Hacking Creativity

HACKING CREATIVITY MARTINA MCGOWAN

www.MartinaMcGowan.com

ARE CREATIVES BORN OR MADE? YES!!! Some people are born with a creative

mind, but that does not mean that creative thinking cannot be learned and developed.

You may even believe that you do not have a creative bone in your body, but this simply is not the truth.

If you were not capable of some type of creative thinking, you would be a robot!


BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

The first step is the belief that you can acquire and develop the skill.

The truth is that, if you continue to set up a mental roadblock and tell yourself that you cannot think creatively, you will never get past step #1.

When you truly believe in yourself, you open up doors.

The possibilities are endless just because you decided to give creative thinking a shot.


DEVELOP YOUR CREATIVITY

In order to foster creativity in your life, begin thinking about where you want to apply your newfound creativity.

It is helpful in the beginning to have a specific goal instead of too broad a goal of just "thinking" creatively overall.

You may want to start with discovering better solutions to common problems at work, or decide to broaden your horizons with an artistic goal during your free time.

No matter what your goal, here are the steps:


1. BRAINSTORM

When looking for ideas for a project, or solutions to a challenge, write down everything that comes to mind; no holding back.

Do not concern yourself with the logistics of how to get the thing done, or staying organized, just let your mind fly free.


2. FREE WRITE

Pick up a pen and let your mind go wild on the topic of your choosing.

Tell yourself that you cannot pause or put the pen down… you must keep writing.

You will be amazed at what you can unload and download from your mind during a free writing session!


3. ALTER THE ENVIRONMENT

You may have noticed that your patterns of thinking change when you are in different places.

If you are feeling stuck, try changing your environment.

Go outdoors and get some fresh air, hang out in a coffee shop.

It may be exactly what you need in order to discover a new and exciting idea.


4. TAKE COPIOUS NOTES

Always carry some kind of note taking device with you, whether it is paper, handheld recorder, or a mobile device.

Record your ideas as they come to you, no matter where you are at the time.

Creative thoughts can come and go quickly, but if you write them down you will not forget them.


5. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Even though it may seem boring, you can do some research online, or even the public library.

When you do, you will learn that knowledge is power and it will enable your brain to go places it would not normally have gone.

Enjoy the journey and always follow your love of learning.

Research will also provide you with new angles of thought.


6. EMPATHIZE

While everyone comes with their own unique set of abilities and opinions, when you develop your creativity, you will learn to come up with new ideas and solve problems from different points of view.

No matter what challenge you may be faced with, spend time considering the perspective of others.

While you may not share the opinion of another, see if you can figure out how or why they have that view.

Developing this empathy will keep your mind open, which will further foster your creativity.


When you get into the habit of opening your mind, writing down every idea, checking out new areas, and becoming more empathic, you will be surprised, amazed and pleased with your outbursts of creativity!


TO YOUR CONTINUED SUCCESS!!! MARTINA MCGOWAN


Hacking Creativity

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