Creativity

Banish Your Inner Critic and Unblock Your Creativity

10 Easy Steps to Unblock Your Creativity and Banish your Inner Critic

1 Comment / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / Iredafe Owolabi

How to Banish Your Inner Critic and Unblock Your Creativity Creativity is a beautiful gift that resides within all of us, waiting to be unleashed. However, many individuals struggle to express their creativity due to the relentless presence of their inner critic. This self-doubting voice can stifle inspiration, hinder progress, and prevent you from reaching your full creative potential. Before we go further, let us see why you should banish your inner critic. By the way, if you want to learn more about blockers of creativity, grab a copy of my latest book titled “Ignite Your Creativity” here. What is this Inner Critic about? The “inner critic” refers to that little voice inside your head that constantly judges and doubts your creative ideas and work. It’s like having a negative and overly critical roommate who always tells you that your art, writing, or any creative endeavor is not good enough or will fail. This inner critic can be quite persistent, always pointing out flaws, comparing your work to others, and making you doubt your abilities. Imagine you’re painting a picture or writing a story, and while you’re trying to create something beautiful, this nagging voice keeps saying things like, “This looks terrible,” “You’re not talented enough,” or “Nobody will like this.” It can be really discouraging and make you feel anxious about expressing yourself creatively. The inner critic often holds you back from taking creative risks and exploring new ideas because it constantly tells you that you’ll fail or that your work won’t be perfect. This can make it challenging to fully tap into your creativity and enjoy the process of creating. However, the good news is that you can learn to recognize and manage this inner critic. By becoming aware of its presence, challenging its negative thoughts, and embracing imperfections as a natural part of the creative process, you can free yourself to be more creative and express yourself authentically without constantly worrying about judgment or self-doubt. Further Reading:1. What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition!2. Innovation vs Tradition — 7 Keys to Breaking out of the Box3. 14 Strategies to Develop Your Problem Solving Skills Profitably4. 5 Steps To Break the Curse of Creativity [What, Why and How to Unlock Your Potential] Why Banish Your Inner Critic? In the realm of creativity, the inner critic can be a formidable adversary, capable of stifling even the most brilliant ideas. It is essential to banish this internal naysayer to unlock the full potential of your creativity. Here are compelling reasons why silencing your inner critic is crucial: 1. Freedom of Expression: The inner critic acts as a gatekeeper, allowing only ideas that meet its stringent standards to pass through. By banishing this critical voice, you liberate yourself to explore unconventional and daring concepts, fostering a greater sense of freedom in your creative expression. 2. Unleashing Innovation: Creativity thrives on taking risks and pushing boundaries. The inner critic, driven by a fear of failure, discourages experimentation. When you silence this voice of doubt, you create space for innovative ideas to emerge, leading to groundbreaking and original creations. 3. Amplified Productivity: The constant self-criticism can impede progress and lead to creative blocks. By banishing your inner critic, you embrace a more positive and constructive mindset that fuels your productivity. You become more open to exploring multiple avenues, thus boosting your creative output. 4. Authentic Self-Expression: The inner critic often influences us to conform to societal norms or imitate others’ work. By silencing this voice, you tap into your authentic self, allowing your creativity to reflect your unique perspective and experiences. 5. Enhanced Self-Confidence: A pervasive inner critic erodes self-confidence, leading to self-doubt and hesitation. When you banish this negative influence, you develop a strong belief in your abilities and ideas, empowering you to pursue your creative passions with conviction. 6. Embracing Imperfection: Creativity thrives in an environment that accepts imperfections and sees them as opportunities for growth. Banishing your inner critic allows you to embrace mistakes as stepping stones toward improvement rather than obstacles to be feared. If you want to learn how to unlock your creativity with kingdom principles, check out “Unlocking Your Kingdom Creativity“. 10 Steps to Unblock Your Creativity 1. Identify and Understand Your Inner Critic The first step towards overcoming your inner critic is to recognize its existence. This negative inner voice often manifests as self-criticism, doubt, fear of failure, and comparison with others. By becoming aware of these thoughts and emotions, you can gain better control over them. It manifests in thoughts such as “I’m not good enough,” “I can’t do it as well as others,” or “My ideas aren’t worthy.” By identifying these self-critical thoughts, you can begin to challenge their validity. 2. Challenge Negative Thoughts Once you identify your inner critic’s patterns, it’s time to challenge its authority. Whenever a negative thought arises, ask yourself if there’s any evidence to support it. More often than not, you’ll find that these thoughts are baseless and unfounded. Replace them with positive affirmations that encourage and support your creative journey. 3. Embrace Imperfection One of the main triggers for the inner critic is the fear of imperfection. Accept that perfection is unattainable and that making mistakes is a natural part of the creative process. Embrace imperfections as opportunities for growth and learning, and remember that many masterpieces have been born from perceived flaws. 4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset Adopting a growth mindset is crucial for unlocking your creativity. Embrace challenges, view failures as stepping stones, and believe in your ability to improve with effort and dedication. A growth mindset allows you to see setbacks as temporary roadblocks, rather than permanent barriers. 5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your thoughts and emotions. Surround yourself with supportive, positive, and like-minded individuals who encourage your creative pursuits. Engage in communities or workshops where you can share ideas and experiences with fellow creatives, fostering an atmosphere of inspiration

