10 Ways to Increase Creativity

Writer: Kyle Pearson

Creativity is a skill that has impacted culture and the way of life for years, whether it be a scientific discovery or an art exhibit, creativity is everywhere. Everyone likes to think they are creative in one way or another, when observing someone’s unique creative touch, one can’t help to wonder how they think the way they do. Most creative people share personality traits or behavioral habits that help ideas flow more clearly whether it be conscious or not. Overall there are ten behavioral habits that most creative people share. These habits, if you don’t already have them, can help increase your own creativity.

1.Capture your ideas

When someone has an idea they have a choice, they can ponder on it and forget about it completely when a new one arises, or they can capture it. Writing down ideas not only helps one remember them at a later time but allows for them to begin to expand and advance them. Writing down ideas and thoughts can also clear one’s head allowing them to focus more clearly, almost as if when someone deletes unnecessary emails to focus on the important ones.

2.Challenge Yourself

If professional football teams played against tackling dummies instead of other players the game would hold little interest to many people. In a similar way if one does not challenge themselves they are not bettering themselves. Professional football players play against athletes as good if not better than themselves every week. They do this to challenge what they can do as an athlete, by doing this they increase their athletic creativity, developing new ways to go about certain situations in order to win the game. By challenging yourself in whatever you do, you will discover your true potential.

3.Broaden Your Interests

Broadening your interests can be a challenging task simply because we know what we like. It is uncomfortable to expose yourself to a new field where you are starting at square one. Letting yourself to become comfortable with this discomfort allows you to not only expand possible interests, but provides insight to how people in a different field think ad respond. If you go into a bookstore and normally buy fiction, try a nonfiction, in the same way if you tend to read self-help books, pick up a history novel, the possibilities are endless.

4.Surround Yourself with Genius

An old saying that reins true to this day is “You are who you hang out with.” Take a second and think of the friends you have and who you are with most. Now think how you act compared to them, in most cases you will see similarities in behavior. Realizing that you act like the people you surround yourself with can cause most to rethink their friendship decisions. The best people to be around are those who don’t just agree with what you think, your peers should challenge your thoughts and progress them even further. One’s creativity is never their own but a combination of their peers’.

5.Embrace Boredom

In today’s society when someone is bored they can turn on a TV and have thousands of options to cure this boredom. Allowing yourself to be bored is truly a lost virtue, sitting by yourself in silence can be seen as uncomfortable or weird. However, if you allow yourself to be bored even for just a short while, you will notice a flow of ideas and thoughts coming to you. I once had a professor who said he had his best thoughts right as he was about to fall asleep. What he would do was lay on a chair with his hand hanging over the side holding his keys. As he would fall asleep he would drop his keys, the noise would wake him and he would write down the first thing he could remember. This professor allowed himself to be bored in order to capture what he thought was his best ideas.

6.Establish more Intersections

An intersection can best be described as two paths crossing. Meeting new people and hearing what they have to say can allow you to further your own understandings or ideas. Establishing intersections just once ca be ineffective, one should strive to build a network allowing for future comparison of thoughts or ideas.

7.Lower Associative Barriers

We all know someone who we don’t want to engage in conversation with due to them thinking what they have to say is the only right response. To lower your associative barriers is to realize that there are people who have opposing thoughts or beliefs than your own. It is important to not allow yourself to become attached to your ideas to where you can’t realize when you are wrong. Lowering your associative barriers, allowing yourself to realize flaws in your thoughts or beliefs will allow your creativity to expand through new understandings.

 

8.Integrate more Perspectives

Comparing thoughts and ideas with other people cannot be stressed enough, doing this can only benefit your thought process. Learning how other people think whether on a subject or one’s specific idea can advance the way you think yourself, advancing the creative process.

 

9.Avoid the Big Psychological Trap

An important question everyone should ask themselves is “Do you hate losing more than you like winning.” Some people refrain from competing due to the fear of losing in whatever situation it may be. To push your creativity, one has to take risks, you can’t be so afraid of losing that you won’t take the risk in order to win.

 

10.Learn from Failure

It’s not “if” you fail rather than it is “when” you fail. Failure is an important part of creativity and if you ask any successful person they will most likely tell you they have failed hundreds of times before they succeeded.

