Typically, when we attempt to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge, we reach into our old bag of tricks and try to pull out a solution that has worked in the past. Yet, reaching a successful outcome often requires novel ideas, fresh alternatives, or new possibilities. The ability to transcend the past and tap into creative solutions is a skill that allows us to see things from a different perspective.
To invoke your creative thinking and creative actions, you do not have to be a special type of person—everyone can do it. Creativity is a skill and talent that can be developed through practice. To get your creative solutions flowing, invoke these elements:
See problems as interesting and acceptable.
We often see problems or challenges in life as unacceptable. We avoid pain or suppress it, and in doing so do not listen to the symptoms that are there to tell us something important.
Creative people accept problems as a natural and normal part of life. They understand that moving through these challenges will allow them to reach greater heights of skill, ability, or talent.
Become curious.
Curiosity allows you to shed new light on your personal challenges. Look at your problem from multiple angles and learn to ask “what would happen if” and “I wonder….” questions to awaken your creativity.
Curiosity-based questions are a way to explore, examine, and play with things from new angles and perspectives. Take out your journal and begin to look at your situation with interest. Become an explorer! Act like an investigative reporter who is excited about uncovering secrets and looking at the story from all angles. Learning to relax your mind allows you to embrace the situation and listen to inspiration that originates from within.
Confront challenge.
When facing a difficult situation, most of us would rather retreat and avoid uncomfortable anxiety and fear. In truth, backing away from your challenge does relieve the anxiety, at least temporarily. In the long-term, avoiding action can lead to lowered self-esteem, feeling powerless and frustrated, and sabotaging your success. Find new ways to face your challenge rather than running from it. Begin to ask yourself, “I wonder how can I overcome this?”
Constructively Complain.
Articulate what is wrong with your world, and allow your discontent to be a motivation to do something.
Taking action to achieve your dreams or overcome challenges is important. Yet, you already know that sometimes we base our actions on things we think we “should” be doing. Those types of forced actions tend to kill motivation. Check with your heart and find the creative action that feels inspired. Invite the supportive “just right” type of creative solutions that feel fulfilling and satisfying. Look into your creative soul and invite the right creative action for right now.
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Great advice on increasing creativity! I think you’re really on to something with the curiousity thing. The more curious I become, the more creative I become.
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Who knew creativity was about more than finding your inner artist! I loved the part that talked about creative people accept challenges as a natural part of life, not something to be bulldozed through. In that moment, I took a breath and realized I could do something different. You changed my world today, Thank You.