Increasing Creativity For Success

As you consider your goal and determine the bestnow - do you even see one office without Post-its
course of action to achieve it you will require somearound? There are at least 6 pads of Post-its in my
creative avenues of thinking about the challenges thatdesk drawer. I have one in the kitchen, one in my car
will present themselves. The most creative thinkers outand one by the side of my bed.
there will encourage you to think positively and toIf you associate with those who are known for their
inspire you to consider even the most outlandish ideas.creativity, it will rub off on you. And you will see things
A way to do this is to Brainstorm. This is achieved byin a new light and think differently about situations as
starting with a piece of paper and writing down everywell. You can also find audio books, streaming online
idea that springs to mind about the situation you arevideo and speeches that will stir up your creative
encountering. Write down everything that you can thinkjuices. Professional speakers and those who have
of, even if you consider it to be too simple or too"been there, done that," often join the speaking circuit
foolish to consider. Just Write it Down!and can inject fresh ideas and new life into your goals
In a few days, but not now when you are writing themand show you new and innovative ways to achieve
down, read again what you have written and evaluatethem.
these ideas. Nurture these ideas much like new plantsYou may find, as I do, that when I'm working on a
in the garden. You must give a great deal of attentionhobby that I really enjoy, like flying my remote control
to these ideas and see them blossom as you wouldaeroplane, I relax a part of my brain that was engaged
the plants in the garden. You might find that one ideain my problem-solving. When that happens, I typically
you actually thought the most foolish turns out to befind a potential solution to my dilemma.
your most promising idea after all.Artistic creativity often triggers other forms of creative
I know when I worked in community and mediathinking, as it engages a different area of the brain than
relations for a large company, we would get togetherwhat we are used to using. Pick up a paintbrush, select
for Brainstorming sessions to generate new marketinga coloured pencil, arrange some pictures or begin a
and sponsorship opportunities.needlework or carpentry project. You may find in using
Also remember the man who came up with the ideacolour and artistry you have gained a new lease on life
for Post-it Notes? The adhesive was discovered longand a new enthusiasm for what you are hoping to
before they found a use for it - and the person whoachieve. Suddenly you could find yourself inspired to
said, "Let's make some note pads that are small andmove to new heights.
can be easily removed," was probably laughed at. ButThis could be the start of something very exciting!