Iredafe Owolabi

Top 3 Best Books to Enhance Your Creativity in 2024

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Career, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Problem-solving, Thinking / Iredafe Owolabi

In this article, I would be performing a review of 3 of the best books that can help you enhance and develop your creativity. All the books that are mentioned in this blog post have been read by me. Based on my personal study, I will be making a recommendation for you if you are considering resource materials that can help boost your creativity. Here are the Top 3 Best Books to Enhance Your Creativity this Year The 3 best creativity books that rank as top best books to boost your creativity are worth reading. If you want to be intentional about developing your creativity and problem solving skills this year, you should not just add them to your bucket list but also read them. They are: 1. “Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence” by Dr. Ben Carson. 2.“Ignite Your Creativity: How to transform your Ideas, Skills, Gifts and Talents to Tangible creations” by Iredafenevesho Owolabi. 3. “Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life” by Jim Kwik. These books offer valuable insights and techniques that can aid in creativity development. Here’s a highlight of these books: 1. “Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence” by Dr. Ben Carson Overview In “Think Big,” Dr. Ben Carson, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and former U.S. Presidential candidate, shares his inspiring life story and the principles that guided him to achieve extraordinary success. While not solely focused on creativity, this book offers invaluable insights on personal development and thinking outside the box. These insights are foundational and core to developing your creativity skills. In the key takeaways, you will see why this book was selected among the best books to enhance your creativity. Key Takeaways for Creativity Development: 1. Overcoming Adversity Dr. Carson’s journey from a troubled youth to a groundbreaking neurosurgeon demonstrates the power of resilience and creative problem-solving. His story inspires readers to overcome obstacles and challenges in their own lives. 2. Importance of Education The book highlights the transformative power of education and continuous learning. Dr. Carson emphasizes that knowledge broadens one’s creative horizons and opens up new possibilities. 3. Thinking Big Dr. Carson encourages readers to set audacious goals and think beyond their comfort zones. This mindset shift can stimulate creative thinking by pushing individuals to explore unconventional solutions. 4. Mind and Brain Connection Given Dr. Carson’s background in neuroscience, he touches upon the incredible potential of the human brain. Understanding the brain’s capacity can inspire readers to explore their own creative potential. 5. Moral and Ethical Creativity Dr. Carson discusses the importance of ethical decision-making, reminding us that creativity should be harnessed for the betterment of society. This perspective can help channel creative energies in a positive direction. “Think Big” provides a motivating and thought-provoking read, offering valuable life lessons that can indirectly contribute to enhancing creativity. Grab a copy of “Think Big” here. 2. “Ignite Your Creativity: How to transform your Ideas, Gifts, Skills and Talents to Tangible Creations” by Iredafenevesho Owolabi Overview: In this book, Iredafe Owolabi, a creativity coach, seeks to bridge the gap between having great ideas, gifts, or potential and transforming them into profitable creations. It is dedicated to those who recognize that their God-given potential is not meant to remain dormant on Earth. It seeks to help readers transform their ideas, gifts, skills, and talents into tangible creations, regardless of their background or status. This book promises to empower readers to fully uncover their hidden genius and contribute to the ongoing creation story of the world. The author’s writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex concepts accessible to all readers. Little wonder it is a best-selling book on creativity. By drawing from both scripture and contemporary stories, the book offers a well-rounded understanding of creativity. It encourages readers to actively participate in exercises and take notes, fostering a true transformation in their creative abilities. Key Takeaways for Creativity Development: 1. Bust the Myths About Creativity With “Ignite Your Creativity,” you can expect to shed the layers of misconceptions, embrace the true essence of creativity, and unlock the boundless potential that lies within you. Read this article to get some insights to these misconceptions: What Creativity is Not: 7 Popular Myths about Creativity Questions like how to overcome the “lack of funding” problem that most creatives struggle with will be dealt with head on with practical solutions that you can hit the ground running with. This book is a life manual for creativity, designed to guide you toward a remarkable journey of self-discovery and growth. It will remain among the best books on creativity for a very long time and is definitely a keeper. 2. Your Roadmap to Creativity This book provides you an opportunity to sharpen your problem-solving skills and create a future filled with fulfillment. So, embark on this extraordinary adventure with the author. Dive into the chapters, immerse yourself in the exercises and principles, and apply what you learn. “Ignite Your Creativity” promises to ignite your creative spark and propel you towards a life of purpose, innovation, and vision accomplishment. 3. Creativity Enhancement This book isn’t just about inspiration; it’s a manual for action. Professionals yearning to break free from the shackles of the mundane will find themselves captivated by Iredafe’s passionate tone and expert guidance. The emphasis on diving into a result-driven strategy, leveraging inherent talents, and harnessing creativity to stand out in your career is both motivating and actionable. 4. Break out of the Box If you’re a professional, a career enthusiast, or a small business owner ready to shatter the glass ceiling and rise above the 9-to-5 grind, “Ignite Your Creativity” is your guide. It’s a revelation that reminds us that, just like God ignited His creativity to shape the world, we too can shape our careers and businesses with the brilliance of our own creative spark. Prepare to break free, rise above, and craft a career or build a business that’s extraordinary and uniquely yours. This book holds the key to

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Can Creativity Be Taught or Learned? 2 Powerful Reasons

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Innovation / Iredafe Owolabi

