"You can rediscover and nurture your creativity in a corporate setting"

Limitations

This doesn’t mean that you can show up to work and pitch an idea that has no benefit or correlation to the products or services you are offering. 

It’s a case of escaping a defeatist mindset; yes, some things are out of bounds, but nobody is stopping you from pushing the limits, thinking outside the box, and other quotes your mother may have on a mug. 

It’s cliché, but the more time you spend restricting your ability to create new and exciting things, the harder it will become in the long run. 

What’s the fix?



There isn’t just one solution, and any advice we give, or anyone for that matter, will magically restore your brain to its original childlike wonder. 

Still, any form of mindfulness about the topic is a good first step, so here are some examples that may help you.

Practice your craft outside of work

After a long day of working, you get home and all you want to do is the same thing you did all day at work!

I know, just hear me out.

Anything you are creating, you will do in a way that adheres to the processes and expectations you have at work, so practice in your own environment.

Suddenly, all the rules and regulations are gone.

There is no fear of a disappointed boss, or potentially damaged brand reputation.

There was a passion and craving to do this at some point in your life, as you ended up on this career path. 

Why? 

Who were you at that point, and what drew you into your role?

Of course, this doesn’t come without issue. 

Lack of motivation is a big thing, there is no reward for creating in your own time.

So, you decide to share what you make online to feel more fulfilled, that will help!

Remove the pressure to perform

It did not work. 

Now you’re performing for the general public, who don’t need to worry about the HR department when critiquing your work.

Your 19 hours of work just got 3 likes, and as much as you hate to admit it, the lack of validation is slightly soul-crushing.

The first way around this is to stop caring, but that isn’t very realistic.

Alternatively, you can change the channels through which you share your personal work. 

Instead of posting on Instagram, or any other oversaturated platforms, show family, friends, and anyone whose opinion you actually value. 

Many creators have also started seeding their content on Tumblr, as it’s a platform that values authenticity more than most; content is also shown in chronological order for users, so a lack of likes won’t keep it from being seen!

Play around

You will be your own biggest critic throughout life, so sometimes you have to cut yourself some slack and understand that not everything will be perfect. 

You will create, whether it’s at work or alone, and some of it may be mediocre, or plain bad. 

The more fun you try to have with things, the less constricted you will feel.

Give yourself the chance to do things that feel a bit silly.

You are still the same person you were as a child, dig up that whimsy and imagination that you used to have.

Balancing work and play isn’t easy when so much of your time is spent working, but the two concepts can coexist and feed off of each other. 

What is your main inspiration in life?

What do you feel connected to?

Whatever draws you to the positive things in your life, apply that logic to your work.

Talk to your boss

When you have someone to report to, you can start to conceptualise them as a greater power who must be obeyed and never questioned, it can even start to incite fear.

It’s important to remember that your boss is human, and conversations can flow without you adhering to the imagined power dynamic. 

If you want to try something new that doesn’t feel like it fits into what they are currently asking from you, tell them that, and pitch ideas that are a little more ‘out there’. 

Worst case scenario, they hate it.

But it still shows initiative and proves that you are willing to try new things and develop your work style. 

Communication will take you far.

You have to contribute to the business you work for, there will always be a monetary drive for those working above you.

But lack of creativity will kill whatever you are producing, it’s inhuman, so they have to allow you to experiment. 

Find likeminded creatives

It’s only natural to want to surround yourself with similar people, and having those around you who will encourage creativity and motivate you to keep going is always great.

Whether it’s your friends, co-workers, or even online communities of creatives, find your people and allow yourself to flourish with them. 

You can find inspiration in so many places. 

The digital landscape is full of content, creators, and groups who will share ideas that can help you use your creativity more. 

This also allows you to get new perspectives and opinions on the things you are creating and working through.

It’s hard to keep yourself motivated and allow yourself to let the creativity flow fully within a corporate setting, but not impossible.

Self-reflection will dictate your success in this, as you can’t be authentic to yourself if you have no clue what your truth is.

Curate your environment so that it nurtures these qualities and surround yourself with people and things that inspire you.

Most importantly, don’t set yourself up for failure.

Never assume the worst from the get-go, allow yourself to rediscover the creativity you went into the industry with.

At mediachimps, we think that self-expression and creativity are key when it comes to running your business. 

If you want a website or a marketing model that encourages this, get in touch and see how we can help you.