CREATIVE THINKING

Most people associate creativity with the arts like writing a novel, painting a picture, or composing music. These are all creative endeavors, but not all creative thinkers are artists. Indeed, many jobs require a lot of creative thinking, despite having nothing to do with the arts. Creativity simply means being able to come up with something new. If you can do that, not only can you enrich your own personal life, but you’ll have an advantage in whatever field you enter. You just need to recognize your own creativity.

What is Creative Thinking?

Creative thinking means thinking about new things or thinking in new ways. It is “thinking outside the box.” Often, creativity in this sense involves what is called lateral thinking, or the ability to perceive patterns that are not obvious. The fictional detective Sherlock Holmes used lateral thinking in one famous story when he realized that a dog not barking was an important clue in a murder case. Some people are naturally more creative than others, but creative thinking can be strengthened with practice. You can practice creative thinking by solving riddles, by becoming aware of and letting go of your assumptions, and through play—anything unstructured and relaxing. Even daydreaming can help. Creative people can devise new ways to carry out tasks, solve problems, and meet challenges. They bring a fresh, and sometimes, unorthodox perspective to their work and can help departments and organizations to move in more productive directions. Is it any wonder many employers today seek candidates with creative thinking skills for many different jobs?