Can Creativity be Taught or Learned? Introduction Many people say that creativity cannot be taught but can only be caught. By the time you are done reading this article, you will understand why they think so and have enough insights to know that this is not true. The topic of creativity has fascinated and mystified people for generations. Is it a gift bestowed upon a select few, or can it be cultivated and nurtured? In this blog, we’ll explore the question: Can creativity be taught or learned? We’ll delve into the misconceptions and realities surrounding this intriguing subject that is often misunderstood. By the time you are done reading this, you will know whether creativity can be developed, enhanced or increased in an intentional manner. The Misconception One of the common misconceptions about creativity is that it’s an innate talent. Many believe that you’re either born with it, or you’re not. This belief often leads people to assume that they can’t develop their creative abilities because they weren’t blessed with it from birth. Another reason why this myth that creativity cannot be taught or learned has become popular is that there’s a lot of half-baked or poorly structured information on creativity littered around the internet that makes the subject of creativity appear more confusing and complicated. My Personal Story on Why People Believe Creativity Cannot Be Taught The story below will show you how I came to this conclusion. In the year 2018, I was invited to speak at a 2-day seminar tagged “Think outside the box”. I went for this event and the outcome was so powerful that the memory remains fresh in my mind till this day. During my research for this presentation, I made a profound observation. I noticed that there was a scarcity of information that could sufficiently explain what creativity truly meant. I wanted to grasp a solid understanding of the very fundamentals of creativity and how they can be harnessed intentionally. However, the existing resources were either abstract, disorganized, confusing, or inadequate. The information available online at that time was either half-baked truth or well-baked ignorance. I also noticed another pain point in addition to the lack of reliable resources. There was no packaged resource available to save interested seekers from wasting time on poorly structured free content online. This gap inspired me to create a solution. So, determined to find answers, I embarked on a personal journey of exploration, guided by the Spirit of God. After delivering an exceptional presentation at the seminar, I kept researching and studying the subject of creativity. That year, I wrote a book to document some of the findings I had made titled “Unlocking Your Kingdom Creativity.” Two years after publishing that book, another one followed titled “4-D Thinking” or “Fourth Dimensional Thinking.” Additional Resources: 1. What is 4th Dimensional Thinking? A Powerful Exposition 2. How to Build Wealth Through Creativity – 5 Strategies Five years later I wrote another one titled “Ignite Your Creativity“. The idea behind this one is to help you transform your dormant ideas, skills, gifts and talents to tangible creations and profitable solutions. I believe that many people are confused about whether creativity can be taught or learned because there’s not enough solid content that truly explains what creativity is all about on the internet. That is why there are many misconceptions around the subject of creativity. Some of the popular misconceptions have been demystified in this article here: What Creativity is Not – 7 Popular Myths about Creativity If you would like to have a better understanding of what creativity is, read this: What is Creativity? My Powerful 7-Sided Definition. The Truth About Creativity The truth, however, is far more encouraging. Creativity is not a mystical gift that only a handful of individuals possess. Instead, it’s a skill, a mental muscle that can be exercised, strengthened, and developed over time. It’s a process that can be taught and learned, just like any other skill. Two Compelling Answers on the Question – Can Creativity Be Taught or Learned? Let’s explore three compelling facts that support the idea that creativity can indeed be taught and learned. 1. Creativity is a Skill One of the most essential facts to grasp is that creativity is a skill. It’s not something magical or unattainable. Just like playing a musical instrument or mastering a sport, creativity can be cultivated with practice and dedication. The more you exercise your creative thinking, the stronger it becomes. Consider the remarkable journey of Ben Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon, and an avid follower of Christ. In his early years, he faced challenges and was even labeled as a “dummy” during his fifth-grade education. However, Carson’s story took a dramatic turn as he embarked on a path of self-discovery and perseverance. Through dedication, hard work, and a thirst for knowledge, Carson transformed himself from an underachieving student to a trailblazing medical professional. He defied the odds and shattered societal expectations by becoming the first black neurosurgeon to rise to the position of chief of pediatric neurosurgery at the young age of 33. He went from being a “dummy” to being the man with gifted hands, capable of performing surgeries like separating conjoined twins. How did he achieve this? He honed his creativity! Carson’s journey serves as a compelling example that creativity and success are not solely determined by initial talent or intelligence. It is the willingness to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and continuously seek personal growth that paves the way for extraordinary achievements. 2. God Taught People how to Be Creative Another important truth that further buttresses this point is that God taught creativity. “Why is that relevant to this discusion?” you may ask. It is important to know that God is the author of creativity. When God wanted to introduce Himself to humanity, the first attribute He showed to us was that He was Creative. How? In the beginning God created… In Genesis 1:1, the Bible tells us that God is

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How to Build Wealth through Creativity – 5 Strategies.

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Innovation / Iredafe Owolabi

