EIGHT WAYS YOU CAN BEGIN TO THINK MORE CREATIVELY

EIGHT WAYS YOU CAN BEGIN TO THINK MORE CREATIVELY

Look at it differently

Re-state or re-phrase a problem in as many ways as possible.  Initial approaches usually draw from past experiences.  A new approach may lead to a new solution.

Make it visible

Geniuses use their spatial abilities to display information in new ways.  So draw it, graph it, and diagram the problems on a paper or white board to gain a new perspective.

Do something

A study of geniuses found that they not only produced great works but lots of mediocre ones.  Quantity can sometimes lead to quality.  Einstein had a few memorable scientific papers but published over 250.

Combine things

Putting differing ideas and images into new thought, whether they make sense or not.  Ask, “What if we combined concept A with concept B?  What would that produce?”  Then ask about the combination o A, B and C.

Force it

Unconnected concepts must often be forced.   Sometimes novel inventions come from bailing wire and chewing gum solutions.  Connecting seemingly unconnectable thoughts, concepts and processes can lead to genius breakthroughs.

Think opposites

Rather than asking, “What is the problem?” consider asking, “What isn’t the problem?”   If you are a male, consider how you might view an issue from a female perspective.  Create opportunities to see an issue from all perspectives.

Think in metaphors

Can you compare the issue or problem with another existing condition?  Is this similar to something in another field, sport or nature?  This can help explain a concept as well as draw new ideas from other fields.

Prepare for chance.

The principle of creative accidents means asking, “What did we produce?” rather than, “Why did we fail?”  We often find unexpected successes when we follow an interesting, failed, first try.