How to become a creative thinker

    
Creative thinking is an important part of how suc­cessful individuals think, but few people possess this skill. Creative thinkers value ideas, enjoy exploring options, embrace ambiguity, celebrate the offbeat, connect what is seemingly unconnected, and do not fear failure. Creative thinking is valuable because it results in a large number of ideas for consideration. People who are always seeking new ideas tend to learn more.


 1. Avoid “creativity killers.” Creativity killers are people who are comfortable with the status quo and do not embrace new ideas. When an indi­vidual has a great idea, they must not let anyone dissuade them. If people and organizations con­tinue to do the same things repeatedly, it is not possible to pursue anything new and exciting.

2. Ask the right questions. To think creatively and to challenge the status quo, it is necessary to ask good questions.

3. Develop a creative environment. While negative environments destroy great ideas, creative envi­ronments are like greenhouses where great ideas are cultivated. In these places, there is a focus on innovation, a high degree of trust among team members, and appreciation for the power of a dream.

4. Spend time with creative people. One way to coun­teract a negative environment is to spend time with creative people. Maxwell notes that creativity tends to be contagious.

5. Get out of “the box.” It is easy to get stuck in the same routines. One of the best ways to avoid this is to seek out new paradigms through travel or reading about new subjects.
 
 
 

 

 

The content of this article initially appears from the book of John Maxwell- How Successful People Think.