Creative thinking is the process you use to formulate new ideas and devise solutions to problems.  How creative is your thinking?  Is your mind constantly searching for new and better ways of doing things or do you find yourself in a mental rut?  If your creative thinking has stalled, there are steps you can take to reinvigorate your creativity.

Young children are innately creative thinkers.  They have no preconceived notions of what is possible.  To a child, everything is a new experience filled with limitless possibilities.  They have no experiential history to limit their thoughts.

As we grow, our thought processes become constrained for a number of reasons.  Any bad experiences start to create a fear of failure which compels us to avoid perceived risks.  As a result, our creative thinking is constrained. 

Also as we grow, we avoid actions that be believe may lead to criticism or ridicule.  As such, we suppress any creative ideas that we feel might not be accepted.

Although we are born with 100% creative thinking ability, over time it can be reduced to almost zero in some people.  However, the fact that there are many people who think creatively for their entire life demonstrates that you have ultimate control over your degree of creative thinking. 

To stimulate your creative thinking you must stop filtering your thoughts through judgment.  Creative thoughts initially appear to be impossible, unlikely, or improbable.  It’s at this stage that the uncreative thinker discards them as unrealistic.  So stop judging yourself and your thoughts.

Think freely.  Inspiration and the solutions you need are all around you.  They may come from any source in any form.  Open your mind to finding them and you will begin to see more.

Brainstorming is utilized by creative thinkers to keep the ideas flowing.  It’s a great technique to exercise your creative thinking.  Just like physical exercise, it requires regular practice to become proficient.

When brainstorming, you want to write down as many ideas as possible.  All ideas are equal.  Don’t evaluate any of your ideas as to their practicality.  It doesn’t matter if something has been done before or seems impossible.

Approach problems and challenges from every possible perspective.  There are no limitations when brainstorming.  Issues of money, time, skill, knowledge, or chances of success are irrelevant.

In brainstorming, quantity is more important than quality.  It is helpful to have several brainstorming sessions rather than one long one to avoid getting stuck.  Allow some time in between each session.  You will find new ideas popping into your head when you least expect it.

In between sessions, look for ideas everywhere.  You can never tell what will spark your thinking.  It could be something you overhear, a news report, someone else’s experience, something you read or see on TV, or just the light bulb in your mind flashing on unexpectedly.  You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  Study what others have already done.  You can build on their experience. 

Breaking out of routines can help spark creativity.  Change things around.  Shake up your thinking.  Question why you do what you do.  Vary how you approach tasks and the order in which you do them.  Engage in spontaneous activities. 

Reconnect with your childhood sense of wonder.  Let your mind wander.  Daydreaming is a great source of creativity.  Following some of the suggestions listed here will help stimulate your creative thinking. 

You are born with a highly creative mind.  When it lies dormant or is suppressed, it stagnates and weakens.  It doesn’t matter how long your creativity has been inactive, it’s never too late to restart it.  Once you start stimulating your creative thinking, it will quickly become reinvigorated.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2011 Bryan Golden

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed