7 Ways you can change your life to Become a More Creative Person in 2019

The Muse, by Susan Walker Morse (From the Met's Open Access Collection)

1) Change your mind: start thinking of yourself as creative.

There's a perfidious myth out there that some people are creative and some just aren't. Newsflash: 200 years ago, everyone made things. Or they didn't survive. Humanity is hardwired to be creative.
As a believer, I feel deeply that being creative is part of being made in the image and likeness of God.  God our Creator made us to be sub-creators, and part of our mission on earth is to MAKE THINGS.
There are millions of ways to create, but I think it's worth noting that even Jesus Christ worked with his hands. He was a carpenter. He knew what it was like to take a chunk of raw material and turn it into something beautiful. How can you do the same?

2) Change your habits: try out creative pursuits.

It's as simple as this: you become creative by creating. Your creativity increases exponentially to the amount you create. So... try some new things. What is your inner 10-year-old dying to try? Sewing? Watercoloring? Singing? If you decide to wait to create until you're "creative," it will never happen.

3) Change your schedule: make time for creativity.

I've yet to meet anyone over the age of 16 who feels like they have any free time. We only have time for the things we prioritize. If you see creating as something important, you'll have to do some schedule-juggling, and you'll cut some things out. What are you making time for now that might not be as important as it seems?

4) Change your environment: get outside.

According to many scientists, simply taking a walk or looking at the ocean and sky can significantly boost your creativity--and your happiness level. If you're stuck in a bout of writer's block or artist's doubt, tie on some running shoes and go for a jog.

5) Change your point of view: switch things up and have fun!

Did you know that simply rearranging your furniture or spending time with a new group of people can increase your creativity? Routines are important, but so is spontaneity. Do something unexpected and see where it takes you.

6) Change your starting point: learn and experience new things.

Learning about an unfamiliar topic or practicing a new skill can make your creativity skyrocket. If you have the time and money, take a class at your local art center. If you're broke and busy getting children fed and bathed and rested (don't all raise your hands at once), borrow some audiobooks from your library or watch a TED talk or YouTube video. In this Information Age, you have so many opportunities to expand your horizons. And who knows what ideas that new information or skill might give you?

7) Change your priorities: remember why creating is one of the most important things you can do.

This is a year's worth of blog posts in itself, so let me sum up:
Creating can make you happier.
Creating can make you holier.
Creating can make you more successful in your work.
Creating can make you more fun as a parent.
Creating helps to build relationships.
Don't believe me? Google search any of the above statements and watch all the supporting articles pop up. What you might not see covered is that creating can help you bring God's truth, beauty, and goodness to the world. And what is more important than that?