Daily Habits of Highly Creative People (That You Can Start Today)

Creativity isn’t just something you’re born with—it’s a skill you can develop. While some people seem to have an endless stream of ideas, their creativity isn’t just a stroke of luck. It’s the result of daily habits that encourage new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.

The best part? You don’t have to be an artist, musician, or entrepreneur to benefit from these habits. Whether you’re trying to bring fresh ideas into your work, create something new, or simply think more freely, small shifts in your daily routine can help you unlock your creative potential.

Here are some of the most effective habits of highly creative people—ones you can start today.

1. Make Time for Unstructured Thinking

Creative breakthroughs often happen when you’re not actively trying to solve a problem. Research shows that allowing your mind to wander can help connect unrelated ideas in new and unexpected ways. That’s why some of the most innovative thinkers—from Einstein to Steve Jobs—made time for quiet reflection.

Think about the moments when you’ve had your best ideas—while taking a shower, walking, or just staring out a window. That’s because your brain needs space to process and form connections.

Try this: Set aside 10–15 minutes each day for unstructured thinking. Put your phone away, go for a walk, or just sit quietly. The goal is to let your mind roam freely without distractions.

 

2. Establish a Morning or Evening Routine That Sparks Ideas

Highly creative people don’t wait for inspiration to strike—they create routines that help ideas flow.

Some creatives start their day with journaling (like the Morning Pages technique, where you write three pages of thoughts to clear your mind). Others find that meditation, exercise, or reading helps them get into the right mindset.

At night, many creatives keep a notebook by their bed to capture late-night thoughts or dreams that might spark new ideas.

Try this: If mornings are your thing, start your day with 5–10 minutes of journaling or reading. If you’re more of a night owl, try winding down with a book or jotting down thoughts before bed.

 

3. Read, Listen, and Explore Outside Your Comfort Zone

Creativity thrives on new perspectives and unexpected connections. That’s why highly creative people often read widely—not just within their own field, but across different industries, cultures, and disciplines.

Writers pull inspiration from science, designers borrow from nature, and business leaders learn from history. The best ideas often come from unexpected sources.

Try this: Read or listen to something outside your usual interests each day. This could be a podcast about space exploration, a documentary on ancient civilizations, or a book on a topic completely unrelated to your work. The more varied your input, the more original your ideas will be.

 

4. Set Boundaries for Deep, Focused Work

Distractions are creativity killers. Many highly creative people carve out blocks of time for deep work—uninterrupted periods where they can focus on creating, problem-solving, or brainstorming.

Multitasking has been shown to reduce efficiency and creativity because it forces the brain to switch between tasks instead of diving deep into one.

Try this: Set aside a 90-minute deep work session at least a few times a week. Turn off notifications, find a quiet space, and immerse yourself in a single task. You’ll be surprised at how much better your creative work becomes when you give it your full attention.

 

5. Prioritize Rest and Play

It might sound counterintuitive, but some of the most creative people make time for play. Studies show that engaging in playful activities—whether it’s drawing, playing music, or doing puzzles—can boost problem-solving skills and encourage innovation.

Rest is just as important. Overworking leads to burnout, which stifles creativity. Stepping away from your work, whether for a short walk or a weekend break, often leads to fresh insights.

Try this: Schedule at least one daily “play break”—whether it’s doodling, playing an instrument, or engaging in a hobby that brings you joy. It doesn’t have to be “productive”—it just has to be fun.

6. Surround Yourself With Diverse Thinkers

Creativity doesn’t happen in isolation. Many of the world’s most successful creatives actively seek out conversations with people outside their usual circles.

They bounce ideas off friends, debate concepts with mentors, and expose themselves to different ways of thinking. Research shows that working with diverse teams leads to more innovative solutions because different perspectives bring fresh insights.

Try this: Make it a habit to have one meaningful conversation a week with someone outside your usual industry. Attend events, join online discussions, or simply chat with a friend who has a different perspective.

 

7. Experiment and Embrace Failure

One of the biggest creativity killers is the fear of failure. Highly creative people view failure as part of the process—not something to be avoided, but something to learn from.

They test ideas quickly, iterate, and refine. Instead of aiming for perfection, they focus on getting started and adjusting as they go.

Try this: Set a small creative challenge for yourself this week. Write a short story, design something new, brainstorm 10 wild business ideas—without worrying about whether they’re good or bad. The goal is to experiment and let go of the pressure to be perfect.

 

Creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about building habits that encourage new ideas, fresh perspectives, and deeper thinking.

The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire life. Small shifts—like scheduling quiet time, consuming diverse content, practicing deep work, and embracing play—can unlock new levels of creativity in your daily routine.

Challenge: Pick just one habit from this list and try it today. You might be surprised at how quickly your creative muscles start to grow.