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The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries

1 Comment / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / Iredafe Owolabi

The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries In a world filled with endless possibilities, there is one tool that has the power to unlock our hidden potential and fuel groundbreaking discoveries: questions. When I think about the creative power of questions, I remember Indira Gandhi’s quote. Now, Indira Gandhi was the first female Prime minister of India and at the time of this writing, she was the only female who ever handled that office. Despite having similar names, she was not related to Mahatma Gandhi in any way. This lady said something worth contemplating when she said that “the power to question is the basis of all human progress.” A lot of people want answers for which they have never asked a question. The fact however is that life only gives to man as much as he demands from it. If you ask nothing from life, then life will give you nothing in return. If you ask for a penny in life, you only get a penny. By the way, if you would like to have me speak on this or any other creativity related topic at your conference, you can fill this request form here. Further Reading:1. What is the Source of Creativity, Innovation and Invention? 2. Can Creativity Be Taught or Learned? 2 Powerful Reasons 3. What is 4th Dimensional Thinking? A Powerful Exposition 1. Asking the Right Questions Until one man questions the validity of a popular belief that has become entrenched into the tradition and culture of institutions, societies, organizations and even nations, nobody would wake up from the state of slumber which conventional and traditional beliefs places on people. The Catholic Church of the medieval period taught that people needed to pay money in order to secure the afterlife and avoid punishment for their wrongs. Until Martin Luther King began to ask questions, nobody noticed the insanity in the practices of the Catholic bishops and pope. Many people are living ordinary lives today because they asked ordinary questions yesterday. They are asking for an increase in their minimum wage when they ought to be asking for ways they can make their offices, enterprises and nation more productive. They are asking for a means of livelihood when they ought to have asked for the solution to the vast needs in their nation. The truth is that no amount of minimum wage was designed to be enough especially in underdeveloped countries. 2. Embracing Curiosity Every inventor and discoverer embarks on their quest armed with transformative questions that challenge existing norms. The quality of our lives is a direct reflection of the questions we’ve posed to ourselves and the world. Asking the right questions can be life-transforming, while the wrong ones may lead us astray. Embracing curiosity and seeking groundbreaking answers can lead us to success and fulfillment. Thomas Edison has 1,093 patents in America alone to his name because he asked more than a thousand questions and would not stop until he got an answer. On one of his innovations, he kept asking questions repeatedly for more than 1,000 times until he got the answer that made the light bulb discovery possible. Today we still benefit from the solutions that were contained in an answer that came from asking one question repeatedly. This shows you the creative power of questions! He kept demanding an answer to his questions for more than a thousand times until the answer that contained the solution which we all benefit from today was given to him. Answers contain solutions that come from questions. The quality of any answer is directly determined by the quality of the questions that are asked. It is no longer news therefore, that every discoverer and inventor begins his quest with a transformative question that challenges the status quo. No matter how wonderful things are right now in your life, your profession, organization, corporation or nation today, it can be better. It will only get better however, if you or someone daring enough would question the present situation of things whether these things are working fine already or not. 3. Thoughtful Inquiries When Jeff Bezos retired from his well paid job, he was asking for something greater than a paycheck. He was asking for a better means to get books to readers. He never knew the answer to that question would produce a multidimensional solution provider in the world. Today, Jeff Bezos is the richest man in the world because he founded Amazon, the answer to the questions that caused him to resign from a high paying job. Amazon today does not only sell books to its customers as it did when it earlier began. It now sells everything to everyone. It even provides secure cloud services to governments of nations. It also provides scores of other web based services to merchants all over the world. All this came as a result of groundbreaking questions that produced groundbreaking solutions to problems clothed in their answers. Great questions are clearly the quickest and surest paths to great answers and sometimes questions are more important than answers. How do you intend to leverage the creative power of questions in your own journey today? 4. Asking Questions that shape your life Too often, untapped wisdom and creativity surround us, waiting to be unlocked. Learning from top performers and seeking their insights through intelligent questions can propel us towards success. In organizations, encouraging a culture of asking and sharing questions can foster innovation and growth. Brian Tracy made an observation when on a speaking engagement with some companies. He discovered that most times, people knew who the top salesmen in an organization were but none of the other salesmen ever went to ask the salesmen questions on how they got to the top. As long as they never asked questions they never made it to the top. There is so much untapped wisdom and creativity around you waiting to be unlocked by you asking an intelligent question. This was

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5 Amazing Creativity Lessons I Borrowed From Mary

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

Creativity Lessons from Mary’s Journey Creativity is a powerful force that transcends time and culture. It can be found in various forms and has the ability to shape the world around us. When exploring the subject of creativity, one might not immediately think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a source of inspiration. However, Mary’s life, as depicted in the Bible, offers us valuable lessons that can ignite our creative spirit. In my experience as a creativity coach, I have found procreation as a very profound metaphor that helps to describe creativity. Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodies the essence of an individual chosen by God to bring His creative ideas into the world. By closely examining her story, we can uncover valuable lessons that will enable us to operate with creativity and make a lasting impact. If you want to study more on creativity, you can get the digital copy of “Ignite Your Creativity” here. The hard copy is available here. 5 Creativity Lessons You Can Learn From Mary 1. Conceive an Idea: Just as Mary was chosen to conceive and bear a great son, God wants to impregnate your mind with ideas that will transform the world. Your past accomplishments or lack thereof does not limit God’s ability to birth something remarkable through you. By acknowledging your divine purpose and remaining open to God’s revelation, you can receive groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to revolutionize society. This creativity lesson is very fundamental. Further reading: How to birth your brainchild 2. Do not limit yourself: When she was told about the idea God had for her to bear a son, her first response was, “how can this be possible when I know not a man”. Many creatives tend to limit the potential of their creative ideas because they don’t have the people that can make that possible. Mary’s encounter with the angel revealed that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, enabling the conception of a child without human intervention. Similarly, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to bring our creative ideas to fruition. Our lack of connections, experience, or resources should not hinder us, for it is by the Spirit’s guidance that we can navigate the challenges and limitations we may face. Trusting in the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and direction empowers us to accomplish what may seem impossible. In addition to this, always know that God will bring the men, materials and resources need to bring your ideas to fruition if you will take the first step. 3. Finding Inspiration in Role Models: Mary sought guidance from her cousin Elizabeth, who had also experienced a similar conception. Likewise, you should identify and learn from those who have walked a similar path or achieved success in our desired field. Role models provide inspiration, practical insights, and encouragement. Through studying their stories, books, or interviews, you can gain valuable lessons and wisdom that will propel you forward in your creative endeavors. 4. Nurturing in the Face of Doubt: Mary’s journey was met with doubt and skepticism from others, but she remained steadfast in her belief. As creators, we may encounter skepticism or disbelief from those around us. Yet, like Mary, we must nurture and protect our creative ideas, trusting in God’s promises and embracing the potential impact they can have on the world. Believing in your vision and staying committed to its development will lead to its fulfillment. 5. Receiving Encouragement and Affirmation: Elizabeth’s words of blessing and affirmation uplifted Mary and strengthened her resolve. Similarly, you need supportive individuals who believe in your creative abilities and offer encouragement along the way. Surrounding yourself with mentors, friends, or communities that affirm your gifts and provide constructive feedback is vital for nurturing your creativity and maintaining a positive mindset. Conclusion: Creativity Lessons Mary’s journey teaches us profound lessons about unlocking our creativity. By embracing divine impregnation, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance, seeking inspiration from role models, nurturing our ideas despite doubt, and receiving encouragement, we can bring forth creative solutions that impact the world. Follow Mary’s footsteps, allowing God to impregnate your mind with divine ideas. Nurture them with faith, resilience, and the support of others. As we embrace our role as creatives, we can unleash our creative potential and contribute to making a positive difference in our sphere of influence. If you would like to learn more about creativity from kingdom perspective, I recommend you get one of my books titled “Unlocking your Kingdom Creativity“. So tell me in comments section, which creativity lesson are you going to borrow from this article? If you found this valuable, or you have a question or different perspective, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to engage with you in the comment section.

