Figuring out a routine that works for your mind is vital to the success of your brand. Utilize these steps to get your creative juices flowing in the workplace.

As a creative in a marketing agency, I’ve had to do some digging to discover how I can be my most productive self in the workplace. Because my job entails blogging and writing captivating content, getting my creative juices flowing is an essential process in my everyday life.

Follow these seven steps to get your mind and your marketing right:

1: Never Skip Your Morning Fuel

As Jackie Chan once said, “Coffee is a language in itself.”

For most, your morning fuel is coffee, but it can also be tea, orange juice, energy drink, smoothie– whatever gets you out of bed in the morning. I, personally, can’t form words or find motivation without a fresh cup of joe. Sure, it could be (definitely is) all in my head, but it’s the little things that get you excited to kickstart the day.

2: Feed Your Mind

I’m sure you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While I’m no nutritionist, I can attest to the fact that my mind moves faster when it’s not worrying about when I’m going to eat next. Having a substantial amount of brain food can be the reason you found the momentum to work in the first place. Eat something for breakfast and then utilize your morning to work hard until lunch. Then repeat.

3: Take Advantage Of Natural Light

I certainly know people that work better at night or in the dark, but if you’re anything like me, you’d rather soak up the sun and make the most out of the daylight. When I sit by a window, I automatically feel more level-headed and clear-minded. There’s something about natural light that feels like a fresh opportunity. Take advantage of this new day and use your time wisely.

4: Seek Inspiration Whenever & Wherever

Don’t be afraid to look up inspiration from other brands in your industry. Pinterest is a great resource to find innovative ideas to apply to your marketing strategy. I often research trending topics when I’m blogging for our clients or writing captions for social media. When you’re in a rut, it always helps to look elsewhere to spark an idea.

5: Jam To Music Or Think In Silence

This one varies depending on your work preference. Almost everyone in our office works while listening to music, except me. I’d rather sit in complete silence while trying to organize my thoughts than have music on that distracts me or ends up mindlessly influencing what I’m doing. Figure out what works for you and embrace it.

6: Jot Your Thoughts

Don’t assume you’ll remember a good idea because you’ll be frustrated if you can’t. It’s always a good idea to have a notebook you reference to write down ideas and inspirations for future brainstorming sessions. Remember in grade school when you’d have time set aside for brainstorming before you’d write your essay? Take that strategy with you for the rest of the time to ensure your ideas are well thought out.

7: Collaborate & Bounce Ideas

I know not everyone likes to share their ideas when they’re not fully formulated but think of everyone’s perspective as a breath of fresh air. When you work together, you’re combining good ideas to create great ideas.

Once a month, we have brainstorming sessions in our conference room where we work on our brand and campaign strategies. Although it does take time and patience to flesh out ideas and find that happy medium, the outcome is so much greater than it could’ve been.