| As you consider your goal and determine the best | | | | now - do you even see one office without Post-its |
| course of action to achieve it you will require some | | | | around? There are at least 6 pads of Post-its in my |
| creative avenues of thinking about the challenges that | | | | desk drawer. I have one in the kitchen, one in my car |
| will present themselves. The most creative thinkers out | | | | and one by the side of my bed. |
| there will encourage you to think positively and to | | | | If 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 by | | | | in a new light and think differently about situations as |
| starting with a piece of paper and writing down every | | | | well. You can also find audio books, streaming online |
| idea that springs to mind about the situation you are | | | | video and speeches that will stir up your creative |
| encountering. Write down everything that you can think | | | | juices. 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 them | | | | and show you new and innovative ways to achieve |
| down, read again what you have written and evaluate | | | | them. |
| these ideas. Nurture these ideas much like new plants | | | | You may find, as I do, that when I'm working on a |
| in the garden. You must give a great deal of attention | | | | hobby that I really enjoy, like flying my remote control |
| to these ideas and see them blossom as you would | | | | aeroplane, I relax a part of my brain that was engaged |
| the plants in the garden. You might find that one idea | | | | in my problem-solving. When that happens, I typically |
| you actually thought the most foolish turns out to be | | | | find 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 media | | | | thinking, as it engages a different area of the brain than |
| relations for a large company, we would get together | | | | what we are used to using. Pick up a paintbrush, select |
| for Brainstorming sessions to generate new marketing | | | | a 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 idea | | | | colour and artistry you have gained a new lease on life |
| for Post-it Notes? The adhesive was discovered long | | | | and a new enthusiasm for what you are hoping to |
| before they found a use for it - and the person who | | | | achieve. Suddenly you could find yourself inspired to |
| said, "Let's make some note pads that are small and | | | | move to new heights. |
| can be easily removed," was probably laughed at. But | | | | This could be the start of something very exciting! |