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7 Reasons You Should Write a Book Even If You Have No Experience

Leave a Comment / Book Writing, Creativity / Iredafe Owolabi

7 Reasons You Should Write a Book Even If You Have No Experience When I started writing, I had no experience. All I had was an insight and I went ahead to publish it because people on facebook at the time felt like my articles were insightful. Today I have written 17 books and counting, so I know what it feels like when you feel you lack enough experience to become an author. You may wonder, “why should I learn how to write a book with no experience”? The reason is you do not need to have years of experience to write a book. If you do not have experience, there is something you have. It could be a story, some research finding or an insight that piques your interest. Basically, the bar of entry to write a book is that you just need to be able to share your story, and everyone has a story, including you. In today’s information age, where knowledge is highly sought after, writing a book offers a unique opportunity to share your wisdom, expertise, and experiences with a wide audience. Even though writing a book might seem like a daunting task, if you’re passionate about a topic or have a story to share, writing a book can be an incredibly rewarding experience. If you don’t know the first thing about becoming an author, maybe you should first understand why you should write a book before learning how to write a book. Whether you’re an aspiring author or have already been published, this blog explores seven compelling reasons why you should consider writing a book. Spoiler alert – make sure to read number seven because it will blow your mind! 1. When You Write a Book, You Solve a Painful Problem Do you have a knack for generating ideas in order to meet pressing needs and painful problems? Do you know that you possess in you, the painkiller to the ache of someone out there who is hurting? Writing a book allows you to lend your voice as a solution to the myriad problems people face today. By packing your book with valuable insights, you can inspire, motivate, and provide relief to readers seeking answers. With your book in their hands, your published material can work its magic, helping people even when you’re busy with other commitments. For example, I found out there were many people full of ideas who needed help turning those ideas to tangible solutions, so I wrote a book to help them solve that problem. Take a look at the picture below to see it. Grab a copy on amazon here. Writing a book that is a solution to a specific problem does not only establish you as an expert but also creates a win-win situation, as readers benefit from your solutions while you receive recognition and financial rewards in return. If you want to become a profitable problem solver, check out this workbook titled “Profitable Problem Solving Workbook“. 2. To Help Others Learn the Ropes By becoming an author, you can guide others in areas where you possess specialized knowledge or skills. Your unique experiences, learnings, and practices can be packaged into marketable and learnable quantities, offering valuable teachings to those eager to gain new knowledge. Sharing your expertise through a book allows you to empower and equip others, helping them overcome challenges and achieve success. Your book has the potential to change lives and inspire others. Through your words, you can motivate and empower readers to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, or gain new perspectives. The impact you have on even a single reader can be immeasurable, making writing a book a powerful way to make a difference in the world. 3. Become a Reference Point for Generations When readers find value in your book, they naturally begin to reference and quote from it. This establishes you as a trusted source of knowledge and positions you as a reference point for various generations. Your book becomes a testament to your expertise, and as it gets referenced by professors, CEOs, leaders, and professionals, your influence grows exponentially. The ripple effect of being a reference point expands your reach and increases your credibility, leading to more opportunities and exposure. When you write a book, it allows you to share your unique knowledge, experiences, and expertise with the world. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional in a specific field, or a passionate hobbyist, your book can become a valuable resource for others seeking guidance and inspiration. By sharing your insights, you position yourself as an authority and gain credibility in your niche. 4. Launch a Speaking Career Writing a book can act as a launching pad for a successful speaking career. When you add value through your book, people not only purchase it but also book you as a speaker. As a bestselling author, you become highly sought after, receiving invitations to speak at events, conferences, and seminars. Your book acts as a testament to your knowledge and expertise, making it easier to market yourself as a speaker. Speaking engagements not only offer financial rewards but also help you reach a wider audience, amplifying your influence and reputation. To know more about how to write a book that can build your speaking career, click here. 5. Be an Effective Role Model and Mentor Writing a book that provides solutions to specific problems positions you as a guide, mentor, and role model. As readers gain insights from your book, they look up to you for guidance and inspiration. Your book enables you to connect with readers and establish yourself as someone they can admire and learn from. Moreover, by referring them to your book, you can mentor multiple individuals simultaneously, saving time while still imparting valuable knowledge and guidance. Read this article if you need help figuring out what to write about: What Should I Write a Book About? 14 Hot Book Ideas 6. Display Your Expertise or Skills Writing