How to Build Wealth through Creativity Introduction Have you ever heard someone say “I’m creative, my only problem is that I lack funding”? This is a misconception and this blog post is all you need to understand how creativity can make you a money magnet and wealth creator. For more insights on how to over misconceptions of creativity, read this: What Creativity is Not: 7 Popular Myths about Creativity If you’ve ever thought that you need a large bank account to make your dreams of financial independence come true, think again! In this post, I’ll show you how to harness the power of creativity to build wealth from the ground up. So, let’s dive in and discover the exciting possibilities that lie ahead! Poverty is not a Lack of Resources but a Lack of Creativity My Story – The Day I Shook a Big Table One morning, I opened up the Canva app in my phone (a Smartphone application for creating graphics). Then I carefully crafted a design that would later find its way onto my social media pages and statuses. Little did I know that this seemingly innocent act would ignite a thought-provoking discussion about the connection between creativity and lack of resources. The graphic design bore a powerful inscription: “Poverty is not a lack of resources but a lack of creativity.” The profound impact of the graphic design and its powerful message shattered some limiting beliefs that hold many creatives back, unleashing a wave of discussions. Before long, a curious contact in my network challenged the notion, taking a stance that suggested the opposite of what the inscription said. He asked why many talented individuals remain trapped in financial struggles despite their creative abilities. This encounter made me realize that there is a widespread misunderstanding of what creativity truly entails. Interestingly, I had once grappled with the same question until I embarked on a journey of discovery and unearthed profound truths about creativity. Through conscious research and personal experiences, I learned how to ignite the dormant creative genius within me and saw the transformation that took place. It became clear to me that many people do not know what creativity really means. They fail to grasp the distinction between having innate gifts, talents, skills, or potential and harnessing the true power of creativity. This misconception, among others, limits their ability to manifest their potential and make a significant impact in their lives, careers, or businesses. Motivated by this revelation, I dedicated myself to helping others unleash their creative potential. As I traveled the world, sharing insights and training individuals and organizations, I realized the urgent need to demystify creativity. You might be among those still seeking clarity on what creativity truly means in a bid to develop yourself. You are not alone, as billions of people around the world today still struggle to define and harness their creative capacity. 3 Reasons Why You don’t Need Money To Be Creative? https://youtu.be/lXdwITOFc38?si=lsgGueddRlmmGQap In my experience and thought leadership journey, one of the most frequently asked questions I get from potential creatives is “I am creative but my problem is lack of money. How do I raise money?” I usuallly try to explain to them that there is more to their lack of liquid cash than meets the eyes. I try to get them to understand what money really is before even trying to teach them how to create wealth and attract the paper monies they seek.Here are the 3 reasons why you don’t need money to manifest your creativity: 1. Money Does not Make You Creative, Creativity Makes You Money 2. Creativity is for Problem Solving 3. History is full of people who created wealth without money.Before we go into the details of these 3 reasons, let us first of all understand what money really means. This will give us the relevant foundation to understand why you actually don’t need money to be creative. What is Money? In order to understand how to build wealth through creativity, it’s essential to answer this fundamental question: What is money? Money is not merely the paper bills and metal coins we exchange for goods and services; it’s a complex and multifaceted concept that plays a pivotal role in our financial journey. As a creativity coach, I would like to shed light on what money truly represents and how understanding its nature can empower your creative wealth building endeavors. Money is often described as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value. Let’s delve deeper into the three key aspects of money 1. Medium of Exchange: Money serves as a medium of exchange, which means it acts as an accepted means for transactions. Money goes beyond the paper or coins used to represent them. What gives money its power to be used in exchange is the acceptability it possesses. That is why in a barter system where goods and services are exchanged directly, people transacted based on what they agreed their goods and services were worth. Money was introduced to simplify this process by providing a universally accepted means of trade. Consider this scenario: You are an artist, and you create beautiful paintings. In a barter system, you would have to find someone who not only appreciates your artwork but also has something you need or want in exchange for it, such as food or shelter. With money, you can sell your artwork to anyone who values it and receive a universally accepted currency in return. This makes trade more efficient and accessible. 2. Measure of Value: I believe that money exists to facilitate the creation process because it enables creators, manufacturers and producers estimate and measure the value they intend to receive or what they bring into the market. For example, when you create a pricing strategy for your creative products or services, you use money as the common unit of account. You assign a specific price to your artwork, services, or digital products, which allows

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What is 4th Dimensional Thinking? A Powerful Exposition

Leave a Comment / Thinking, Creativity, Problem-solving / Iredafe Owolabi

https://youtu.be/TPgMnue6J7Y What is Fourth Dimensional Thinking? The Concept of 4th Dimensional Thinking The world we see today did not emerge from the third dimension of existence. In other words, the things we see with our optical eyes and touch with our hands came from the invisible realm of the fourth dimension. And only people who can tune into that frequency can explore Fourth Dimensional Thinking possibilities. We live in a world littered with problems that seem to have no solution or better put, have solutions that have not been pulled out from the fourth dimension, in order to be brought into the 3D world of space and time. This is largely because most of us have become limited by our 3D way of thinking. There is a reason why you have a mind with such a great degree of power. But most people only exercise the 3D potential of their minds, not knowing that it could do more. Every man who ever did anything great in both ancient and contemporary times tapped into the 4th dimension either knowingly or without knowing. This includes the men of old and the modern-day inventors and creators. That is why I believe this article is the only article you would need to understand fourth dimensional thinking. You need a mind surgery if you must experience the kind of mind-shift that births innovation, reinvention and creativity. And as you read, your mind would undergo a surgical operation that would shift your paradigm for good. We live in a world full of men who are distinguished by their dimensions of thinking. Iredafe Owolabi, Bestselling Author What is A Dimension of Thinking? https://youtu.be/AsKu7ABX7OM A dimension of thinking can be seen as the way things, situations, problems and circumstances appear to a person, when viewed from a certain direction or perspective. Simply put, your dimension can also be seen as your plane of existence or plane of reasoning, and it reflects on how you see things. This plays a pivotal role in determining how you view the circumstances or problems you face at your home, office, business, school and in life generally. Your dimension also affects your approach toward problem-solving and this holds a serious impact in how much you experience the upward and forward movement we know as progress. The Power of Dimension To be full of talent is not a one-way ticket to success. There are many talented individuals who are nothing near success. Also, to be highly skilled is not a guarantee that you would fulfil your destiny in a grand style. There are lots of skilled people all over the world who are yet broke, depressed, and frustrated. It gets even worse when they have skills but it seems that their skills cannot deliver them. Your success in your life’s endeavors is actually tied to having the right mindset and that is the kind of mentality and thought process produced by Fourth Dimensional Thinking. I have met many skillful and talented people who never fully exposed their potential. They limited themselves by allowing their fears cage them. They therefore end up always struggling in the local league staying average and always seeking the path of least resistance in pursuit of purpose. In the light of this, the power of dimension is a major defining factor. What makes a man with skill, talent or intellect become an achiever is a function of the dimension of his vision, thinking and mentality. If you would like to go into deeper details, you should get a copy of “4D Thinking” on Amazon here: Zero-Dimensional Thinking https://youtu.be/J0T3OJ7aEuw Zero-dimensional thinking is the kind of thought pattern that keeps a man on a spot for a very long period in his life, without any notable advancement. Are you stuck at the same level or place for too long? Or you seem to be having the same result for God-knows-how-long and you want to break out of that cocoon of stagnation. Then you must do away with what I call the zero-dimensional thinking. It is a very subtle thinking pattern that comes with complacency. That false feeling of self-achievement you give yourself when you have refused to add more value to yourself. There are people from different walks of life in this dimension of thinking. These are people who refuse to develop themselves and add value to themselves. Even when they see other people making advancements, they say to themselves, “that man is doing some shady deals, that is why he is getting promoted”; meanwhile, they have no facts to back such erroneous claims up. They only talk that way because they do not want to examine themselves or push themselves out of their comfort zones. One of the best ways to jump out of this cage is this: When you see yourself producing the same results repeatedly, with nothing or no one to challenge you to pace up and move you out from your comfort zone, whether it be in your office, industry, society, state or trade, you should begin to look for new challenges. If you don’t, you would stay in one spot all your fruitful years, then wake up one day to discover that you could have become more and done more than what you settled for. Refuse to be the one-eyed man who became king because he was in the city of the blind. A lot of people do not get to the peak of their creativity and productivity because of the fear of risking their golden crown of mediocrity. Hence, they have remained local champions when they could have themselves become a global phenomenon, making waves in a world-wide scale. One-Dimensional Thinking https://youtu.be/IGtl7XfErwQ When I was much younger, I was very passionate about singing. Trust me, I had a good singing voice and joined both the local choir and the mass choir of my local church. I became one of the best tenor back-up singers, if not the best. I loved being a back-up

