hand.

  21. Writing with my left hand (I’m a righty) fires up neurons on. I stumbled upon this as therapy after recovering from a minor stroke. The creative spark was very suprising. Try writing rows of letters and numbers filling up one page – I use scrap paper. If you’re lefty, use your right hand.

  22. Go deeper. I met a guy who sells different stuff to the same market. We connected on LinkedIn but set up a lunch for the next time he was in town. We shared some ideas but I began our conversation talking about the real questions I’m wrestling with starting a good give and take. It make for a valuable time and a better connection.

  24. Walk in someone elses shoes, change hats, switch desks, whatever it takes to see the world (or your business) through someone elses eyes. What you gain in knowledge about their job should help you to jump start the creative process, develop initiatives to improve both of your experiences and the service delivery to your customer. Good luck!

    1. I really like this idea Beth. I can’t begin to tell you how much I learned and the ideas that came to me whenever I would do that as a sales rep.

      Thanks for contributing Beth!

  25. Walk in someone elses shoes, change hats, switch desks, whatever it takes to see the world (or your business) through someone elses eyes. What you gain in knowledge about their job should help you to jump start the creative process, develop initiatives to improve both of your experiences and the service delivery to your customer. Good luck!

    1. I really like this idea Beth. I can’t begin to tell you how much I learned and the ideas that came to me whenever I would do that as a sales rep.

      Thanks for contributing Beth!

Comments are closed.

Paul Castain
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE TIPS
… and never miss a beat!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Could Your Sales Use A Little LOVE?
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS?
Ready To Hunt For New Business Differently?
It's Time To Bring Prospecting Into The 21st Century!
Not really! Fries are bad for you but my FREE sales tips are actually quite good for you! Join 90,000 of your peers when you subscribe below!
Free Fries!
JOIN US NOW
Join 90,000 of your peers when you sign up for my FREE sales tips!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Not really but my FREE sales tips are just as tasty! So hit that subscribe button and I'll send you some FREE cold email templates!
Free Fries!

Contact me today by phone (631) 455-2455 or by email.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Company Contact Information

Castain Training Systems
(631) 455-2455
Paul Castain, Founder & CEO
paul@yoursalesplaybook.com

Copyright Information

© 2026 Castain Training Systems
All rights reserved.

Back to top

Website Design by VanHove Design