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6 Easy Steps to Solve Problems with Mindstorming

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

How to Solve Problems with Mindstorming In today’s world, where conventional thinking often falls short, it’s essential to tap into the depths of your mind to find innovative solutions to problems. While the conscious mind plays a significant role in decision-making, it’s the combination of conscious and subconscious thinking that can lead to extraordinary results. Mindstorming, a technique that leverages both realms of the mind, allows us to transcend traditional boundaries and discover unconventional approaches to problem-solving. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the concept of mindstorming and explore how it can unleash your creativity and revolutionize your problem-solving abilities. Mindstorming vs Brainstorming When we engage in brainstorming, we harness the power of our minds to generate ingenious solutions based on the information, knowledge, and experiences stored in our brains. Mindstorming takes idea generation to a more profound level by tapping into both the conscious and subconscious mind. While brainstorming focuses primarily on conscious thinking, mindstorming expands our exploration to the realm of the subconscious. Our subconscious mind possesses immense creative potential and can offer unconventional perspectives and insights. By incorporating both realms of the mind, mindstorming allows us to unlock deeper levels of creativity and discover solutions that go beyond conventional thinking. It involves introspection, reflection, and the exploration of intuitive ideas that may not have emerged solely through conscious brainstorming. Can We Solve Problems with Mindstorming? Mindstorming is a powerful technique that taps into the potential of both the conscious and subconscious mind to solve problems and generate innovative solutions. By expanding our thinking beyond the limitations of logical reasoning and conventional approaches, mindstorming opens up new avenues for problem-solving. Let’s explore how mindstorming can be an effective tool in tackling various challenges. If you want to know more about the conscious mind, check out this blog. How Does Mindstorming Help You Become a Problem-Solver? It helps you Go Beyond the Conscious Mind: Your conscious mind, although capable of rational thinking and logical analysis, has its limitations. It often operates within the framework of known information and experiences. However, many complex problems require thinking beyond what is readily available to you.When you mindstorm, you are able to access your subconscious mind, which holds a vast reserve of untapped ideas, memories, and patterns. By tapping into this deeper level of thinking, you can explore unconventional solutions that the conscious mind might overlook. It helps you Unleash Creative Thinking: Mindstorming encourages the free flow of ideas without judgment or limitations. It creates an environment where your creativity can flourish.By engaging the subconscious mind, which is more closely connected to your creative faculties, mindstorming enables you to think outside the box and explore unique perspectives. This approach often leads to breakthrough solutions and innovative approaches to problem-solving.For more insight into how to unlock your creativity, check this out. It helps you Make Unconscious Connections: The subconscious mind has a remarkable ability to make connections and associations that may not be apparent to the conscious mind.Through mindstorming, you can tap into this innate capacity and allow your mind to explore uncharted territories.Ideas that seem unrelated on the surface may reveal surprising connections when you delve deeper into the subconscious realm. These connections can provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives that can lead to effective problem-solving. It helps you Access Intuition and Gut Feelings: Mindstorming involves more than just analytical thinking; it embraces intuitive insights and gut feelings.The subconscious mind has access to a wealth of information and wisdom that may not be readily accessible to the conscious mind.By incorporating intuition into your mindstorming process, you can tap into this inner guidance system and gain valuable insights that can guide your problem-solving efforts. If you would like to learn more about this concept, check out my latest books titled “Unlocking your creativity” and “4D Thinking“. It helps you Enhance Collective Thinking: Mindstorming is not limited to individual brainstorming; it can be a collaborative process as well.When multiple minds come together to engage in mindstorming, the collective power of the subconscious mind is amplified.Through collaborative mindstorming sessions, diverse perspectives and ideas merge, leading to even more innovative solutions and problem-solving approaches. The Subconscious Mind’s Role in Problem-Solving: The conscious mind, driven by logic and reason, often relies on available facts and data to solve problems. However, its limitations can restrict us to conventional solutions. By engaging the subconscious mind in the process, mindstorming takes problem-solving to a whole new level. The subconscious mind has the power to explore possibilities beyond the realm of conscious thinking, making connections and generating ideas that are “beyond the box.” Renowned individuals like Donald Trump, Thomas Edison, and Albert Einstein have embraced the power of their subconscious minds to solve complex problems and make critical decisions with exceptional outcomes. If you would like to know more about brainstorming, you can read about how to brainstorm ideas and creative solutions here. The Deliberate Art of Mindstorming: Mindstorming is not a matter of chance; it is a deliberate art that can be cultivated and nurtured. One effective technique, as suggested by Brian Tracy in his book “Goals,” involves writing down the problem you want to solve at the top of a sheet of paper. For example, if you aim to boost sales for your business, write, “How can I boost sales of my product (service)?” Then, generate a list of ten, twenty, or more potential solutions. This exercise triggers both your conscious and subconscious minds to work together. The more ideas you generate, the closer you get to uncovering unique and groundbreaking solutions. Select the most compelling ideas and repeat the process, breaking them down further until you have actionable steps. Steps to Solve Problems with Mindstorming Step 1: Define the Problem Before diving into mindstorming, it is crucial to clearly define the problem you want to solve. A well-defined problem statement provides focus and direction for the mindstorming process. Ask yourself questions such as: What is the main issue? What are the underlying causes? What are the desired

