When you think of the word ‘creativity,’ you probably picture a mad scientist creating a Frankenstein monster, or Jackson Pollack splattering paint on a canvas. Creativity is a broad term that encompasses everything from the arts and sciences to a child crafting a fantasy world on a playground. But what does creativity mean in your life? How can it help you reach your goals?

Put simply, a spark of creativity is enough to inspire us to persevere through hardships and turmoil, whether it’s after a breakup, the loss of a job — or when we’re stuck in a rut. A spark of something new is exciting, and can ultimately set us off on a path that we might not have thought of before. Try these tips to get the creative juices flowing in your life:

Morning Ritual
You may not be thrilled to roll out of bed when your alarm starts ringing, but morning is the part of the day when we are fresh and rejuvenated. Start yours by writing down everything on your mind in a journal — worries and insecurities left over from the day before, interesting dreams you had, or even what’s in store for you during the day ahead.

Whatever is on your mind — write it down, uninhibited. Stream-of-consciousness writing allows everything repressed inside of you the opportunity to get out into the open. This will give you perspective and insight as to the state of affairs in your life, as well as helping you attain clarity about your future goals.

Do Art
You may remember this activity from grade school, but collages are a great way to express yourself as an adult — your likes and dislikes — in your own unique way. Instead of spending big on a new coffee table, why not take your old one and create an interesting spread of your favorite photographs? If you’re into music, make collages of CD artwork and frame them on your walls.

If you really want to do something artsy and fun, make yourself a vision box — decorate a box with collages of things you like, and then keep personal mementos or personal goals stored inside. Whatever it is that strikes your fancy, collages are a simple way to stay inspired.

Wander
Most likely, when you leave your house you know exactly where you’re going, and how to get there — and you probably opt for the shortest route to your destination. But life is too precious to focus on just going from Point A to Point B. Often, when we get lost and allow ourselves to wander, we discover new places we never noticed or new ideas we never got in touch with. Set aside time each week to just wander — go for a walk, ride your bike, whatever.

Make a conscious effort to take in everything around you. Colors, smells, sounds — maybe you never saw the community garden near your house, or maybe you never tried that hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant. Maybe you never noticed the used bookstore down the street. If you set aside the time to get lost, you’re bound to find new things you just never had the time to see.

“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money — it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Creativity is not just about painting a timeless work of art or writing the novel of a generation — rather, creativity is an expression of yourself, helping you to enrich your life with the added pleasures that are unique to you.