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10 Techniques to Boost Your Creative Thinking Skills

Boost Your Creative Thinking Skills with These 10 Practical Techniques

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Thinking / Iredafe Owolabi

https://youtu.be/V48BWZvjKYE 10 Practical Techniques to Boost Your Creative Thinking Skills Introduction Enhancing creative thinking skills is essential for success in today’s fast-paced and innovative world. In this blog, we will explore ten practical techniques that can help you unlock your creative potential and elevate your problem-solving abilities. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you would acquire the tools and the skills required to tackle challenges in your personal and professional endeavors. So let’s dive in. What Does it mean to Boost Your Creativity? Before we examine the techniques, what does it actually mean to boost your creativity? I will explain this by telling you a story. Before we go into the story, if you do not have a clear idea of what creativity really is, I recommend you read this blog post to understand my 7-sided definition of creativity. Here’s my story: It was a freezing cold winter in Canada and I had parked my car outside an apartment. The temperature was about -30°C and as such, all cars parked in open parking lots were exposed to the harsh forces of the freezing winter. So, I came outside, dressed up for the weather, ready to go do some grocery shopping, only to discover that I had forgotten to plug the car to the block heater. Now for the benefit of readers who may not know, an engine block heater helps keep your car engine warm while you are not driving it. It is typically used in extreme cold weather conditions to prevent the fluids in your car from freezing up. Now there I was, hoping that my car would start nonetheless but to my profound dismay, the car would not start. This was a very challenging moment for me. I was outside in the extreme cold and I could not feel my hands nor my ears anymore. That was the wrongest time to have car trouble! So I popped the hood and tried to make frantic efforts to start the car but to no avail. I took a cab to the nearest shop and bought some tools for charging a battery but that was not the solution. The car battery was so dead that it needed a boost if it was ever going to start. I felt stuck for a moment until someone who had parked next to me came by after hours of wishing and hoping without knowing what to do. Many people are on this table. They know that they need help boosting their creativity but prefer to wing it. Do not wait till it is probably too late before you commit to learning how to boost your creativity. After hours of trial and error, alone in the thick of the winter, along came a good samaritan. Coincidentally, he was parked beside me and saw me in my lowest moment of frustration, almost freezing from the cold and concerned that my car won’t start. Then he offered a helping hand. He had a device in his car that could boost or jumpstart dead car batteries. He brought it out, plugged it to my cold battery and asked me to turn the ignition. Immediately I did that, the car responded and jerked back to life. To this day, I remain grateful to that man who helped me in that situation. He could have just got in his car and driven off as he did not know me and did not have to help but he did. He gave my car a boost! The essence of that story is to help you see why the creativity of many people needs a boost. Many creatives are stuck in the middle of nowhere and they just need a jumpstart or a boost in order to manifest their creativity. For some, they are stuck in the cold winters of fear, external criticism, self-doubt, unrewarded skill, suppressed talent and time constraints. They have lost that creative spark, that fire that used to burn within them due to the disappointments they have encountered along the path to exploring their creativity. This is the reason many have ideas, skills, talents, knowledge, gifts and experience and are never able to transform them into profitable creations or tangible solutions. If this describes you or someone you know, then you need to read this post to the end. 10 Practical Techniques to Boost Your Creative Thinking Skills Conclusion By implementing these ten practical techniques, you can enhance your creative thinking skills and unlock your full creative potential. Embrace curiosity, foster collaboration, and consistently practice these strategies to develop a more innovative mindset. As you refine your problem-solving abilities, you’ll find yourself approaching challenges with renewed creativity and resourcefulness, leading to greater success in all areas of life. PS: If you would like to invite me to do a presentation, keynote or seminar in your organisation or church, hit me up by filling this request form.

