5 Ways to Stimulate Creative Thinking: By Karen Loye Porter
http://creativethinkingforwomen.com/articles/64560/1/5-Ways-to-Stimulate-Creative-Thinking--By-Karen-Loye-Porter/Page1.html
Doris Lim
Doris Lim, the owner of "CreativeThinkingForWomen.com", has only one thing in mind when she started this niche site, and that is to create awareness to the general public that you don't have to be a "rocket scientist" to have "creative thinking". She believes that no one should be thought of as being smarter or more creative just because one possesses a higher education. Of course, that helps a little. But, she believes that anyone can be taught to "think creatively". All one has to do is tap into that brain one has been born with and bring out the creative side. With so much knowledge and information available on the internet nowadays, it will take alot of effort, energy and time to select the best authors/writers, articles, tips and "how-to's" to come together in a creative process in this niche site and make it the "1-Stop Centre for Creative Thinking". And because Doris is a woman, this website will be dedicated to all "women", thus the name "CreativeThinkingForWomen.com" (Softly whispering... "men" are also welcome to visit).
A little bit of history about Doris. Having both an Asian and European background (Chinese and Portuguese), her thoughts are equally governed by both the East as well as the West. That accounts for her love of the English Language (she's being accused of having a British accent when she converses with Americans) and her obsession with Korean television serials (obviously, she has to make do with English subtitles). But, enough chit-chat.
Her credentials stem from her extensive years of experience working with "great minds" who "think creatively" and "act creatively". She has prepared speeches for politicians, consumer activists, assisted authors and researchers in the production of books and newsletters and also dabbled in the advertising and public relations sector.
Thus her quest now - to boldly go where no mind has gone before (no, we're not watching "Star Trek") and seek the BEST stuff out there in the "Cyber World" in order to share with her readers/subscribers, the various aspects of "Creative Thinking".
By Doris Lim
Published on 08/21/2010
While creativity may come naturally to many people, some people suffer from creative block or simply don't consider themselves to be creative. The truth is, we are all creative by nature - we just need to develop our internal creativity.
5 Ways to Stimulate Creative Thinking: By Karen Loye Porter
While creativity may come naturally to many people, some people suffer from creative block or simply don't consider themselves to be creative. The truth is, we are all creative by nature - we just need to develop our internal creativity.
At the same time, there are times when even the most innovative people can find themselves creatively challenged.
So just what do you do when you're stuck for ideas and absolutely nothing comes to mind? While there is no one way guaranteed to get creative ideas flowing, here are 5 easy ways to jump-start creativity.
* Keep a journal with you so you can take notes on the fly. Creative ideas can be triggered by anything you may hear, see, or smell. Your senses are adept at stimulating creative thinking. Write your ideas down as they come to you and keep those thoughts organized for future reference. You may also want to write down something that you have read or heard if it sparks a thought that might be further developed. Innovative ideas can come from anywhere - it's the enhancement or refinement of the original idea that makes it truly unique.
* Relax and take time to absorb your thoughts. You must have a clear mind to develop creative ideas and take them to the next level. It is important to clear excess "mind clutter" and stressful thoughts that too often consume much of our conscious thinking. Instead, the ideal is a clean mental slate that encourages creative thinking.
* Create a thinking place that encourages a positive and relaxed mood that will stimulate your creativity. Your thinking space should make you feel peaceful and inspired. For some, a sip of wine, certain types of music, or a specific scent in the air can make a difference in how easily creative ideas will flow. Creative ideas come most easily when your mind is relaxed and open to new ideas.
* Go on a mini-getaway or do something out of the ordinary. Take a hike on a beautiful day, go roller-blading, take a scenic drive, relax by a rushing stream, or do whatever sounds appealing. By taking a break from your usual routine, the mind shifts gears and creative ideas are far more likely to flow.
* Use your time at rest to develop creative ideas. The mind works subconsciously while sleeping so take full advantage. Before drifting off to sleep, focus upon the creative challenge you face. When you do fall asleep, your subconscious mind may produce potential solutions. If you wake up with a solution or creative idea, have a pen and paper handy to jot down your thoughts. You would be amazed at the number of great ideas that are suddenly lost forever come light of day.
While everyone is different, one or more of these ideas is sure to help you stimulate your creative thinking and problem solving abilities. Who knows - combining several may bring out your true creative genius.
While creativity may come naturally to many people, some people suffer from creative block or simply don't consider themselves to be creative. The truth is, we are all creative by nature - we just need to develop our internal creativity.
At the same time, there are times when even the most innovative people can find themselves creatively challenged.
So just what do you do when you're stuck for ideas and absolutely nothing comes to mind? While there is no one way guaranteed to get creative ideas flowing, here are 5 easy ways to jump-start creativity.
* Keep a journal with you so you can take notes on the fly. Creative ideas can be triggered by anything you may hear, see, or smell. Your senses are adept at stimulating creative thinking. Write your ideas down as they come to you and keep those thoughts organized for future reference. You may also want to write down something that you have read or heard if it sparks a thought that might be further developed. Innovative ideas can come from anywhere - it's the enhancement or refinement of the original idea that makes it truly unique.
* Relax and take time to absorb your thoughts. You must have a clear mind to develop creative ideas and take them to the next level. It is important to clear excess "mind clutter" and stressful thoughts that too often consume much of our conscious thinking. Instead, the ideal is a clean mental slate that encourages creative thinking.
* Create a thinking place that encourages a positive and relaxed mood that will stimulate your creativity. Your thinking space should make you feel peaceful and inspired. For some, a sip of wine, certain types of music, or a specific scent in the air can make a difference in how easily creative ideas will flow. Creative ideas come most easily when your mind is relaxed and open to new ideas.
* Go on a mini-getaway or do something out of the ordinary. Take a hike on a beautiful day, go roller-blading, take a scenic drive, relax by a rushing stream, or do whatever sounds appealing. By taking a break from your usual routine, the mind shifts gears and creative ideas are far more likely to flow.
* Use your time at rest to develop creative ideas. The mind works subconsciously while sleeping so take full advantage. Before drifting off to sleep, focus upon the creative challenge you face. When you do fall asleep, your subconscious mind may produce potential solutions. If you wake up with a solution or creative idea, have a pen and paper handy to jot down your thoughts. You would be amazed at the number of great ideas that are suddenly lost forever come light of day.
While everyone is different, one or more of these ideas is sure to help you stimulate your creative thinking and problem solving abilities. Who knows - combining several may bring out your true creative genius.
Karen Loye Porter is an entrepreneur, writer, educator, and online marketer with a keen interest in creativity. If you like these tips for stimulating creative ideas, Karen recommends you request the free guide, "How to Be Creative" offered by her colleague, creativity consultant, Hank Olguin. Claim your free guide here => http://www.creativeideasforsuccess.com/how-to-be-creative.html
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