One Acorn ~ Critical & Creative Thinking

Nourish the Acorn That is You With 

Ten Keys To Thinking Creatively

1. ASK WHY: Always be curious and questioning.
2. BE PLAYFUL: Don't be afraid to have fun. Even better, think like a kid. What would a child think if they were looking at what you were?
3. ASSOCIATE: Try to make connections with ideas, images, and the things around you. When solving problems look for random and unusual associations.
4. BE NAPOLEON: Or Shakespeare, Picasso, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Theresa, Bill Gates. Put yourself in the shoes of another and think about how they would approach your idea or problem.
5. LOOK FOR PATTERNS: Try to discern patterns in the world around you. Look for cycles, tendencies, behaviors and similiarities. Can they enhance your projects and ideas?
6. LOOK FOR SYNCHRONICITY: When you are focused on something, patterns and opportunities appear. Learn how to recognize this synchronous moments and take advantage of them.
7. TAKE RISKS: Emotional, Mental, Creative or Physical. If you are afraid to step out of your comfort zone you'll never experience extraordinary things.
8. ASK WHAT IF? Ask this question when you are stuck, when you are looking for new avenues of thought and when you want to really exercise creative muscle. Let yourself explore the answer, regardless of how silly or illogical it might seem.
9. DON'T STOP WITH ONE IDEA: The more ideas you have, the better your chances of finding a good one. Don't be afraid to keep asking questions. Look for alternatives. Never just settle for one answer.
10. LOSE THE EXCUSES: Nike really hit the jackpot with their slogan "Just Do It." Productivity and creativity live in a vicious cycle. One always begets the other but you have to start somewhere. Start with productivity and creativity will follow.