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What Creativity is Not: 7 Popular Myths about Creativity

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / Iredafe Owolabi

What Creativity is Not: 7 Popular Myths about Creativity Introduction There are several misconceptions around what people think and believe about creativity. In this blog post, we will examine them and debunk the myths. If you want to release the brakes that could be holding you back from reaching your full creative potential, then let’s jump right in. What Creativity is Not vs What people think it is Myth One: Creativity is overcome by lack One of the myths about creativity is that lack of resources is a hindrance to creativity. Creativity is a powerful human trait that transcends the boundaries of poverty. It is not limited by one’s socioeconomic status or lack of material resources. In fact, creativity often thrives better in the face of adversity, as individuals find innovative solutions to overcome challenges and express themselves through various creative outlets. Lack of money may restrict access to certain resources or opportunities, but it cannot suppress the inherent potential within individuals who have the will to harness their creativity. In the absence of conventional tools or materials, individuals have been known to repurpose everyday objects, utilize their imagination, and tap into their resourcefulness to manifest their creative ideas. For more on this, checkout my book titled Kingdom Currency for Students, Graduates and Business men. Furthermore, creativity can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment, enabling individuals in impoverished conditions to break free from the cycle of poverty. Additional Resource: What is the Source of Creativity, Innovation and Invention? 3 Great Expos 4 Reasons Why Creativity Is Important in Life and Beyond Top 3 Best Books to Enhance Your Creativity in 2024 What is 4th Dimensional Thinking? A Powerful Exposition By harnessing your creative abilities, you can develop skills, showcase your talents, and create opportunities for yourself, opening doors to new possibilities and avenues for success. It is important to recognize that creativity knows no bounds and can flourish in any environment, including those affected by poverty. True wealth is not defined solely by financial resources but rather by an abundance of creativity. Note the qualifying word “true” because there are definitely other ways to attain riches. And poverty is not solely a lack of resources. At its root, poverty is a result of a lack of creativity and resourcefulness. How to Creatively Overcome Lack of Funding Whenever I have the opportunity to connect with discouraged creatives, I often encounter one common question: “I am creative, but no one wants to fund my ideas. What is your advice on how to get investors?” or “I am creative, but my only problem is I lack funding. How do I raise funds?” These are valid concerns that most creatives confront on a day-to-day basis. However, it becomes an issue when it is used as an excuse to allow your skills, ideas, and talents to waste away. My response to this common question is usually simple yet powerful: “If you possess creativity, that very skill will enable you to compensate for the lack of resources through resourcefulness. The reason you have creativity is to solve problems, and if the lack of funding is a problem for you, tap into your creativity and solve it.” It’s crucial to understand that creativity possesses a magnetic pull that attracts resources when set into motion through resourcefulness. If money is scarce, then what other assets do you possess that can propel you from an idea, passion, skill, and potential to a profitable solution? If you say that you have nothing, you have subconsciously identified the problem: a lack of creativity. I want you to understand that if you have creativity, you have something because creativity is what brings in every other resource that you require to succeed in turning your dreams and ideas into reality. If you want to learn more about creativity, check out this blog: What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition! Why Does Creativity Exist? Stop letting your gifts, talents, skills, and ideas waste away because you lack funding. Ignite your creativity! Creativity exists to solve problems. If you encounter difficulties in acquiring finances, resources, or anything necessary to bring your ideas and dreams into tangible reality, it’s time to ignite your creativity. For more on problem solving and how it relates to creativity, see: 14 Strategies to Develop Your Problem Solving Skills Profitably. Your creativity can be utilized to address the resource deficiency. It is contradictory to claim you are creative while failing to employ that creative ability to resolve the only obstacle impeding your progress – funding. Creativity extends beyond generating fancy ideas; it requires actions that demonstrate the validity and authenticity of those ideas. If it means doing jobs that may not align with your passion initially but will grant you the resources, knowledge, or connections needed to start or at least keep your head above the water, do not hesitate to seize the opportunity. How Resourcefulness through Creativity beats lack of Resources By being resourceful, tapping into your creativity, and taking practical steps, you can overcome the financial limitations holding you back from living your dreams. Remember, creativity is an invaluable tool for problem-solving and for propelling you forward, regardless of financial constraints. It’s time to awaken the dormant creative force within you. Stop suppressing your gifts, talents, and skills because of a perceived lack of resources. True creativity thrives best in the face of lack. You don’t need a vast fortune or an abundance of resources to ignite your creative spark. All you need is a belief in your gift or potential and the determination to make the most of what you already have. You can grab a PDF copy of “Kingdom Currency for Students, Graduates and Businessmen” here. What do you have? Look around you, within the depths of your mind and the depths of your surroundings, and discover the hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed. Use the challenge of scarcity as an opportunity to showcase your resourcefulness. It is in the midst

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Why is Creativity and Innovation Important in Business and Work

10 Reasons Why Creativity and Innovation is Important in Business and Work

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Innovation / Iredafe Owolabi

