Why Your Best Writing Ideas Come When You’re Not Trying to Be Creative

Summary

The article suggests that creativity in writing often occurs during relaxed or daydreaming states rather than when actively trying to force inspiration, and it is important to capture these spontaneous ideas simply and be willing to discard them if they don't work out.

Abstract

The article explores the concept that the best writing ideas often come when the mind is relaxed and not actively seeking creativity, such as during activities like showering or exercising. This idea is supported by scientific research indicating that relaxation can lead to greater creativity. The author shares personal experiences, noting that their best ideas emerged unexpectedly, and emphasizes the importance of embracing these moments of inspiration without pressure. The article also advises on the practicality of capturing ideas quickly and efficiently through simple methods like voice memos or note-taking apps, advocating for a personal and conversational approach to recording ideas. Furthermore, it encourages writers to be open to abandoning ideas that don't pan out, suggesting that this flexibility can lead to increased creativity and productivity.

Opinions

The author believes that the expectation for writers to be constantly inspired and creative can be counterproductive.
It is suggested that trying to force creativity can hinder the natural flow of ideas and that relaxation is key to inspiration.
The author values a more organic approach to capturing writing ideas, favoring simplicity over complex organizational systems.
The article posits that accepting the natural ebb and flow of creativity, including the willingness to discard unworkable ideas, is crucial for a writer's success.
The author shares their personal method of using voice memos and notes apps for recording ideas, finding this approach more effective than others.
The article conveys that the ability to let go of ideas that are not working can lead to a sense of freedom and increased creative output.

Being relaxed allows you to be more creative and find better writing ideas than trying to force inspiration

Have you ever thought about how you get some of your best thoughts in the shower? Not only is that idea colloquially true, but science proved that our best ideas come when we're in a relaxed or daydreaming state. In fact, the idea for this piece actually came to me in the shower in between my extensive skincare routine. My mind was miles away from even thinking about writing when a spark of genius flickered.

As I dove into the depths of Google, I was fascinated by seeing studies being done exploring when people get their most creative thoughts. Again, the article I linked above is just a drop in a sea of valuable studies done on this phenomenon. But this piece isn’t about me summarizing this research. I’m writing this because it affirmed in me as a writer what I sort of knew but did not want to admit. My best writing ideas come when I’m not trying to write or be creative.

Trying to be creative can be counterproductive to your writing

As writers, I think many of us take pride in knowing how to play with words and use language as art. However, I think that this pride is a double-edged sword. Writers are expected to constantly be gaining inspiration and creating almost out of thin air. This is true of almost all creatives. Writers I feel often pressure themselves into performing as if we’re in a constant state of creativity. There are days when I cannot wait to open up a blank word document. Then there are days when I don’t even bother opening my laptop because I cannot muster a single idea up.

Of course, I always have notes and ideas jotted down somewhere. Yet, sometimes I cannot see the path that these ideas are meant to take. Understanding and accepting that when you’re not trying to be creative, you’ll be the most inspired is a useful framework. Allowing yourself permission to say you’re not inspired is necessary. Because when you relax from trying to force inspiration, it will naturally find you.

Capture your writing ideas in a simple manner

Some of my best writing ideas emerge when I’m doing some of the most mundane things. I could be folding laundry, jogging on my treadmill, or just feeding my dog when a writing idea pops up. Rather than running to write it down, I record this burst of inspiration in some easy ways. The notes and voice memo apps now live on my phone’s home screen. Of all the different ways I used to track my writing ideas simple voice memos and the iPhone notes app proved the most useful.

I tried recording my writing ideas a number of ways, from spreadsheets to sticky notes, but all systems felt tedious. Again, some people love these hyper-organized and detailed trackers and I applaud them. But I am the type of writer who strives for a more personal and conversational tone. I record my writing ideas without titles, keywords, SEO, or any of that. When an idea comes, it’s recorded as a simple bullet point or utterance. I invite you to try to record your ideas in their purest forms and see how that differs from other ways you may record them.

Don’t be afraid to ditch a writing idea, trust that there’s more to come

Something paramount that I learned writing across genres and industries is to be okay with ditching writing ideas. As previously mentioned, many writers take pride in trying to be creative. Up until now, we have discussed the reasons why we should let go of that mindset of having to constantly be creative. It’s not enough to just be okay with not always being inspired. As writers, we have to also accept that some writing ideas just won’t work out.

I work at a public relations firm and I constantly have to write. Every day there’s new clients and projects that I’m pitching and there’s almost always a new pitch every time I hit send. I’ll write something Monday, and by Tuesday I’m sending out a whole new pitch letter. I’m not committed to any of the words or sentences on my page. Being okay with scrapping things has freed me to actually be more creative than ever.

Trust me, it’s easier said than done trying to ditch writing ideas. But I guarantee that when you no longer feel inspired it can be freeing to just let an idea go and welcome another one.

Like I wrote at the beginning, the idea for this post came from a moment that’s often mundane. And even in creating this article many of the ideas and sentences were transcribed from voice memos on my phone. I’ve found both joy and more success creatively when not trying to be creative at all. Let me know what are some of your best shower ideas turned into real-life works!