There’s a common misconception about creative individuals—they are often thought of as dreamers lost in their own worlds, detached from the rest of society. Another misguided notion suggests that people in this digital age lack the creativity of those who came before them. In reality, these assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. Creative people are ordinary individuals, just like you and me, and the digital era has witnessed an abundance of creative geniuses, with more emerging each day. If tapping into your inner creativity feels challenging, here are nine tips to help you discover the creative artist within you.

1. Create a Creative Circle

Surround yourself with other creative individuals. While this may sound unconventional, it’s incredibly effective. Form a circle with people possessing different creative abilities, and you’ll soon find yourself in the right creative mindset. This environment fosters a wealth of ideas and techniques to bring those ideas to life. Some may argue that it’s not innovative, as you’re essentially tapping into others’ brains. However, there’s nothing wrong with learning from others. The aim is not to copy ideas but to mutually enhance and boost each other’s creative skills.

2. Daily Dose of Creativity

Infuse your life with a daily dose of creativity by creating something every day. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the key is consistency. Even on days when your creation falls short of your standards, keep exercising your creative muscles. Instead of giving your creativity a break, persist until you produce a masterpiece. Remember the old proverb, “Try, try, and try again.” If one approach doesn’t work, try something else, but never stop.

3. Have Faith in Your Creative Self

The simplest yet most crucial tip is to have faith in yourself. To add creativity to your life and gain recognition for your creative work, you must first believe in yourself. This belief is the key to unlocking doors and creating something daily. Believe that you can, even if you stumble along the way. Like any creative mastermind, you can do it—just have a little faith in yourself.

4. Build Up a Ritual of Creation

Establish a ritual of creation by shaping your habits. Cultivating a habit of creativity is essential for leading a creative life. Dedicate as little as half an hour every day at a set time and place to engage in something creative. Stick to this ritual religiously, even on days when inspiration seems elusive. Consistently following this creative ritual will make a significant difference over time.

5. Real World Inspiration

Look around; the world is full of ideas and inspiration. Draw inspiration from various sources, from the simplicity of a bright morning to specific industries. Observe different niches to generate unique and innovative ideas. Research industries related to your profession, analyze competitors without copying, and identify successful businesses outside your area of interest. Keeping your inspirational horizons open will naturally fuel your creativity.

6. Be a Creativity Ninja

Become a creativity ninja to get your creative juices flowing and create amazing things. Start by decluttering—your inbox, mind, and timetable. Focus on one muse and concentrate on it, avoiding mental distractions. Once you’ve adopted these habits, you’ll excel at being a creativity ninja and discover new aspects even in the mundane.

7. Don’t Wait for Brilliant Ideas

Value simple ideas; you don’t need to wait for brilliant or extraordinary ones. Train your mind to take a simple idea and make it extraordinary. Many successful advertising examples, such as McDonald’s Happy Meal, showcase the power of simplicity. Embrace the notion that simplicity can be the key to brilliance.

8. Take a Break – Do Something New

Pause your current activities and take a break. If you’re a writer, for instance, temporarily stop writing (contradictory to tip number 2, but sometimes opposites work). Engage in something completely different, like learning to design or experimenting with colors. This break will break the monotony, rejuvenate your brain, and pave the way for brilliant ideas.

9. Change Your Attitude

Awaken your inner child and approach creativity with a child’s wonderment. Shed concrete ideas and rigid rules, as they may block your creativity. A child doesn’t worry about others’ opinions when creating—they simply paint, write, or draw whatever they want. Encourage this approach in yourself, and embrace both your bad and brilliant ideas.