An Ordinary Person’s Guide On How To Think Creatively
Not everyone is gifted with Da Vinci’s ingenuity and Shakespeare’s imagination. You can, however, develop creative thinking techniques with the right mindset. This post talks about how you can build skills in creativity and innovation.
Ask Questions
Being inquisitive by asking the right questions can lead you to ideas that you never considered before.
Read Up
Reading allows you to absorb various facts that might be beneficial in the future. It opens your mind to new dimensions and perspectives.
Research
Look up previous approaches and solutions to the problems or issues at hand. This allows you to get an idea of how to build an approach of your own. Learn from the strengths and weaknesses of those before you.
Develop Alternate Plans
If plan A does not seem right, you can always move to plan B. If it still seems mediocre, you do not have to worry since the letter Z is a long way ahead.
Brainstorm
Sit with a group of people to generate different ideas about a problem at hand. Share thoughts, debate, and challenge each other in a constructive way.
Listen
Consider other people’s thoughts and opinions. Their light bulbs might be brighter than yours. Never assume that people are superior and inferior.
Criticize
Do not be afraid to speak your mind about something and share your criticisms. This helps point out the negative points in a discussion. Just see to it that you do it in a polite and professional manner.
Appreciate
Be thankful for the criticisms you receive and also be appreciative of other people’s input.
Rest
Do not force yourself to overthink when your mind is already tired. It helps to get some rest to give your brain a break. Take a nap, exercise, or grab a bite to replenish your brain cells. Freeing your mind allows it to recharge and replenish its creative ability.
Avoid Loyalty
Loyalty to a single idea can lead you into a dead end. Explore all options and avoid bias in supporting your original thoughts.
Take Down Notes
Oral discussions are great but there might come a point wherein the information might bombard you. To avoid missing significant facts, jot down the things that you find essential. This allows you to look back and review your progress later on.
Take Your Time
Ideation does not come in a snap. The best idea might not be realized right away. Forcing it to come out would only make it more difficult on your part. Take some time to give it a break and relax. There are plenty of instances wherein the best thoughts come at the moments wherein we expect them the least. For instance, the “Aha!” moment that you have been waiting for in the discussion room might hit you while you are already driving on the way home.
