10 Books to Boost Creativity When Working from Home
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Let’s be honest — working from home can drain your creative juices. It can be tough to keep those ideas fresh in the same environment every day.
But fear not, these ten game-changing books are packed with advice to help you get your creative mojo back.
1. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
- What it’s about: Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” explores the mysterious nature of inspiration and creativity. She offers insights into how to embrace curiosity, face down fears, and find joy in the creative process.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking for inspiration and practical advice on living a more creative life, regardless of their profession.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer highly structured, step-by-step guides rather than a more philosophical and anecdotal approach to creativity.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
In this book, Elizabeth Gilbert shares her wisdom on the nature of creativity, encouraging readers to embrace their curiosity and overcome the fears that hold them back. With personal stories and insights, Gilbert inspires readers to live a creative life that is full of passion and joy.
2. “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
- What it’s about: Steven Pressfield tackles the inner barriers to creativity, such as procrastination and self-doubt, and provides strategies to overcome these challenges and unleash your creative potential.
- Perfect for: Anyone struggling with creative blocks and looking for motivational and actionable advice to push through resistance.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for a light read, as this book takes a more intense, no-nonsense approach to creativity.
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfiel
Steven Pressfield’s book is a powerful guide to overcoming the obstacles that hinder creativity. He identifies the various forms of resistance and provides practical strategies to conquer them, helping readers unlock their creative potential and achieve their goals.
3. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon
- What it’s about: Austin Kleon offers a fresh perspective on creativity, encouraging readers to embrace influence, remix ideas, and find inspiration in the work of others. The book is filled with practical tips and engaging illustrations.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking for a fun, visual, and highly practical guide to creativity.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for in-depth, theoretical discussions rather than a quick, easily digestible read.
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
This is a manifesto for creativity in the digital age. Packed with clever illustrations and actionable advice, it encourages readers to embrace influence, remix ideas, and find their unique creative voice.
4. “Creative Confidence” by Tom and David Kelley
- What it’s about: The Kelley brothers, founders of IDEO, share their insights on how to harness creativity in business and life. They provide practical techniques to build creative confidence and bring innovative ideas to fruition.
- Perfect for: Anyone interested in developing a more innovative mindset and applying creative thinking to their work and personal life.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for a purely artistic approach, as this book focuses on creativity in the context of business and problem-solving.
Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All by Tom Kelley and David Kelley
In this book, Tom and David Kelley show how anyone can tap into their creative potential. Through engaging stories and practical tips, they inspire readers to overcome fear, embrace innovation, and bring their creative ideas to life.
5. “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon
- What it’s about: This follow-up to “Steal Like an Artist” focuses on the importance of sharing your creative process with others. Kleon provides practical advice on building an audience and connecting with fellow creatives.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking to build a creative community and share their work more openly and confidently.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for advanced strategies rather than simple, actionable tips.
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon Austin
This is a guide to building a creative network and sharing your process with the world. Filled with practical tips and engaging illustrations, it encourages readers to be open, share their journey, and connect with others.
6. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
- What it’s about: Julia Cameron’s classic guide to creativity offers a twelve-week program to help artists of all types unblock their creativity. It includes exercises like “Morning Pages” and “Artist Dates” to foster creative recovery and growth.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking for a structured program to reignite their creative passions and overcome creative blocks.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer a more casual, less regimented approach to creativity.
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
This is a comprehensive guide to unlocking your creativity. With a twelve-week program and various exercises, it helps artists of all kinds overcome creative blocks and rediscover their passion for creating.
7. “Originals” by Adam Grant
- What it’s about: Adam Grant explores how individuals can champion new ideas and challenge the status quo. He delves into the habits of original thinkers and provides strategies for fostering innovation and creativity in various fields.
- Perfect for: Anyone interested in understanding and cultivating originality and creative thinking in their work and life.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for a purely artistic focus, as this book blends creativity with organisational and social psychology.
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
Adam Grant examines what it takes to be a non-conformist who changes the world. Through compelling research and stories, he offers insights into how to generate and champion new ideas, making it a must-read for anyone looking to foster creativity and innovation.
8. “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp
- What it’s about: Renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp shares her secrets to cultivating creativity through discipline and routine. She provides exercises and insights to help readers develop creative habits and consistently produce great work.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking to integrate creativity into their daily life through structured practices and routines.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer a more spontaneous approach to creativity rather than a disciplined, habitual one.
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp
This is a practical guide to developing creativity through routine and discipline. Drawing on her experience as a choreographer, Tharp offers exercises and insights to help readers build creative habits and consistently produce great work.
9. “Made to Stick” by Chip and Dan Heath
- What it’s about: Chip and Dan Heath explore why some ideas stick and others don’t, providing principles for creating messages that are memorable and impactful. This book is valuable for anyone looking to communicate their creative ideas effectively.
- Perfect for: Anyone interested in making their creative ideas more impactful and memorable, whether in writing, marketing, or everyday communication.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for pure inspiration rather than practical strategies for communication.
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
In this book, Chip and Dan Heath reveal the principles that make ideas memorable and impactful. Through engaging stories and practical advice, they show how to communicate creative ideas effectively, making this a must-read for anyone looking to make their ideas stick.
10. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
- What it’s about: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman delves into the two systems of thought that drive our decisions: the fast, intuitive system, and the slow, deliberate system. Understanding these can enhance creativity by fostering better decision-making and problem-solving.
- Perfect for: Anyone interested in the psychology behind creative thinking and decision-making.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for a light, easy read rather than an in-depth exploration of cognitive processes.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman explores the dual systems of thought that influence our decisions and creativity. By understanding these systems, readers can improve their problem-solving skills and enhance their creative thinking.
Enjoyed our recommendations? Don’t stop here! Check out this handpicked list of books on:
- How to improve your productivity
- How to handle burnout
- How to avoid distractions
- How to manage your time
- How to maintain a work-life balance
- How to keep your mental health in check
- How to develop essential skills for WFH
- How to balance family and work responsibilities
- How to deal with loneliness when working remotely
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