Whether you’re a writer, an artist, or simply trying to figure out a creative solution to a difficult problem, there’s one thing standing in your way. One thing that would have never been a problem 15 years ago! Just one little thing that’s blocking your way to thinking more creatively. What is it? Technology, of course.
Like we’ve discussed before, boredom has its benefits. But with technology around, we’re never truly bored or alone!
With technology, we’re never really alone anymore
When we’re alone and bored, our thoughts have the time to run wild. The issue is that even when there’s no one else in the house, we’re never really alone. With social media and smartphones, we’re nearly constantly socializing online! Even introverts, who typically cherish their alone time, are socializing more than ever. Social media affords them the ability to communicate even when they’re sitting alone at home (an introvert’s dream!).
We need to be alone — both physically and mentally — at least once in a while to get our creative juices flowing. But even when we are alone, even when we close our social media apps, we’re still distracted. The constant pings and vibrations from our devices bring our minds back to the distractions that are all around — back to technology. And for those heavy technology users among us, we can feel the pull of the smartphone even when it is just sitting there, not doing anything.
This isn’t to say that you need to be lonely all the time to spark your creativity. There’s a difference between being alone and lonely. There’s also no need to throw your smartphone in the trash!
So what should we do? How can
Spark creativity by being more mindful with technology
Put away and turn off your smartphone when you’re feeling stuck on a project. Allow yourself to just be alone without distractions. Recent research even indicates that you would benefit from putting your smartphone in another room to minimize its presence in your mind while you are not using it.
When you use your phone, do so more productively instead of as a time-waster. Try some of these apps that will (eventually) help you reach for your phone less often!
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