You are sitting at your desk trying to come up with a new idea, a fresh marketing campaign, or the best way to tackle an issue. You are hoping for inspiration, but nothing comes. So instead, you reach for another cup of coffee, or check your emails, and hope that by delaying the project, you will suddenly feel inspired and more creative.
Creativity or inspiration does not happen in a vacuum. Creativity is a skill that we need to nurture and grow over time. Then, when we need to use innovative thinking, we are ready to tap into that skillset. While some people will talk about having the right setting for visioning and creative thinking, that is actually a small part of what will allow us to succeed.
Instead, it is key to build your capacity to think innovatively on a regular basis. For example, if you practice asking yourself questions that require you to think in new ways, this will prompt your mind to shift from the normal patterns. Questions could include such examples as, “If this were not an option, how else might I approach this issue?” or “If I were to look at through the eyes of our clients, how would they want to see this service delivered?”
Asking questions that cause us to adapt to another perspective is invaluable, since we often default to our own patterns and preferences. At heart, creativity is elevating an experience and delivery for others. In the end, we should choose what will be best for those we are serving and communicating with. However, we can also create a “Wow!” moment by considering what will bring that unexpected element that had not occurred to anyone before.
Discovering new ways of viewing work, life, and the world at large will enhance your capacity for creative thinking. Begin with curiosity and try to discover why someone sees things so differently. This will assist you in broadening your understanding of an issue, and this understanding can then be used in new situations as well. Whether you are planning a meal, or a trip, or developing a new service or product, delight your mind and your client by bringing a creative view to the task at hand. Life is more fun when approached through a creative lens.