Introduction The problem I am about to address is the misunderstanding around the concept of creativity and innovation and how they relate. This will help you understand why creativity and innovation is important in business and work. Most people tend to confuse what creativity means and this makes it difficult for them to properly understand the concept of innovation and how it relates to creativity. So let’s dive right in. Understanding Creativity and Innovation Whether you’re a small start-up or an established enterprise, understanding and leveraging these two powerful drivers can propel your work or business to new heights. With the right mix of creativity and innovation, you can break free from the norm, generate fresh ideas, and transform them into tangible results. What is the Difference Between Creativity and Innovation? Several years ago when I took interest into the subject of creativity, I did not find satisfactory information online that could really give a good insight into the subject. Most information I found online were either half-baked truth or well baked ignorance. I say this with due respect to those who have put out content to try to answer the pressing questions millions of people have on creativity. I am sharing this here because of my desire to help readers get the correct perspective and understanding of what creativity is about. So in this blog, I will start by presenting some information before you. All I ask is that you examine the information with critical thinking so that by the end of this article, you will have a better understanding. Additional Resource To Boost Your Creativity 2 Mistakes To Avoid When Solving Problems at Work Where Do Creative Ideas Come From? [10 Channels Everyone Can Tap Into] Where Do Innovative Ideas Come From? 6 Channels The 2 Basic Differences Between Creativity and Innovation 5 Steps To Break the Curse of Creativity [What, Why and How to Unlock Your Potential] So I did a Google search for the difference between creativity and innovation and some popular sites provided answers. As you can see above, this is the first resource that popped up when I put in those search words. It says that creativity refers to the ability to come up with original ideas. Other popular and renowned blogs like Harvard Business Review also popped up and effectively say the same thing in response to my search query. Even though the sources are credible and I respect them for their contribution to the knowledge industry, I would like to respectfully disagree with the definition given by these reputable sources on creativity. Sadly, this is what most people believe creativity is about – “coming up with big ideas”, but creativity is much more than that. Creativity does not stop at having great ideas. In my book titled “Unlocking Your Kingdom Creativity“, I explained this concept with this illustration: If you are full of ideas but do not act on them, it means you are not yet creative. If a woman receives seed and gets pregnant with child but fails to put to bed for whatever reason, and the baby dies inside her womb, she has not procreated. The procreation cycle is not complete until what is inside the womb matures and comes out alive. It does not matter how many fetuses have been conceived in the womb of a woman, if none of them were allowed to come out of the womb for the world to see, that family may remain childless. Unlocking Your Creativity Book You can get Unlocking Your Creativity on Amazon here.Creativity involves two fundamental steps for the cycle to complete namely: thinking and then producing. Without the aspect of producing, creativity is incomplete. Creativity is the process of bringing something new into existence. It requires turning the ideas of one’s imagination into a tangible or visible reality and in a novel manner. A creative person sees the world in new ways. He has the ability to find hidden patterns, make connections between what seems unrelated, and to generate solutions. The moment you understand this, it becomes easier to see the connection between creativity and innovation in business and career. Creativity vs Innovation : The Relationship Now, what is innovation and how is it related to creativity?Innovation often involves taking existing ideas, concepts, or technologies and recombining them in new and creative ways to bring about novel solutions. This process can lead to improved efficiency, effectiveness, or even entirely new products or services. Creativity, on the other hand, includes the recombination of existing ideas and goes beyond that. Creativity also involves the generation of entirely new and original ideas and turning them into reality. These ideas can be raw and untested. Creativity involves nurturing them and turning them into practical solutions or tangible realities. For more insights on innovation, see: Innovation vs Tradition – 7 Keys to Breaking out of the Box Is Creativity and Innovation the Same? In a nutshell, the concept of creativity and innovation are related but not exactly the same. Innovation is a subset of creativity. Innovation involves taking existing ideas, concepts, or technologies and recombining them in new and creative ways to bring about novel solutions. On the other hand, creativity is a broader concept that encompasses both the generation of fresh and original ideas. It also includes the innovative recombination of existing concepts. While creativity specifically focuses on the implementation of those ideas to create real-world impact and value. If you would like to do a more intimate study on creativity, I recommend you read “Ignite Your Creativity“. Or grab it on Amazon here. Why is Creativity and Innovation Important in Business and Work? Creativity and innovation might sound like big words, but they’re basically the cool stuff that makes work and business better. Let’s break it down so it’s crystal clear: 1. Cracking Tough Problems: When you face a problem that feels like a wall, creativity and innovation are like a ladder to climb over it. They help

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What Should I Write a Book About? 14 Hot Book Ideas

Leave a Comment / Book Writing, Creativity, Entrepreneurship / Iredafe Owolabi

Introduction Have you ever wondered what to write a book about? Should your write fiction vs. non-fiction? If you are really interested in succeeding as an author, you must consider this question critically. You should also get yourself a very strong and compelling answer through careful thought and observation. You cannot become a successful author if people only buy your book because they want to “encourage” you and not because they need it. Let’s dive in. How to Find the Right Topic to Write a Book About This is very vital because people only buy books and take their time to read it when they know they need it or that it is relevant to their lives. If they do not find it valuable enough to read, archive and refer to from time to time you are wasting time and resources thinking you would make it as an author-preneur. At the level of being one who writes as a hobby, that could be acceptable, but if you want to make money from your writing and publishing craft,ndustry, you must offer first class value in subjects, fields and areas that people need more insights into. Making a fortune from your craft is not a walk in the park, it is largely dependent on the book idea you have and how much people are hungry for the answers your book provides. That is why for an author-preneur to make his or her craft profitable, he or she must be a creative thinker. Check out this blog for insights on how to develop your creativity or overcome creative blocks. In this industry, creativity displayed with your book idea is what begets profitability. I therefore recommend that your book idea falls into at least four or more of the categories or answers enumerated in this blog if you really want to get the best results. Definitely check out my book titled How to Make Millions as an Authorpreneur, if you want to get more insights into Authorpreneurship. 1. What you are passionate about and love talking about Before you think about writing your book, you must have discovered that thing which you love doing so much. It should be something that you cannot help but talk about the least chance you get. In addition to that, you must be sure to bring a unique angle to whatever it is that you passionately want to write about. That way you distinguish yourself in your niche and stand out as an expert. To achieve this, you need to introduce an idea that is slightly new into what you love talking about. Someone once said that all you need is an idea that is ten percent new to make a million dollars. How true! It does not have to be something major like a new scientific discovery. It can be a little improvement on what is already being talked about but that could give you a competitive advantage. One “small” idea is enough to separate you from every other writer in your niche and can fast track your journey to success as an author-preneur. One place to start is to identify your message if you are a thought leader. What drives me to write books is an unwavering desire to help people become better in every of their endeavours by sharing my insights, knowledge and revelations with them. That passion keeps me punching the keypad of my laptop, churning out new books that would add value to and solve problems for people. Even when it seems like a waste of time, I keep at it because of the irresistible urge to share the wisdom, insights and experiences that I possess with people around the world. Every thought leader must have a central message for which he is known and it is usually something he is passionate about. Make sure you build your brand around that message consistently until your name becomes synonymous to it. This is very important especially for budding authors. Write about something you love and are passionate about, something centred on your message. For you, it could be goal setting, sales, creativity, the mind, leadership, nation building, fashion, personal branding, etc. As soon as you identify your message, then viciously stamp your name on it until your name becomes synonymous with that subject matter. Further reading: Identifying Your Book’s Target Audience – 15 Hot Markets of People Who Will Buy Your Books, eBooks and Audio Books 2. What you can do with ease that others find difficult I find writing powerful and wonderful books pretty interesting and easy to do. By reason of this, I get surprised to hear that someone lived all his life hoping that one day he would write a book and eventually never did. This has helped me value and appreciate my craft a whole lot more. It has ignited a fire in me to help others who find developing, completing, publishing, launching, selling or marketing their books and profiting from it impossible. There are a number of other things that people find difficult to do which you find easy or interesting. Until you write about it, you may never be able to lend your voice to them in order to make the road easy for them. You would be highly limited by time and space. There are people who are waiting for you to show them the way and would gladly part ways with their money if you would help them. All you need do is write about that thing you have spotted which fits into this description. It is something you do with flair even when others struggle to do it right. That could really make a good book idea! As long as you have overcome an obstacle that you know people would always face at one stage or the other in their journey through life, then you have something worth writing about. For instance, you could write about how you were able to babysit your

