FROM THE BLOG

Yes, you can be creative – Part 2

Posted by Tarah Carlow on May 26, 2016

Last week, we talked about the six thinking hats as a process that allows us to think through problems and decisions in a detailed and cohesive way. This week, I’d like to go a little broader into the steps you can take to think through those same problems, but with a greater emphasis on creativity and imagination. Keep in mind, this ‘process’ can take anywhere from several years to several hours, depending on the project urgency, magnitude and frankly, whether you’re ‘feeling it’ or not.

In your next brainstorming session, give these two processes a try and see what you come up with. The results just might surprise you.

Now, here are the 5 steps to nurturing creativity:

1. Gather the raw materials– don’t sit around waiting for inspiration- be curious.

Always be aware. Gather specific information as well as general information. I can’t tell you how many folders of info I have tucked away on various topics. Whenever I find something interesting, I file it. When I am starting a project, it is not unusual to have 4 folders with 30 sheets of paper in various degrees of highlighting starting me on my journey.

2. Digest- how do they link? Or don’t they?

Review all of the information you have saved- much will not seem as good as it was at the time, so toss it. End up with the key indicators or summaries of thoughts for your project.

3. Don’t think- thinking is a four letter word for creativity

Let your thoughts subconsciously bubble away. Play some music, have the television on in the background to distract you a little. Then just start sketching, designing or writing. Just do it without any thought at all. Sometimes a little wine doesn’t hurt either- just saying.

4. Wait for eureka- wait for it…. wait for it……

It will happen to the most and least creative of us if you let it. You must open your mind and realize it when you see it. And always keep a notebook or iphone or something to record ideas on…and then actually record the ideas. Trust me on this- the ideas will come and go in a flash and you will not remember, (even though you think you will) and it is the crusher of all creativity crushers. Been there done that too many times to count. Learn from my mistakes.

5. Bring the idea to reality- put it out there for “constructive feedback”

This is hard. But I will leave you with a quote that sums this up better than I ever could.

“It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.” – Edward de Bono

Talk soon,

Posted by Tarah Carlow Senior Vice President, Marketing & Advisor Loyalty