 

By taking part in these behavioral habits you will find yourself coming up with great thoughts, engaging them through an elaborate creative process. Creativity is not a fixed subject it is open to interpretation in any way one can imagine. Whether it be to advance your already existent creativity or to develop a new sense of creativity, these ten key factors will help you get where you want to be.

The College Experience

Staff Writer: Orian Johnson

University Of North Texas

I’m a freshman in college who’s recently finished his first wave of exams for all five classes, and I feel like I’ve seen and done enough to give a bit of advice to anyone wondering whether or not they want to go to college. First off, it feels amazing not having anyone telling you to wake up or constantly reminding you about anything. The only downside being that it is your job now, and it’s an important one. Personally, I don’t have an issue with getting things done on my own, or making my own routine, but it’s something to consider. The syllabus is, above all else, the most important document you will receive in classes, and there are no exceptions to the rule: read the syllabus. In terms of the workload, I feel it’s more manageable than what I had in high school. If you stay on top of it, you won’t feel the need to worry about anything. There will be students, and even professors, you absolutely can’t stand, but that’s to be expected anywhere you spend a large chunk of your time. Conversely, you’ll meet people you immediately connect with and feel right at home, as if you’ve known them your whole life. Also, depending on the size of the campus, you’ll meet a lot, and I mean a lot of people who share many of your interests, and they’re refreshing to talk to from time to time. Parties are exhausting in any capacity when it’s not just a kickback, but that’s just me. Overall, I feel like I’ve made the right decision coming to college. Being productive is rewarding.

Eliminate Procrastination

Writer: Felicity Veliz

Procrastination kills everyone when it comes to trying to get things done. And when you’ve found yourself putting off important tasks, it can cause you to be behind on your schedule. Down below are some things that have helped me and may help you when dealing with procrastination.

Eliminate All Distractions- You start to take notice when something distracts you from completing your tasks. Only you know how to eliminate these distractions, so do so with responsibility. Whether it’s your phone, a video game, or social media, eliminating your distractions will help you stay focused and get tasks done so much faster.

Think Positive- If we always had a negative mindset, then we would probably never get anything done. Be motivated to achieve things now rather than waiting to worry about them later.

Utilize Anti-Procrastination Strategies- With procrastination being a common habit, it won’t be something you can just break overnight. Breaking a habit requires practice and patience. Some good strategies can be making up your own rewards when getting things done or identifying unpleasant consequences if not doing the task on time.

Focus On One Thing At A Time- Focusing on more than one task can cause confusion and stress to get them all done. Take one thing at a time and, and you may be surprised how far you can get.

Set Yourself Time-Bound Goals- Doing this will make sure things are always done on time, that way you won’t have a choice but to get it done before the deadline. Setting time limits for certain tasks will help you improve your life and everyday schedule.

Have A Nice, Balanced Schedule- I can’t stress this enough. A balanced schedule improves the the amount of tasks you can complete in a matter of days. Having a balanced schedule also creates room for other activities if important tasks are complete. Utilizing a planner can be one of the easiest ways to practice a balanced schedule. Some nice planners are sold at Target, Walmart, and Staples.

Remember: the longer you can spend without procrastinating, the more chances you have to be successful in your everyday life. To have a good chance of conquering procrastination, you need to spot straight away that you’re doing it. Then, you need to identify why you’re doing it and take appropriate steps to surpass the obstacle.

Why You Should be Terrified of College… In a Good Way

Writer: Maggie Holmes

“Five Reasons Why You Should Go to College”

I would not call myself a pessimist by any means, so writing this article is a little strange for me. Maybe I’m a little angry that college hasn’t been all it’s cracked up to be, or maybe I’m a little annoyed that everything I saw on social media from kids that graduated high school a year before I did is not at all what college is like. I’m going to be honest, but I’m also going to be fair; hence, the solutions to all of the problems presented. So, kids, here are a few things to prepare for when you go to college.

1. No Friends

This one’s a bit of a given, unless you’ve chosen to go school with people you know already. Everyone talks about how nerve racking making friends is when you leave home; but, let me tell you the extent in which this is true. It doesn’t matter what you join; frat, sorority, whatever. Making real friends takes time. Every incoming freshman should know that the level of intimacy you had with your friends back home is not going to come easy. It’s hard to dig past the superficial layer that most people put up when “making friends.” There is nothing more discouraging than meeting hundreds of people without really feeling like you’ve met anyone.

