Get Creative Within Your Limitations
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Getting the opportunity to poke at your creative funny bone on a weekly basis for some is a gift. We’re not all lucky enough to have positions where we are asked to think “outside the box”, and for those that are there still may be limitations. Having to stay within an outlined box on a daily basis shouldn’t be stifling, or limiting. Embrace the challenge of doing more with less.



There is a fantastic TED talks video on getting creative within limitations called “Embrace the Shake” with Phil Hansen. He’s a very talented artist that learned to overcome a neurological disorder in his hand that threatened his very livelihood, art. There are several inspiring messages throughout the video, but one stuck out to me in regards to workplace culture. “Your limitations are what make you creatively limitless,” Phil made an interesting point here. In the office there are so many restrictions on what we can and cannot say, what we can do, and office politics tell us not to step on others toes. With all of these workplace landmines how can a creative mind get nourishment?



Knowing the rules to begin with sets the groundwork for discovery. Once you know what your “box” looks like it’s time to “decorate” it. You’ll need to know how you work too. Do you play nice with others and get inspired off of their energy, or do you need your space in order to be innovative? Not that you should be shutting people out, but be sure to assign yourself some time to work alone if that’s how you get into a creative frame of mind.



How does creativity come to you? If it hits you in meetings then carry a pen and paper to capture it. I like to keep a pad of sticky notes at my desk to jot down ideas and potential projects. When there’s a topic I have to write about I drop everything and go for it. If you don’t have that type of flexibility make sure to notate your ideas with plenty of details.



Don’t be shy with your ideas! This is something key to remember. If there is something on your mind that would benefit some aspect of your current position then say something. Always put new ideas into an email, but make sure they’re mostly fleshed out before pitching. This way you’re not wasting anyone’s time.



If you’re not feeling the need to push the envelope at work then don’t. This is about exploring the creative “freedom” that you have within your limitations at work. And when something doesn’t work, find another solution. I’ve made several attempts at unique social crowd engagements, and staff involvement and they all didn’t pan out exactly like I wanted them to. This didn’t stop me from ever trying again, it just gave me use cases to build future campaigns from. It’s another way to learn more about your audience and what works for you both. Give yourself some creative breathing room and get inspired.



This article was first featured on OnlineCareerTips.com