Key Takeaways:
- The best ideas come from what you expose yourself to.
- Switch up your routine and embrace new content, new conversations, new experiences.
- You don’t have to travel the world to gain new perspectives; small changes can make a big difference.
Read More: Life as a Digital Marketing Consultant: The Good, The Great, and The Surprises
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got came from my very first boss, Kenneth Ezaga. He used to say, “You can only be as creative as what you are exposed to.”
That simple statement has shaped the way I work, think, and approach challenges. I dare say, it sparked the love I have for travel and exploring how people live, interact and even do marketing in different parts of the world.
Feed Your Mind, Expand Your Creativity
Creativity isn’t just about sitting at your desk and waiting for a lightbulb moment. It comes from feeding your mind with new experiences, perspectives, and ideas. The more you expose yourself to different ways of thinking, the sharper and more innovative you become.
But let’s be real—not everyone has the time (or budget) to book a flight just to see how things are done in another country. So how do you broaden your exposure and keep your creativity sharp right from your desk? Here are a few simple ways.
1. Follow What’s Happening Beyond Where You’re At
It’s easy to get stuck in the same routine—reading the same blogs, following the same industry news, and interacting with the same group of people. Try looking outside your usual sources. For instance, I follow marketing campaigns from different parts of the world and try to attend conferences and other networking events, in person or virtually. You can also check out trends on Twitter (X) from countries you’ve never paid attention to. Sometimes, the best ideas come from places you least expect.
2. Change What You Consume
If you only read business books, try a sci-fi or horror novel. If you always watch action movies, throw in a documentary. The brain connects ideas in rather unusual ways, and exposing yourself to different types of content can help you see patterns and solutions you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
3. Talk to People Who See the World Differently
Some of the most eye-opening insights come from random conversations. Chat with people outside your industry. Ask your younger cousins what apps they’re using. Have lunch with someone from a completely different background. Fresh perspectives force you to challenge your assumptions and see new angles.
4. Step Outside—Literally
Ever noticed how your best ideas often come when you’re NOT actively trying to think of them? There’s a reason for that. Taking a walk, going to the cinema, trying a new restaurant—these little changes in environment reset your brain and spark creativity without effort.
5. Say Yes to Something New
Attend a webinar you’d usually ignore. Try a different approach to a project. Even small shifts in routine can lead to unexpected discoveries. The goal isn’t to force creativity but to create an environment where new ideas can naturally pop up.
So, what’s one new thing you’ll try this week?