The fix? Time. It does fix all wounds after all. If you feel that you’ve found a new best friend during your first week of college, you’re either one of the luckiest kids alive or you’ve just made a fake friend that you probably will rarely speak to a month later. Don’t settle when it comes to finding your new group of friends. You’ll regret it later. Do not lose sight of what you love in a friend just because your options are limited and often rushed.

2. Young, Dumb, and Very Very Broke

Ah, yes, the joy of being the stereotypical, broke, college kid. When you hear about it in movies, it almost sounds fun! It’s funny at first (being broke that is), but then that day comes when that last dollar from the stockpile you saved up during the summer working that awful job is whisked away for a t-shirt from sexy Billy’s sick frat. Now, if your parents are feeding you a sum of money every month or so, beware! You aren’t safe either. The chances are you still have no idea how to budget your money, and that one-hundred dollars you had for the month is going to be gone after one trip to target.

 The fix? Unless you are suddenly super chill about selling your plasma to a blood donation clinic, you’re going to need a job. If possible, look for one on campus. They are much more flexible than outside jobs and most of the time they’re so chill you can actually study while you’re working.

3. Identity Crisis

I just want to start by saying that my issues with my identity are pre-existing (I went from aspiring to be an astronaut to majoring in Pre-Nursing in about three seconds), so maybe I’m a little biased when I say that it’s nothing to be scared of. Whether it’s because you failed that first big test, got a little grossed out in a Biology lab when you’re a pre-med major, or just plain hate every class you’re in; it’s okay. Most students will change their major at least three times before graduation, and no matter how hard your schools drills you with that four-year graduation plan, sometimes you’re going to need an extra semester or two.

 The fix? Give in to the crisis! If you feel that what you’re doing just is not for you, it’s fine! Walk straight into that career services office and change your path. When it comes to deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life, it is never a good idea to suppress a gut feeling. Think like an Olympian and go for the gold.

In conclusion, if you want to triumph over the many battles that is your freshman year of college, you are going to need to be prepared to lose more than you’ll win. The lows will be low, but the highs will be higher than anything you’ve ever experienced (a little haha moment all you dirty hippies out there); because, there’s nothing like acing your first test after failing the first two, and there’s nothing like making friends that you’ll know and love for the rest of your life after having to drop a few disappointments along the way. I hope this was helpful if you’re applying for colleges now, or relatable if you’re already in the midst of your first year. In the end, if you aren’t terrified; then, you probably are not taking it seriously enough, and you should try a little harder before you’re forced to drop out.

Struggles of Financial Aid

Writer: Kyle Pearson

Going to college is a big step, and when you only have thirty cents in your pocket and universities request thousands of dollars, one can become overwhelmed. The expectation of an eighteen-year-old to come up with enough money to pay for an education is seemingly ridiculous. Universities will insist they have many financial aid options and scholarships to help students pay for college. However, the process to utilize these rewards is endless. There are many problems with obtaining financial aid but with each issue there is a way to navigate through it smoothly.

Processing time

In order to get financial aid from a school, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much money you are eligible to receive from the government. One would think the process would be made easy for new students who have no idea what steps to take. Instead, it is an elaborate process that requires tax information that has little to do with the actual student. Once you have completed the FAFSA, you will find yourself waiting for it to be approved, and this process can take three to six weeks. A way to avoid waiting and wondering if your financial aid will ever come is to submit all your information as soon as possible. This way, it will be processed faster leading to you getting rewards sooner.

Lack of Communication

Be mindful of the possible lack of communication from the processing phase of the FAFSA administration. The only information you are given when submitting a FAFSA is a timestamp from when it was sent. The next update you will receive is weeks later when the information has been processed and your awards are given. The easiest way to avoid the stress while waiting is to submit your information as early as you can. In addition, you can call the financial aid office for the school you are attending, and they can make sure everyone is on the same page.

Rewards

For the most part, the FAFSA provides sufficient financial rewards to those who need it. However, this usually does not cover the entire cost for the college experience resulting in many students taking loans. This distribution of money is a set amount and is prioritized by who needs it most. A way to increase your chances of receiving financial aid is to aim for making consistently good grades or applying for any scholarship you can find. There are also ways to attend school and not use financial aid, but they prove to be much more expensive because one would have to set up a payment plan and consistently be working to make those payments. It is strongly recommended that all students who are unaware how they will pay for school seek financial aid.