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How Divergent Thinking Can Quickly Boost Your Creativity – 5 Ways

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

How Divergent Thinking Can Boost Your Creativity In a rapidly evolving world where innovation is key, creativity has become a highly valued trait. However, unlocking the full potential of our creative minds requires us to embrace divergent thinking. Divergent thinking, characterized by the ability to generate multiple unique ideas, paves the way for innovation and can fuel your creative brilliance. In this blog, we will explore the connection between divergent thinking and creativity, highlighting how it can boost your imaginative powers and drive you towards groundbreaking solutions. But first let us understand divergent thinking. What is Divergent Thinking? Divergent thinking is the art of exploring multiple possibilities and perspectives when confronted with a problem or task. Unlike convergent thinking, which focuses on finding a single correct answer, divergent thinking encourages you to break free from traditional thought patterns and venture into uncharted territory. It allows you to think beyond the obvious, welcoming unconventional ideas and approaches. If you would like to learn more about thinking beyond the obvious, take a look at one of my books titled 4D Thinking here. An Insight from the famous Movie – Divergent When I think about divergence, it reminds me of the lady who played a significant role in the popular award-winning movie titled “Divergent.” In the movie, people were assigned to factions based on their qualities, skills, and abilities. The female protagonist, named “Tris,” possessed uncanny abilities that set her apart from others in different factions. However, like many inherently creative individuals struggling with their identity, she had to battle the fear of standing out because of her differences. Eventually, she learned that she was divergent, but she was also told that she needed to conform in order to survive; otherwise, she would face death. In an attempt to fit in and ensure her survival, she tried to suppress her uniqueness and become convergent with other people’s expectations and standards. This internal struggle persisted until her loved ones were in grave danger, and it was her unique abilities that she had feared to manifest that became her only means of defense. Fortunately, she took the risk and used her divergence to help those she cared about, breaking free from the fear of judgment. This situation captures what many gifted, talented, and potentially creative people experience. They fear standing out from the crowd, worried that they might be perceived as too different. Their minds operate from a divergent plane of reasoning, leading them to think differently. However, they are often made to believe that there is something wrong with them for daring to think outside the box. For a deeper dive into different dimensions of thinking, get this book titled “Fourth Dimensional Thinking“. How to Boost your Creativity with Divergent Thinking 1. Break the Shackles of Conformity: Conformity often hinders creativity. Divergent thinking empowers you to challenge assumptions and question established norms. By encouraging you to think outside the box, divergent thinking enables you to break free from conventional wisdom and explore new realms of possibility. It liberates your mind from the constraints of conformity, opening up a world of fresh perspectives and original ideas. 2. Embrace Unpredictability and Uncertainty: Divergent thinking celebrates ambiguity. It teaches you to embrace uncertainty and navigate through uncharted territories with confidence. By venturing into the unknown, you can uncover hidden connections, novel insights, and innovative solutions. Divergent thinking allows you to see the potential in the unpredictable and harness it as a catalyst for creativity. 3. Make Unexpected Connections: One of the greatest strengths of divergent thinking lies in its ability to establish connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. It encourages you to explore diverse disciplines, draw inspiration from different sources, and amalgamate ideas to create something truly unique. The power of divergent thinking lies in its ability to blend the familiar with the unfamiliar, leading to groundbreaking breakthroughs and awe-inspiring creations. 4. Foster Collaborative Creativity: Divergent thinking thrives in collaborative environments. When individuals with diverse perspectives come together, the collective power of their divergent thinking multiplies. Collaborative brainstorming sessions, ideation workshops, and creative team meetings can spark a synergy of ideas, where each participant contributes their unique viewpoints, resulting in innovative and exceptional solutions. For more on creativity, checkout my book titled “Ignite Your Creativity“. 5. Nurture Divergent Thinking Skills: Divergent thinking is a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened. To enhance your divergent thinking abilities, you can engage in exercises such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and free writing. Find ways to enhance your ability to think outside the box. You can check this article out to learn more about this: How to Think Outside the Box. These techniques stimulate idea generation and encourage the exploration of various possibilities. Additionally, immersing yourself in creative activities like painting, music, or writing can help unlock your imaginative potential and enhance divergent thinking skills. For more on unconventional thinking, check out my book titled “Fourth Dimensional Thinking“. Conclusion: Divergent thinking is the fuel that ignites the fires of creativity within us. By embracing this mindset, we unlock limitless possibilities, challenge the status quo, and foster groundbreaking innovation. In a world where originality and fresh perspectives are in high demand, divergent thinking serves as the gateway to unlocking our creative brilliance. So, embrace divergent thinking, break free from conformity, and watch as your imagination soars to new heights, propelling you towards transformative and extraordinary accomplishments. As you embrace the limitless power of your divergent thinking you will unveil a world of boundless creativity waiting to be unleashed within you PS : If you would like to schedule me for a keynote presentation at your event or conference, you can do that here.

