At the beginning of the year, I read about a new trend. Instead of creating resolutions that often fall by the wayside in a few weeks, people chose a “nudge word.”
The idea is your “nudge word” becomes your guide throughout the year. Two things immediately made me like this better than the typical resolution. First, you can’t fail because there is no strict regimen you’re trying to stick to, and conveniently, there is no guilt or regret if you miss a week or two. Second, the word can serve as a constant reminder or filter by which you can make choices throughout the year. A nudge word could be anything — like gratitude, health, or travel.
I chose “Creativity.”
That decision sparked a deeper question: Where do new ideas come from? How do we unlock creativity? Can we generate creativity on demand, or does it require inspiration?
Unlocking Creativity: How to Generate New Ideas
Through my experience, I’ve discovered that creativity isn’t random—it comes from patterns, curiosity, and mental space. Here are key ways to boost creativity and innovation:
1. Stay Open to New Ideas
To be creative, you need to be receptive to inspiration from different sources. Observing trends, noticing unique collaborations, and staying curious all play a role in sparking new ideas.
2. Give Your Brain Space to Wander
Our best ideas often come when we’re not actively thinking about them. That’s why creative breakthroughs happen in the shower, while driving, or during routine tasks. Instead of jumping from task to task, allow your mind to breathe and explore new connections.
3. Surround Yourself with Creativity
Exposure to creative people fuels innovation. Learning from others, attending events, and engaging in brainstorming sessions can help unlock your own creative potential.
Embracing Over-the-Top Ideas
I kicked off the year with my newest obsession – Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas and author of the book Fans First. His notion of OTTs (over-the-top ideas) is something we’ve implemented at Newport ONE. The concept is to brainstorm without guardrails. The more outlandish, the better. I’ll admit the practical side of me sometimes struggles with this part. It takes some time to get in the groove, but once you do, the juices really start flowing.
While on my creativity journey, I’ve also noticed the world around me seems to be asserting a creativity vibe. Maybe it’s a post-pandemic, pre-recession, what-have-we-got-to-lose reaction, but there’s a real hunger and need for innovation.
The Need for Innovation in Nonprofits
Many nonprofit organizations are facing fundraising challenges with declining donor retention rates and softer revenue streams. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. The good news? Leadership teams are more open than ever to new nonprofit funding strategies, taking smart risks, and exploring fresh ideas.
At Newport ONE, we’ve been inspired to step outside of the box and our usual routines to explore new strategies. The responses were inspiring, individual, and personal, from focusing on more “me” time, to dedicating love and care to a vegetable garden, to seeing more live music, to rediscovering the familiar, to adding a new pet, to travels and other adventures. This exercise was proof-positive that creativity comes from our uniquely individual experiences.
Your Creativity Challenge: Step Outside the Box
Take this as your “nudge” to step outside your usual routine, be open to new experiences, and make time for some brain space. Whether you’re in nonprofit fundraising, marketing, or leadership, creativity can revolutionize your approach.
So, where will your next big idea come from? Start exploring, and let creativity lead the way.
