[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Creative thinking is essential for creating success and tackling life\u2019s toughest challenges. It\u2019s valuable in all areas of life, including personal, professional, academic, and artistic. We use it in planning, problem-solving, decision-making, increasing productivity, adapting to change\u2014and creating.<\/p>\n
Have you heard of multiple intelligences? We can view creative thinking as a form of intelligence<\/a><\/strong>. And to be clear, you can improve your creative thinking by learning various creative thinking skills<\/a><\/strong>. Be sure to read those two articles.<\/p>\n Indeed, learning anything changes how you think. However, becoming fluent in a foreign language or playing a musical instrument is more than just knowledge. When I learned a second language and spoke it all day long, I could feel a change in my overall thinking and worldview. Chess is another activity that does this.<\/p>\n Learning creative thinking skills is similar to learning a musical instrument, foreign language, or chess. But unlike these activities, a little goes a long way, and all you have to do is read a few books on this list<\/a><\/strong>. Although I don\u2019t find these books particularly enjoyable, they provide great value. They change how you think, see the world, and approach problems and decisions.<\/p>\n Learning creative thinking skills helps you in two ways:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Creative Skills:<\/span> <\/strong>You learn intentional skills that you can apply to specific topics and projects.<\/p>\n 2. Intuitive Insights:<\/span><\/strong> You develop the ability to have more in-the-moment creative and intuitive insights.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Practical” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By the way, I recommend that everyone reads Academic Vocabulary for Critical Thinking, Logical Arguments, and Effective Communication<\/a><\/strong><\/span> before reading even one book on creative thinking. It creates the foundation of clear, logical, and organized thinking that is required for productive creative thinking. It\u2019s a vital resource for both academic and professional success.<\/p>\n Over the last 50 years, an entire creative-thinking vocabulary has emerged. Here are two of my favorite synonyms for creative thinking: 1) creative problem solving<\/span> <\/strong>and 2) applied imagination<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n I like those terms because when you devote time to learning creative thinking skills, you do so for a reason. We are not learning them just to daydream better. These skills help with understanding, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.<\/p>\n However, creative thinking skills are only part of the success puzzle. According to Robert Sternberg\u2019s \u201cTriarchic Theory of Intelligence,\u201d success also depends on (1) analytical and (2) practical intelligence. Don\u2019t think (3) creativity is everything.<\/p>\n So, when is creative thinking most useful? I\u2019ve concluded that creative thinking is most valuable in these three areas. If you grasp these three categories, you are more likely to be productively creative. Do not forget these three categories!<\/p>\n Remember, when it\u2019s time to make a final decision and take action, we may want to be more (1) analytical and (2) practical than (3) creative. Clearly, skill and knowledge are crucial for making most things work.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Five Key” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Steve Jobs couldn\u2019t be Steve Jobs without creative thinking. Mozart couldn\u2019t be Mozart without creative thinking. Admittedly, many tasks don\u2019t require a great deal of creativity. However, you must be a creative thinker to excel in many competitive fields.<\/p>\n Do you remember the three categories I asked you to remember above? Once again, they are: 1) getting ideas, 2) seeing possibilities, and 3) making connections. Well, here are five categories in which those three categories are critical!<\/p>\n Are you involved with any of these activities? Do you want to be? If so, keep reading!<\/p>\n Note on the Headings:<\/span> <\/strong>You will notice that I included \u201cIdeas, Possibilities, and Connections\u201d in each heading. Why? I hope you consider these three concepts as you consider the five activities.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n How should we define creativity? For this section, I will leave it as the ability to create things in ways that are new, different, beautiful, valuable, or useful. To be clear, we are all creators and can approach almost everything as a creative endeavor. The best always approach their jobs with a sense of creativity. Creativity is not just about art.<\/p>\n Pablo Picasso (1881\u20131973) famously said, \u201cLearn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.\u201d I would put it this way: Learn the old rules so you can write the new rules. I don\u2019t think Picasso and others like him were breaking the rules. They were inventing rules.<\/p>\n In Lateral Thinking<\/em> (1970), a groundbreaking book on creative thinking, Edward de Bono used many comma splices. Comma splices are one of the most basic and serious grammar errors. Was de Bono breaking the rules with his comma splices? Well, Gertrude Stein (1874\u20131946) did far worse and was revered. The point is there are no rules\u2014you just have to live with the consequences. The consequence for de Bono is that he sold millions of books. Gertrude Stein is revered. However, if you break the rules and your teacher or boss reprimands you or gives you a failing grade, those are the consequences.<\/p>\n When you have a creative purpose for your choices, it\u2019s not breaking the rules. It\u2019s experimentation. Experimentation leads to success, failure, or learning. In reality, breaking the rules<\/em> is a strategy or technique. I do agree with the part, \u201cLearn the rules like a pro!\u201d<\/p>\n 1.<\/span> <\/strong>Creativity takes courage. \u2013 Henri Matisse<\/em><\/p>\n 2.<\/span><\/strong> To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. \u2013 Joseph Chilton Pearce<\/em><\/p>\n 3.<\/span><\/strong> The day before something is truly a breakthrough, it\u2019s a crazy idea. \u2013 Peter Diamandis<\/em><\/p>\n 4.<\/span> <\/strong>I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been. \u2013 Wayne Gretzky<\/em><\/p>\n 5.<\/span><\/strong> Creativity is the ability to see relationships where none exist. \u2013 Thomas Disch<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Innovation is the improvement of existing processes, products, ideas, or methods. Although innovation is commonly associated with business and technology, we can use the term in any area of life where we seek improvement.<\/p>\n The need for business innovation is a critical reason for needing to think differently. Peter Drucker (1909 \u20132005), the father of modern management theory, considered innovation as a primary purpose of a business. He viewed innovation as necessary for the survival and success of organizations. In Innovation and Entrepreneurship<\/em> (1985), Drucker argued that businesses must systematically pursue innovation, encourage creativity, and take risks. The following quotes illustrate the point:<\/p>\n 1.<\/span><\/strong> Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. \u2013 Steve Jobs<\/em><\/p>\n 2.<\/span><\/strong> The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious. \u2013 John Sculley<\/em><\/p>\n 3.<\/span><\/strong> If you\u2019re not moving forward, you\u2019re falling behind. \u2013 Sam Walton<\/em><\/p>\n 4.<\/span><\/strong> Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat. \u2013 Steve Jobs<\/em><\/p>\n 5.<\/span><\/strong> Change before you have to. \u2013 Jack Welch<\/em><\/p>\n 6.<\/span><\/strong> The pace of change is never going to be slower than it is today. \u2013 Mark Zuckerberg<\/em><\/p>\n 7.<\/span><\/strong> When you innovate, you\u2019ve got to be prepared for everyone telling you you\u2019re nuts. \u2013 Larry Ellison<\/em><\/p>\n 8.<\/span><\/strong> Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things. \u2013 Theodore Levitt<\/em><\/p>\n 9.<\/span><\/strong> The heart and soul of the company is creativity and innovation. \u2013 Bob Iger<\/em><\/p>\n 10.<\/span><\/strong> There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period. \u2013 Brene Brown<\/em><\/p>\n 11.<\/span><\/strong> I\u2019m as proud of many of the things we haven\u2019t done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to a thousand things. \u2013 Steve Jobs<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”3″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Entrepreneurship is the business of (1) idea generation, (2) seeing possibilities, (3) seeing opportunities, and (4) taking action for your business. Peter Drucker\u2019s (1909 \u20132005) business book is called Innovation and Entrepreneurship<\/em> (1985) because the two concepts go hand in hand.<\/p>\n Although an entrepreneurial spirit is always an innovative spirit, an innovative spirit is not always an entrepreneurial spirit. Some creative people don\u2019t grasp how to turn innovations into business profits. If you are unsure what that means, research the lives of Thomas Edison (1847\u20131931) vs. Nikola Tesla (1856 \u20131943).<\/p>\n We associate entrepreneurship with owning the business. Did Drucker write his book just for business owners? Of course not. He wrote it for everyone who wants to get ahead in business. Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison exemplify what it means to be an innovator and entrepreneur.<\/p>\n Steve Jobs (1955\u20132011) was an entrepreneur when he founded Apple. But when he left Apple in 1985, he sold all his shares. He returned to Apple in 1996 and quickly became CEO, transforming it into what it is today. However, he owned very little stock. Although he acquired significant stock through CEO incentives, he was not even close to a major shareholder.<\/p>\n Steve Jobs\u2019 final net worth was about 65% Disney stock ($5 billion) and 35% Apple stock ($2.5 billion). Although Steve Jobs was not a major shareholder in Apple, he was still an entrepreneur. Was his role any different than it was before? No. Jobs brought back both the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. Steve Jobs was always an innovator and entrepreneur.<\/p>\n What is entrepreneurial thinking? Here are a few questions that illustrate the concept:<\/p>\n \u00bb<\/strong> \u00bb<\/span> How do we innovate? Where lays the future? Where are the opportunities? How can we make products people want? How can we outcompete? How do we make a profit? Is there a better way? How can we grow? How should we reinvest in our future?