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How to Develop Your Problem Solving Skills [14 Strategies]

Leave a Comment / Problem-solving, Creativity, Thinking / Iredafe Owolabi

https://youtu.be/nO4NqYN99v0 Becoming a Profitable Problem Solver Are you interested in problem solving? This blog is the only resource you would need to understand, hone and tap into your problem solving skills. Do you desire to develop your ability to generate ideas to meet the pressing needs around you? Do you know that you possess in you, the painkiller to the killer pain of someone out there who is hurting? Do you know that problem-solving is a skillset that can be taught, learned and honed? Have you ever thought of creating a good side income that fetches you not just more money but extra satisfaction, while doing the things that come naturally to you? Do you want to create a business that works for you rather than the other way round? Every problem is a business. Money changes hands when you proffer solutions but not everyone knows how to bring this solution out from within. In this blog, we’ll delve into the key strategies for becoming a profitable problem solver. To get the best results from this, grab a pen and a notepad. If you cannot get one at the moment, no worries, bookmark this blog post and read on. Or you can use the note app on your phone. This is necessary because you would need to answer some questions that will be thrown at you to stimulate your critical thinking as you read. Before we go further, let us understand why problem solving is very important for you as an entrepreneur, professional or student. Why is Problem solving Important? According to the World Economic Forum Report, problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking skills are among the top 10 most sought-after skills across industries and geographies projected for 2025. However, we already see these skills taking over the world since the year 2020. It is therefore imperative that you begin to hone that inherent ability of yours in a profitable way by solving problems in your place of work, industry, home and nation at large. In a world driven by innovation and complexity, the ability to solve problems effectively is a skill that transcends industries and professions. Problem solvers are the architects of progress, the ones who turn challenges into opportunities and uncertainty into success. But being a problem solver isn’t just about finding solutions; it’s about being a profitable problem solver – someone who not only creates value through their solutions but also benefits personally and professionally by engaging the right problem solving strategies. This blog is designed to help you fly your thoughts into the realm of Fourth Dimensional Thinking so that you can become aware that you carry solutions to the problems of this generation. You will not stop there but will be guided by this material to go ahead, create the solution and monetize your solution easily and profitably. How to Become a Problem Solver Below are steps that can help you develop your problem solving skills and open to you doors to innovative solutions and unforeseen possibilities. 1. Develop a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset is the foundation of profitable problem solving. Embrace challenges, view failures as learning opportunities, and continuously seek to expand your knowledge and skills. Approach problems with the belief that you can learn and adapt. 2. Hone Your Critical Thinking Skills: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to make informed decisions. To be a profitable problem solver, practice thinking critically about various situations and scenarios. Ask probing questions, consider alternative perspectives, and challenge assumptions to arrive at well-rounded solutions. 3. Engage Your Creativity Creativity is the spark that ignites groundbreaking solutions. Cultivate your creative thinking by exploring diverse interests, exposing yourself to different cultures and industries, and engaging in activities that stimulate your imagination. Creativity allows you to think beyond the obvious and develop innovative approaches to problems. For more insights on how to ignite your creativity, check out my latest book. 4. Master Effective Communication: Even the most brilliant solutions are ineffective if they can’t be communicated clearly. Develop strong communication skills – both written and verbal – to articulate your ideas, proposals, and findings to diverse audiences. Being able to convey complex concepts in an understandable manner enhances your value as a problem solver. 5. Collaborate and Network: The art of the problem solving process is a collaborative one, you will see that it is not something that is done in isolation most times. Collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds and expertise areas to tap into different viewpoints and knowledge bases. Networking not only exposes you to new ideas but also opens doors to potential partnerships and opportunities. 6. Learn from Feedback: Feedback, whether positive or constructive, is a valuable tool for growth in the process of problem solving. Actively seek feedback on your problem-solving approaches and solutions. Constructive criticism helps you refine your skills and adapt your methods, leading to more profitable outcomes over time. 7. Focus on ROI (Return on Investment): To be profitable, your solutions or problem solving processes should offer a tangible return on investment. Consider the resources – time, effort, money – required to implement your solutions and weigh them against the potential benefits. Prioritize solutions that offer the highest value for the resources invested in your problem solving strategy. 8. Stay Tech-Savvy: In today’s digital age, technology often plays a pivotal role in solving complex problems. Stay updated with technological advancements in your field and beyond. Familiarize yourself with relevant software, tools, and trends to harness technology’s power for effective problem solving. 9. Develop Resilience: Problem-solving processes are often filled with setbacks and obstacles. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges and continue pursuing solutions with unwavering determination. Developing resilience ensures you stay committed to profitable problem solving, no matter the difficulties encountered. 10. Continuously Learn and Adapt: The landscape of problems is ever-evolving. One of the skills the top problemsolving habit successful people have is they, commit to lifelong learning and adaptation.

