Everyone faces mental blocks, no matter what work they do. Sometimes, you need to reignite your creativity. Dr. Julie Pham shares valuable tips for what to do when you are out of ideas to overcome these mental blocks, find inspiration from new sources, and break away from routine thinking. 

8 Tips to Spark Creativity When You’re Out of Ideas

1. Say Yes

Start by saying yes to something you would typically decline. Dr. Julie recalls receiving an invitation to visit a prison, which initially seemed odd to her. However, since she was struggling with writer’s block, she agreed. The experience transformed her thinking, and she left with a wealth of ideas to write about.

2. Visit a Different Museum

Try going to a museum you wouldn’t usually visit. If you typically go to art museums, check out a history museum instead. For example, if marine life doesn’t interest you, visiting a marine museum might inspire new ideas.

3. Keep Your Phone Off

You might be surprised how much your phone can hinder creativity. Dr. Julie dedicated a week to writing while keeping her phone off during the day. She didn’t turn it on until she finished writing, and by the end of the week, she had written 25,000 words!

4. Set a Goal for New Observations

When attending an event, set a goal to notice a specific number of new things. For instance, while on a walk, challenge yourself to notice ten new things. Recently, Dr. Julie discovered a cluster of white mailboxes on her street and a few houses down, another cluster of black mailboxes. This made her wonder why that was the case.

5. Take a Nap

Sometimes, all you need is some sleep to recharge your brain. Dr. Julie often gets great ideas when waking from a refreshing nap.

6. Re-read Your Favorite Book

Consider reading a book you love again. Afterward, write down everything you like about it and also note any things you don’t like.

7. Reconnect with an Old Friend

Talk to a friend you haven’t seen or spoken to in a long time, preferably over a year. They might provide you with fresh perspectives.

8. Try a Different Format

Finally, express yourself in a format different from what you usually use. If you’re a writer, try giving a speech. If you’re a musician, consider doodling.

We hope these strategies help you come up with fresh ideas when you hit a mental block. If you found this useful, please click “like” and share it! 

Drawing from her experience running her family’s newspaper during the Great Recession, to managing her own small business with a remote team, Dr. Julie Pham knows how to make the most of limited resources. Here she shares 5 budget-friendly gift-giving ideas at work. 

The spirit of gift-giving during the holiday season is all about demonstrating appreciation for employees’ hard work. Gifts can also strategically reinforce company culture and values, foster a sense of belonging, encourage curiosity, and facilitate sharing.

However, for many small business owners, company-branded swag, big bonuses, and fully catered meals are often out of reach. If you have a limited budget, here are 5 budget-friendly gift-giving ideas at work to support your team, regardless of its size.

5 Budget-Friendly Gift-Giving Ideas at Work

1. Make Time for Intentional Connection

Set aside time during the workweek for team members to connect. This is particularly effective for remote teams or as an alternative to an in-person holiday party. Consider sending gift cards so everyone can grab something to eat or drink during this time together. A simple 60-minute virtual session with breakout rooms can prompt deep discussions and meaningful connections.

2. Host a Potluck

If you prefer an in-person meal, organize a potluck. Sponsor the drinks and the main dish, and ask everyone else to contribute other items based on their budget. This not only showcases culinary skills but also sparks conversations around the dishes brought. Be sure to welcome store-bought contributions as well.

3. Organize a Stuff Swap

Instead of Secret Santa or White Elephant exchanges, which require employees to spend their own money, consider a stuff swap. Employees can bring new or gently used items that their coworkers might enjoy. Any unclaimed items can be donated to charity, making it a great green gift-giving strategy.

4. Donate to Charity

Make a donation to a charity of each employee’s choice. Instead of providing a list of charities, allow them to decide where their dollar goes. This can be any amount, as every contribution is meaningful. Encourage employees to share their chosen charity, helping you learn what matters to them, whether it’s the Humane Society, their temple, or their children’s PTSA.

5. Use Credit Card Points for Gifts

Utilize your credit card points to purchase gift cards. This method can reinforce company values. For instance, Dr. Julie uses her points to give Amazon gift cards, allowing team members to support something they want to try out or learn. One team member even used hers to buy calligraphy materials for practicing lettering.

6. Ask Your Team for Ideas

Don’t feel you have to come up with all the solutions alone. Share your budget with your team and ask for their input. When Dr. Julie did this, one team member suggested organizing a virtual escape room and took care of the research and booking.

We hope you find these simple, budget-friendly work gift ideas helpful. If you did, please click like and share this video!