It Starts with a Challenge

There are many kinds of thinking–big-picture thinking, focused thinking, strategic thinking, bottom-line thinking to name a few. My favourite is creative thinking because the outcome is always fresh and surprising.

You know you're in the process of creative thinking when you find yourself scrambling around in unfamiliar territory looking for the best way forward. All that uncertainty can feel uncomfortable, I know. Creative thinking reaches beyond standard answers.

Not long ago, I was challenged to come up with an innovative way of celebrating the training completed by a board of directors. My client saw what had been accomplished and wanted to encourage more, but they wanted to do it in an exciting way. They didn't want rolled parchment tied with a golden bow or gift certificates.

Connecting Things

According to Steve Jobs, "Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things."

So, I looked for connections with experiences I've already had. I opened my mind to all the ways we recognize achievement in our culture, from the Academy Awards in the film industry to Olympic medals for sports. As I continued to explore, my mind hit upon a fresh notion. What about a Hall of Fame? It's a good way to mark the accomplishments of a group of people. It conveys the sense of excellence I was looking for.

The client was thrilled with the suggestion and the Hall of Fame has been launched. Together we're doing something exciting and effective. This is the power of creative thinking.

Building the Muscle

When we witness the results of creativity in a beautiful painting, a rousing piece of music, or an elegant sculpture, we can feel so overwhelmed by the talent of the artists we think creativity is beyond our reach. It's a common belief in our society. Many people assume that creativity is a gift only given to the select few.

But the truth is that creativity is a muscle and we all have it. The more we use that muscle, the stronger it gets. For ideas on how to give your creative thinking muscle a good workout, use the "Five Tips for Creative Thinking" in this blog. The strength you gain will enrich your life and the life of those around you. As Albert Einstein said, "Creativity is contagious. Pass it on."

Call to Action:

1. Start a creative ideas file today. Every time you see a good idea, write it down. There's no need to make it complicated. You can use a computer file or a notebook, whichever is easier.

2. Schedule time this week for creative thinking. Even ten minutes can make a difference.

Its starts with you. You've got this!

Your friends,
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