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2 Dynamic Types of Thinking and How to Use Them Creatively

Leave a Comment / Thinking, Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / Iredafe Owolabi

The 2 Types of Thinking and How to Harness Their Power Creatively Creativity is a powerful force that drives innovation, artistic expression, problem-solving, and personal growth. Creativity is simply thinking differently and doing differently. Therefore, thinking is the first step to creativity. However, not all thinking is the same. There are two distinct types of thinking: divergent thinking and convergent thinking. If you want more insights into creativity, check this out: What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition! Understanding the differences between these two forms of thinking and learning how to utilize them effectively can unlock new avenues of inspiration and productivity. In this blog, we will explore both types of creativity and provide practical tips on how to harness their unique strengths. 1. Divergent Thinking: Expanding the Horizons Divergent thinking is often associated with brainstorming and idea generation. It involves exploring multiple possibilities, breaking free from conventional constraints, and allowing your mind to roam freely. The essence of divergent thinking lies in embracing ambiguity and encouraging unusual connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Here are some ways to enhance divergent thinking: a) Genuine Curiosity: Be open-minded and curious about the world around you. Ask questions, seek new experiences, and actively engage in learning from various sources. If you would like to understand how asking questions can boost your creativity, read this article: The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries. b) Freeform Ideation: Set aside time for unstructured thinking. Jot down ideas without judgment or criticism. Let your imagination run wild and explore even the wildest notions. If you want to learn more on this, read this:How to Brainstorm Ideas and Creative Solutions – 8 Easy Steps c) Surround Yourself with Diversity: Engage with people from diverse backgrounds and fields. Exposure to different perspectives can stimulate new ideas and ways of thinking. d) Mind Mapping: Create mind maps to visualize connections between ideas. This visual representation can help you explore the web of possibilities more effectively. Check these articles out for more insights on brainstorming, creativity, and divergent thinking: How Divergent Thinking Can Quickly Boost Your Creativity 10 Easy Steps to Unblock Your Creativity and Banish your Inner Critic 6 Easy Steps to Solve Problems with Mindstorming Also checkout my book titled “Fourth Dimensional Thinking” if you would like to explore the context of thinking in a more intimate manner. 2. Convergent Thinking: Focusing on Solutions While divergent thinking allows for expansive exploration, convergent thinking is all about narrowing down those possibilities to find the best solution or outcome. This type of thinking is analytical and systematic, seeking to identify the most feasible and effective ideas from the pool of generated concepts. Here’s how to make the most of convergent thinking: a) Define Clear Goals: Understand the specific problem you want to solve or the outcome you want to achieve. Having a well-defined goal will help you direct your creative energy towards finding practical solutions. b) Organize Ideas: Gather all the ideas generated through divergent thinking and organize them based on their relevance and potential. This process will help you identify patterns and spot promising concepts. c) Critical Evaluation: Analyze the pros and cons of each idea objectively. Be willing to let go of ideas that are not viable or do not align with your objectives. d) Refinement: Take the most promising ideas and refine them further. Add detail, consider potential challenges, and fine-tune the concepts to make them more practical and actionable. Harnessing the Power of Both Types of Thinking 1. The Creative Loop: The journey of creativity is not linear but cyclical. Start with divergent thinking to generate a wide array of ideas. Then, apply convergent thinking to evaluate and refine those ideas, leading to more focused and developed concepts. This iterative process enhances creativity as it allows for constant improvement and evolution of ideas. 2. Time Management: Creativity requires both structured and unstructured time. Set aside dedicated time for brainstorming and idea generation. Additionally, allocate specific time blocks for critical evaluation and analysis. Balancing these two types of time can lead to a more balanced and effective creative process. 3. Collaboration: Collaborating with others can be a potent catalyst for creativity. Engaging in creative discussions with like-minded individuals or seeking feedback from diverse perspectives can enrich your ideas and lead to unexpected breakthroughs. 4. Use Failure as your Fuel: Not every idea will be a success, and that’s perfectly fine. Embrace failures as valuable learning opportunities. Sometimes, failed attempts can pave the way for innovative solutions in the future. Conclusion: Dynamic Types of Thinking The thinking aspect of creativity is a multifaceted gem with divergent thinking as its exploratory facet, and convergent thinking as its polished, problem-solving facet. By understanding the unique strengths of these two types of thinking and combining them effectively, we can unlock the full potential of our creative minds. Embrace curiosity, seek diverse perspectives, and fearlessly explore possibilities through divergent thinking. Then, focus on practicality, critically evaluate ideas, and refine them with convergent thinking to bring your creative visions to life. The fusion of these two types of thinking will empower you to conquer challenges and leave a mark of innovation in every aspect of your life. So, let your imagination soar, and remember, the world is your canvas! If you found this valuable, or you have a question or different perspective, do well to leave a comment below and I will be happy to hear your feedback or respond to your questions. PS: If you would like to have me speak or deliver a keynote presentation at your event, seminar or conference, please fill this request form, and let us get the conversation going. Thank you. Further Reading: What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition! How I Became a Thought Leader in Creativity – 10 Inspiring Stories The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries

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Author name: Iredafe Owolabi

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