Q: Sometimes I get really quiet during a brainstorming session. I'm just not a creative person. How can I overcome that?
A: I consider myself very creative, so let me help you with that.
Guess what? I actually practiced Step #1 (below) in today's Answer that I gave you (above).
- Start seeing yourself as creative-- and you will become more creative.
- Drive a different route to work and home tomorrow. This will help you practice a new habit.
- Occasionally brush your teeth with the opposite hand you would normally use. It makes your brain think in different patterns.
- Go to a Chamber networking event and don't visit with people you already know. Go right up to someone new. Ask them plenty of questions so that they do most of the talking.
- When you go to a restaurant this week, order something on the menu you've never tried before.
- Next time you are trying to come up with a solution for a problem, try drawing pictures of what the outcome will look like once you achieve it.
- Keep your eye on people you think are creative. Listen to what they say and notice how they seem to think. Try out some of their strategies.
- Look around your office and notice what objects are in it. Stare at each one (one at a time) and think of a purpose for the object other than what you would normally use it for. (Example: pretend the light in the ceiling is actually a tanning bulb you could sit under to get some Vitamin D.)
- Quietly sit and think of something you will be offering at your organization ten years from now and pretend you already provide it.
- Find the closest mirror and look at your face. Now broadly smile the biggest smile you've ever smiled. Show as many teeth as possible. (Note: You might want to try this one after everyone else goes home.)
Congratulations! You are already thinking more creatively than before you read this blog.
