As Q2 unfolds, the urgency to make meaningful progress toward year-end goals begins to build. But what happens when your momentum slows or roadblocks arise? You could find yourself stuck, overwhelmed, or at risk of burnout.

That’s where using creativity to solve your problem steps in—as a practical, results-driven tool for solving challenges in innovative ways.

It’s during Q2 that challenges or problems can begin surfacing as you increase your efforts on your goals.

Whether you are dealing with a project that is behind schedule or over budget, struggling with engagement, or unsure how to reach a bold new goal, creativity offers a path forward. Creative problem-solving can reduce stress and overwhelm, increase your results, and prevent burnout.

Here are a five proven approaches to introduce more creativity into your Q2 problem-solving sessions:

The next time you feel stuck on a problem, give this creativity-boosting activity a try:

Step 1: Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Write down 5 completely different ways to solve your current challenge. Don’t censor yourself. No idea is too bold, weird, or unrealistic.
Step 3: After the timer ends, review your list. Pick one idea to explore further or combine two into something new.
Bonus: Do this with a colleague or peer to build on each other’s ideas with a “yes, and…” mindset.

This fast, focused exercise helps you shift out of analysis paralysis and into possibility-thinking, right when you need it most.