I don’t know about you, but I actually work fairly well with others. I didn’t start my own business so that I wouldn’t have to work with people and I confess I sometimes miss having other people to bounce ideas off of, brainstorm with, and just generally help me stimulate my creativity and generate innovative solutions to problems. I know that some people really are at their best when they are working alone and, while I can be pretty productive working by myself, I’m not always at my creative peak. I’ve been doing some experimenting and research, however, and have come up with some ways to stimulate creativity without a group of coworkers and colleagues to get (and keep) me going…
I’ve learned that just because I don’t work with people, doesn’t mean I can’t still bounce ideas and jump-start my creativity with them. I’ve actually built a little support system of colleagues and former coworkers who I can call, e-mail or meet and chat with to talk over work ideas and gain a little perspective that doesn’t come from my own head. Of course, it takes more energy than just walking down the hall–but it’s worth it to get out and get someone else’s take on things. I also think that online communities (like this one) can be a great resource for generating ideas and spurring on creativity.
It helps to get out and about. As a freelance writer, I get many of my best ideas for articles when I’m doing other things. So, when I start to feel in a rut, I get out for a walk, or take my notebook to a nearby book store or coffee shop. Even meeting a friend or former coworker for coffee can really shake loose the cobwebs and help me get rejuvenated. As a stern taskmaster, I sometimes feel like any time spent away from my desk is wasting time I could be earning income, but when I make myself “take it on the road,” I come back invigorated and bubbling over with new ideas.
Reading is another way that I can get myself creatively stimulated. A periodic trip to the library or book store to keep me in fresh reading material helps me keep the new ideas and perspectives in my life. Magazines, newspapers, blogs and other sources of varying opinions and ideas also help me keep from feeling stuck and uninspired.
As you can see, working alone doesn’t mean you have to feel isolated. With a little effort, you can infuse your home business, and yourself with creative energy so you can stay motivated and inspired!