Creativity is not limited to web design. Valuable in almost any aspect of life, it can be as intangible as smoke. It is here one moment and can be gone the next. So how can you hold on to that creative mindset even when you are having a bad day? These tips will help kick your brain into gear.

• Get inspired.
  Before you can be creative, you must be inspired. Look around you to find things that make you feel good inside. For some people, this may be something in nature. However, colours and people can be inspirational too.
• Put yourself in timeout mode.
  Sometimes creativity flows nonstop, and you are ‘in the zone’. Nevertheless, on those days when you struggle to come up with an idea, give yourself permission to take a break. Often, it is easier to focus your mind afterwards.
• Don’t smoke the small stuff.
  Everyone had bad days. Donít beat yourself up over mistakes.
• Keep learning.
  If your creative endeavor does not involve research, take a few minutes each day to learn something new. Not only does it exercise your brain, but it will also build your knowledge base.
  
• Play.
  Having a good work – life balance is essential to keep both body and mind in top shape. Make time each day for something you enjoy.
• Cleanliness in next to godliness.
  Keep your workspace free from clutter. A well-organized desk makes it much easier to focus. Keep a special area that feeds innovation.
• Get plenty of rest.
  Being overtired can hamper the creative process. Set a schedule for yourself and follow it.
  
• Talk to people.
  Even if a person knows absolutely nothing about what you do, he or she can still be inspiring. You never know when or where the seed of creativity will spark from something random.
• Daydream.
  Flex your imagination muscles by taking time to let your mind explore possibilities. This comes naturally to children, but as adults, we lose this ability to think outside the box.
• Relax.
  There is nothing worse than a creative block. The harder you try to overcome it, the more stuck you may feel. Find out what relaxes your mind and do it. For some, this may be meditation or taking the time to read a book.
• Keep your eye on the ball.
  Stay focused on the work that speaks to your soul first, and to your wallet in second. Money does not motivate creativity. Most great concepts are born out of love for an idea, not for a bank account.
• Mind map.
  Many creative people have a system to help them focus. Some put pen to paper and draw outlines, charts, or diagrams. Others may use pictures, colors, or even numerology. Play around with different ideas until you find a system that works for you.
• Find a mentor.
  Look at the winners in the creative world and learn from their example.

As Albert Einstein once said, if at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it. Don’t let self-confidence issues interfere with your ideas. Fostering creativity isn’t about mainstream thinking. Remember, you are not trying to invent the wheel; you’re reinventing it. Combine old ideas in new ways and you will be well on your way to a successful creative journey.