Create Now. Judge Later
Work without planning, criticizing, judgment, context, or reason. Creativity thrives when we let go of judgment and simply allow ideas to flow. This exercise encourages you to brainstorm freely without overthinking or self-criticism.
You will need:
A quiet space
About 30 minutes alone
A timer
Pen and paper
Zero distractions (no phone, laptop, computer, iPad, TV, radio, etc.)
No one else around
You may need a glass of water, as you will not go anywhere until you have finished!
During this dedicated time, allow yourself the freedom to explore whatever ideas come to mind, without worrying about what they might be or if they’ll even show up. Six was a good number for me, but feel free to explore. Do not generate too many ideas, as your creative battery will probably run out.
The goal is to keep your inner critic at bay, so don’t dwell on any single idea for too long. If fewer ideas come to mind, that’s perfectly fine—but stay put for the time you set to do this exercise, no matter how many ideas are coming up. They will often emerge eventually, even if inspiration doesn’t strike immediately.
A final note before you start. If no ideas will come this time, please don't judge yourself; this is simply an exercise—something to try and see if it works for you. If not, it's okay. It's not a test you must pass. There’s no right or wrong outcome. Just stay relaxed and positive, and trust that the more open you are, the more likely your creativity will awaken.
Let's go!
Start drawing, sketching, doodling, or writing down your ideas—whatever method you prefer for brainstorming. I like to use a new page for each concept to keep my mind clear and focused on one idea at a time. The previous ideas should be put aside and out of thehe mind.
The key is to create without self-criticism. Allow ideas to flow freely. Just draw or write whatever ideas for a project come to your head without thinking about them for too long, without asking yourself what they are, if they are good enough, if people will like them, what their point is, etc.
Right now it’s time to create with freedom, passion, and enthusiasm in your heart; you can always judge it later, but not now. Now, you are having fun and trying to follow your intuition. It may not be easy the first time, but try sending your inner critic away whenever it tries to say something negative and instead keep inviting your inner playful child in.
After you finish with one idea, move on to the next immediately. Take only a short break between the ideas if you have to. The less time you have, the better your chances not to start the self-judging game.
Set aside completed drawings or notes and continue generating new ideas. Do not leave the exercise until you have spent the time you set for yourself.
Now what?
Step away once you've completed the exercise and let your ideas breathe. Take a few hours, or even a day, to shift your focus to something else. When you return to your work, approach it with fresh eyes and a clear mind. Now, take a moment to really observe the ideas you’ve created. Notice what sparks excitement and what feels like it could lead to something bigger.
Ask yourself: Which ideas resonate most with your intuition? Do any concepts make your heart race with excitement? If your heart is drawn to an idea, but your mind raises doubts, take a moment to explore why. Is it fear or skepticism holding you back, or is there a genuine reason for hesitation?
Remember, creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about exploration. Whether you decide to follow your heart or listen to your mind’s critique, trust that every idea is part of your journey. And if one idea doesn’t take flight today, don’t discard it. Sometimes, the most impactful creations come from simply giving ourselves the freedom to experiment without judgment.
Ultimately, creativity is about giving yourself permission to play, to stumble, and to discover. Embrace the process, honor your intuition, and be kind to yourself along the way. The most magical ideas often arise when you let go of expectations and just create.
I hope you find this exercise both enjoyable and inspiring. Stay curious, stay inspired, and keep creating!
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.”