Figuring out how to pay thousands of dollars for an education can be an incredible stress on a young adult. There are many helpful tools at your disposal that can ease this process. If you are struggling to figure out the next step, never be afraid to call the financial aid office of your school.

Tips to Being More Productive

Writer: Kyle Pearson

With the school year right around the corner many young adults will find themselves with too many things to do in one day. There are some simple adjustments one can make to their lifestyle in order to be more productive and organized. Being more organized allows for more control in your life and eliminates potential stress. However, everyone is different and reacts in their own way so find out what works best for you. Here are some shared routines among successful people that help keep them organized and productive.

Waking Up Early

A cliché as it sounds waking up early in the morning can be very beneficial as long as you still get the required amount of sleep. Waking up early simply gives you more time in your day to handle everything you need to get done. Waking up early is also a good way to build self-discipline sticking to the same time every morning will help you be more level headed.

Keep a Schedule

Actually making note of an event or appointment will help you remember it and also keep you committed. Keeping a schedule helps be punctual and allows you to realize what time of day works best for you to ensure all your tasks are completed.

Live Healthy

Ensuring that you are eating right and exercising on a regular basis will allow you to have more energy to finish your day. Overconsuming sugary foods and drinks will result in being lazy and procrastinating most tasks. It’s always best to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and to stay hydrated with lots of water.

Keep a Clean Room

Coming home to a mess is unsettling and causes stress. By making your bed and keeping a clean room you will have a nice place to rest at the end of a long day. Keeping a clean room is a healthy habit and can be relaxing to not have clutter.

Everyone is unique in how they accomplish their day so experiment and figure out what works best for you. Developing these healthy habits will set you up for success as you grow further in life.

Bry’s Declassified School Survival Guide

Writer:Bryanna Houser

Image: The Odyssey

With school just right around the corner, the question of what to expect comes up a lot. So I decided that I would share my senior wisdom and give my version of the hit Nickelodeon TV show Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide and give you all my top 5 rules to survive high school.

5. Do your work

Image: wikiHow

Now this one might seem like a no-brainer, but you might be surprised how many people get themselves stuck in a bad situation simply because they didn’t do their work. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but if you just read that book, takes those notes, or turn in the calculus assignment on time your life will be so much easier.

4. Don’t get caught up

Image: Debate.org

High school is a point in your life where a lot of things change, you’re going through puberty, having more responsibilities, maybe even getting your first chance to drive. The idea of dating can be appealing to a high schooler, but it can be a dangerous game. You have to be careful not to get too deep into these because most of them won’t last more than 4 months. Now I’m not saying never date, or that it’s impossible to fall in love in high school, I’m just saying remember why you’re there and protect your heart.

3. Use your connections

Image:JPEG

High school is a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences that can be tough to deal with, but one way that you can help manage that is by using the connections that you have. Those teachers that you hate are there for a reason..to help you. If you ever don’t know how to do something, go to tutoring and ask your teachers for help (Bonus Tip: teachers are more likely to boost the grades of students they like and that try). The emotions of school can also be hard to handle, sometimes you just need to talk to someone that’s been through it (i.e not your friends) for their advice, that’s what your counselor is here for. Using the people around you to help you get through these four years is probably the smartest thing you could do.

2. Make relationships

Image: Smoch

I know earlier I said don’t get caught up in the relationships you have in high school, which you shouldn’t, but also don’t be afraid to make them. Not just romantic relationships, but friendships as well. These friendships will last you a lifetime, you’ll remember them forever, even if 20 years from now you don’t continue to talk to them, they will be in your life. And those friends don’t just need to be the kids in your grade, make friends of the teachers, cafeteria ladies, and principals, pretty much anybody can be a friend to you, and those are the relationships you should hold on to.

1. Enjoy your time

Image: Autodo

We’ve finally come to the last one, and thankfully it’s the easiest. All you have to do…is have fun! It doesn’t matter how you choose to do this last tip as long as you enjoy it. My favorite option is to simply get involved in school organizations. Do this by joining band, student council, cheer, debate club, whatever it may be, just get involved. Also going to sporting events are a great way to spend your time in a positive, fun manner. Graduation day will be here before you know it and you don’t want to look back on high school and realize you spent all your time stressing over class.

These are simply my top 5 rules to make high school just a little bit easier. Feel free to take these tips and tweak them to fit your situation. If you think I missed something, leave a comment down below and let me know what your top 5 would be.