You can’ t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

- Maya Angelou

Set a timer and challenge yourself to write for a set amount of time; 10 minutes, an hour, or whatever feels right. Begin with one of the prompts below, using a pen or a computer. Write without stopping to edit, delete, or cross anything out. Don’ t worry about making it perfect, just try to write continuously until your timer rings.

The Best Place You’ ve Ever Been Describe a place that meant something to you— a home, a vacation spot, or even a room. What did it feel like to be there?

A Meaningful Object

Choose something you’ ve kept over the years. What is its story? Why has it stayed with you?

A Small Moment That Stayed with You

Write about a seemingly ordinary moment from your past that you still remember clearly. What made it stick?

Do you ever have trouble getting started on creative tasks? Just like stretching before a workout, a simple warm-up, sometimes called a ritual, can help you get started. Creative rituals are personal, so it’ s worth experimenting until you find what works for you. In general, a good ritual is consistent and simple.

Timing: It doesn’ t matter if you are an early riser or a night owl, but it can help to begin your ritual at the same time each day, when you’ re ready to start your work.

Physical Cues: Begin with a simple activity you don’ t often do outside your ritual, like making a specific drink or lighting a scented candle. Over time, your brain will associate that activity or feeling with creative time.

Environment: Try to work in the same place each time, whether it’ s an office, a studio, or even your kitchen table. You might use different places for different activities, like a café for writing and a home office for editing.

Mental Warmups: Finally, set a timer and do a short, simple creative activity with no expectations, like five minutes of journalling or sketching. When the timer rings, stop the warm-up. You’ ll be ready to begin your project.

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