Creativity is the result of how you think. Practicing the habits of creative thinking allows you to break the barrier of what's achievable. Better skills, and the ability to get through tough situations are just a few of the things creative thinking brings.
According to a global study, "only 1 in 4 believe they are living up to their creative potential." That's a sad fact due to what's truly possible. But what's the good news here? Well, we all know how important the strive for creativity is. Plus we have the opportunity to create all day long.
We may sometimes be interrupted by days activities, facebook (and other social medias) or getting organized but creative minds always find time to be creative.
Whether you wanna start being creative or you want to maximize your creative thinking potential, here are the habits of creative thinkers to learn from.
1. Learn Something New Every Day
There's one simple fact you need to know in order to succeed. In order to have the life you want. To live beyond the confined space of so-called life. And to spark your imagination so you can do the best work possible.
Here it is.
"Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. You can change it. You can influence it. You can build your own things that other people can use." - Steve Jobs
Creative minds don't let other's achievements affect their own creation of something remarkable. If you think you can't do something - write a novel or a song, code a website, or make a product you believe people will need - think again. Think about the fact that everything you see right now was created by someone. Did they have some sort of superpower?
No. They were a creative thinker who practiced the habits of creative thinking truly and passionately.
Developing creativity means learning something new every day. Take time between your normal schooling and running errands to acquire a new skill. This could also mean experimenting with new techniques for the stuff you're already working on.
Here's an example for you. My friend is a photographer and has just recently starting drawing. Every day he makes sure to draw something - a sketch, a concept, a character, anything. What he told me is that the more he draws, the more interesting his art becomes. New techniques and approaches to drawing lines helps expand the creativity of his work. You know what happened next? His photography became more interesting too.
Creativity happens when you make the effort to learn or try something new every day. Pretty soon it will become a habit. Have good creative habits and your mind will be happy.
2. Connect The Dots
Steve Jobs talked about it in his famous commencement speech (you can click the link to watch on you tube). He said that creativity is just connecting the dots. Creative thinkers produce ideas by finding the relationship between facts. Facts merely on their own are useless until one sees the connection between them.
Creative thinkers produce ideas by finding the relationship between facts. Facts merely on their own are useless until one sees the connection between them.
When you see the connection between facts, you're able to create something different.
Developing a wide range of skills is a great way to discover the connection of ideas. Don't just stick to what you're "naturally" good at.
The connection between ideas doesn't happen unless you explore a little. Start enhancing your natural gift with the skills that complement it. Writers can learn about photography, designers can learn about development, and developers can learn about design. Everyone will thank you for your ability to see above and beyond. You may even spot something they weren't aware of and offer your advice.
3. See The Potential and Make A List
Don't stop thinking just because the technology, money, or support behind your idea doesn't exist yet. It will someday. Reality is the result of imagination. What you put into the machine of creativity is the actual product or innovation you'll get out.
You can create your best work based on the amount of vision you put into a single idea. Even Einstein famously said, "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Here's what you should do. Make a list of the things you want to do, to be, and to achieve. Without editing, without thinking too much, and without believing something's impossible - just write a list.
Now take a good look at your list. Keeping in mind the habits of creative thinking, what is stopping you from making the things on your list a reality? Remember that reality is what you create. Think creatively and you'll find solutions to the issues that may come up when you're working.
4. Don't Shut The Door On Creativity
We all know it's important to listen to other's feedback. But if someone is telling you something can't be done or shouldn't be done without hearing the full story - don't listen to them. Create without interruption. You don't want someone knocking down your ideas before those ideas flourish.
You don’t want someone knocking down your ideas before those ideas flourish.
Also keep in mind, we have to sometimes tone down our creative mind from getting too wild. But don't do this right away. Example, If asked for a logo with very specific requests, don't immediately follow those rules.
First, design with your initial instincts. What could you do with their concept that they hadn't asked for? Then tone it down to meet their requirements. It may even inspire your client to think of something they would want to include in the design. But if you're going to do this, make sure most of the work you present them follows what they asked for. The point is to keep the door to creativity open. When you write, don't stop to edit. This is when you loose all the good thoughts that prompted you to open a blank document in the first place.
Create now and edit after. Who knows where your creative mind will go?
Alright, i will conclude by saying you should never, ever believe someone else can do better you (This isn't pride). I have this friend of mine with an amazing voice and all she ever does is point out people better than her, now this can limit your creativity. Think "i can be the best" work towards it. It might be difficult but then,THE END always justifies THE MEANS.