<\/p>\n To be clear, food cart vendors who search for a sauce that will transform their business are using entrepreneurial thinking. They are innovators if they work on inventing that sauce or seek novel alternatives.<\/p>\n Here is some wisdom on how creativity relates to entrepreneurship:<\/p>\n 1.<\/span><\/strong> Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship… the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth. \u2013 Peter Drucker<\/em><\/p>\n 2.<\/span><\/strong> Creativity is the spark of innovation; entrepreneurship is the fuel that ignites it. \u2013 Various<\/em><\/p>\n 3.<\/span><\/strong> Entrepreneurship is the art of turning creativity into reality. \u2013 Various<\/em><\/p>\n 4.<\/span><\/strong> Entrepreneurship is the ultimate expression of creativity, turning vision into value. \u2013 Various<\/em><\/p>\n 5.<\/span><\/strong> Creativity is the backbone of entrepreneurship; it\u2019s about solving problems in innovative ways to create value. \u2013 Various<\/em><\/p>\n 6.<\/span><\/strong> Entrepreneurship thrives on creativity; it\u2019s about turning ideas into actions and dreams into reality. \u2013 Various<\/em><\/p>\n 7.<\/span><\/strong> Creativity is the key to entrepreneurship; it\u2019s the ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles. \u2013 Various<\/em><\/p>\n 8.<\/span><\/strong> Entrepreneurship is the marriage of creativity and action; it\u2019s about bringing imaginative ideas to life. \u2013 Various<\/em><\/p>\n 9.<\/span> <\/strong>Entrepreneurship without creativity is like a bird without wings; it may move, but it can never soar. \u2013 Matshona Dhliwayo<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many modern creative thinking techniques were created with creative problem-solving in mind. To some degree, all creative thinking is creative problem solving\u2014but possibly in advance of the problem. Can you think of any problems in your life or the world? What if we could learn to solve them in advance? Now, there is a creative idea!<\/p>\n Problem-solving is composed of stages. We may think we have a solution and then find that the first stage of our solution is composed of a problem. Even with simple problems, there may come a point where creative problem solving may help us find a solution. For example, you may come to see that the solution is that you need more apples. Creative problem solving may help you discover how you can acquire more apples.<\/p>\n Logical and rational thinking<\/a><\/strong><\/span> should always be a part of problem-solving. However, when stuck, it\u2019s usually worth thinking outside the box just to see where it goes. If you are stuck, creative problem solving is a way to keep things moving forward. By definition, you will consider new ideas.<\/p>\n Problem-solving is a complex topic. The number and magnitude of problems wouldn\u2019t exist if it weren\u2019t. On the other hand, humanity keeps moving forward. In brief, here are a few concepts to consider when thinking about problem-solving.<\/p>\n \u00bb \u00bb Stages:<\/span><\/strong> Where are we in the problem-solving process? Are we making progress? Or are things getting worse?<\/p>\n \u00bb \u00bb Seriousness:<\/span><\/strong> How serious is the problem?<\/p>\n \u00bb \u00bb Time:<\/span> <\/strong>How much time do we have to solve the problem?<\/p>\n \u00bb \u00bb Complexity:<\/span><\/strong> Is the problem simple, complex, or a dilemma?<\/p>\n Dilemmas are the most difficult type of problem to solve. By definition, a dilemma has no acceptable solution, and all the possible choices are problems. When facing dilemmas, creative problem solving will present ideas we have not considered.<\/p>\n 1.<\/span><\/strong> Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected, to find solutions where others see only problems. \u2013 Rosabeth Moss Kanter<\/em><\/p>\n 2.<\/span><\/strong> We can\u2019t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. \u2013 Albert Einstein<\/em><\/p>\n 3.<\/span><\/strong> Every problem is an opportunity in disguise. \u2013 John Adams<\/em><\/p>\n 4.<\/span><\/strong> Every problem has a solution. You just have to be creative enough to find it. \u2013 Travis Kalanick<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”5″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Negotiation is often a part of problem-solving, and problem-solving is usually a part of negotiation. Think of all the serious problems people are trying to solve through negotiations. To put it mildly, serious problems often require negotiations. Yes, many basic negotiations focus on terms and conditions, and both sides can walk away with no deal if they choose without great harm or loss.<\/p>\n However, other negotiations are far more complicated. This is true for business, personal, political, national, and international negotiations. In short, just as with problem-solving, we can think of negotiations as having three levels: simple, complex, and dilemmas.<\/p>\n Creativity is essential in negotiation because it allows you to see beyond the obvious and find solutions others may not have considered. The art of negotiation lies in finding common ground and creating value for both parties through creative problem-solving. Negotiation is like a puzzle; creativity is the key to unlocking the puzzle\u2019s solution. Each piece may seem unrelated, but with the proper perspective, they can come together to form a picture of mutual success.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Prepared Creativity” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Yes, people are born with gifts. You may have heard the stories about how Mozart and Beethoven intuitively understood the piano the first time they saw one. The reality is that there is no evidence that this is true. It is true that both had parents who saw they had a gift and that they were well into their music studies by the time they were five years old. Therefore, a considerable part of their creativity came from their extensive training.<\/p>\n In summary, it\u2019s wise to prepare for creative thinking by learning how to think creatively. However, you must also have knowledge and expertise to be creative. Creativity without knowledge, expertise, and logical thinking skills<\/a><\/strong><\/span> won\u2019t get you far.<\/p>\n Below, I rewrote a few old sayings about luck and success to apply the wisdom to creativity. In short, to be creative, you must be prepared for creativity.<\/p>\n 1.<\/span> <\/strong>Creativity is what happens when preparation meets opportunity<\/p>\n 2.<\/span><\/strong> Creativity is the residue of good preparation.<\/p>\n 3.<\/span><\/strong> The harder I work and the more I learn, the more creative I become.<\/p>\n Most creative people are experts at what they do. Their expertise helps them see things differently\u2014but with skill and good judgment<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Science Rich” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|16px|14px|16px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Once again, creative thinking is particularly helpful for creating success in five key areas of life: 1) Creative Endeavors, 2) Innovation, 3) Entrepreneurship, 4) Problem-Solving, and 5) Negotiation. What do all of these have in common? They focus on creating! Or at least, they should!<\/p>\n How often do we get sidetracked by things or thinking that work against creating? I\u2019ve always loved Zig Ziglar\u2019s (1926\u20132012) quote about positive thinking: \u201cPositive thinking won\u2019t allow you to do anything, but it will allow you to do everything better than negative thinking will.\u201d That\u2019s positive but realistic.<\/p>\n Here is a fact plain and simple: When creating, you provide value to the world and improve your life. This point was brought home to me in a classic book.<\/p>\n The Science of Getting Rich<\/em> (1910) by Wallace D. Wattles is a classic self-help book that delves into the principles of achieving wealth and success. The basic tenets of the book deal with 1) The Power of Thought, 2) The Law of Attraction, 3) Taking Action, 4) Gratitude and Visualization, and 5) The Right to Be Rich. It\u2019s basically an early and maybe better version of \u201cThe Secret.\u201d<\/p>\n I listened to an audio-program version of this book well over a decade ago, and this next point stuck in my mind. In short, I realized that the solution to everything is to create.<\/p>\n Stop wasting your time and energy by focusing on anything other than creating. Stop thinking about past failures, current circumstances, fear of failure, external validation, approval, scarcity, competition, your problems, the world\u2019s problems, complaints, and arguing. Instead, focus on creating.<\/p>\n By creating, you are the solution. Be the solution! Create! Here is a section of text that stuck in my mind for over a decade.<\/p>\n You must get rid of the thought of competition. You are to create, not to compete for what is already created.<\/em><\/p>\n You do not have to take anything away from anyone.<\/em><\/p>\n You do not have to drive sharp bargains.<\/em><\/p>\n You do not have to cheat or to take advantage. You do not need to let any person work for you for less than they earn.<\/em><\/p>\n You do not have to covet the property of others or look at it with wishful eyes; no person has anything of which you cannot have the like, and that without taking what they have away from them.<\/em><\/p>\n You are to become a creator, not a competitor; you are going to get what you want, but in such a way that when you get it, every other person will have more than they have now.<\/em><\/p>\n Although the book is not about creative thinking per se, it goes deeper because it emphasizes the creative power of thought and action. The goal of creative thinking is to create. You can download the free eBook version of this classic book at Project Gutenberg<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Resources” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Once again, I urge everyone to check out Academic Vocabulary for Critical Thinking, Logical Arguments, and Effective Communication<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. It provides a necessary foundation for creative thinking.<\/p>\nThe Practical Use of Creative Thinking<\/h2>\n
\n
The Five Key Areas of Life Where Creative Thinking Is Essential<\/h2>\n
\n
1. Ideas, Possibilities, and Connections: Creative Endeavors<\/h2>\n
2. Ideas, Possibilities, and Connections: Innovation<\/h2>\n
3. Ideas, Possibilities, and Connections: Entrepreneurship<\/h2>\n
4. Ideas, Possibilities, and Connections: Problem Solving<\/h2>\n
5. Ideas, Possibilities, and Connections: Negotiation<\/h2>\n
Prepared for Creativity: Creativity Is Built on Knowledge!<\/h2>\n
The Science of Getting Rich: Become a Creator!<\/h2>\n
Resources for Creative Thinking<\/h2>\n