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5 Steps to Master Your Creativity

1 Comment / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / Iredafe Owolabi

How to Master Your Creativity One may wonder, “can you really master your creativity?” Creativity is a superpower that resides within each of us, waiting to be awakened and harnessed. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a writer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking to tap into your creative potential, mastering your creativity can unlock a world of endless possibilities. Creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and mastered with consistent effort and practice. Just like any other skill, it progresses through different levels of competence. Understanding these levels in the journey towards true mastery can empower you to unlock your creative potential like a superhero. Let us explore the five levels of creative competence and provide insights on how to achieve true mastery in creativity. 1. Unconscious Incompetence: Igniting Awareness The first, known as unconscious incompetence, is when you don’t know what you don’t know. For example, you might not even be aware of the fact that something like creativity exists or applies to you. So you’re not aware that you are currently capable of being creative. You may not be aware that creativity is a powerful tool that can be harnessed to solve problems for you, around you and to create innovative solutions. To progress from this stage, start by acknowledging that creativity exists and recognize its relevance in your life. Cultivate an open mindset and curiosity to explore the possibilities of creativity. 2. Conscious Incompetence: Embracing Learning In the second stage, you become aware of your lack of knowledge and skills in creativity. In other words, you are aware of what you don’t know. For example, you’re aware that people have learned to ignite their creativity, solve problems and innovate much faster through “creativity techniques”, but you yourself have not had any training in this area, nor do you understand what tools are necessary to become a creative. If you belong here, I encourage you to acknowledge that you can learn to be more creative and that there is room for growth and improvement. Seek out resources, courses, books, or mentors who can guide you in developing your creative abilities. If you’d like, grab a free copy of my upcoming book titled “ignite your creativity”, click here. Embrace the learning process and understand the tools and techniques required to become truly creative. 3. Conscious Competence: Active Application The third stage signifies the conscious application of your creative skills. You have acquired the knowledge and techniques, but it requires deliberate effort and focus to tap into your creativity. What this means is that you are aware of a skill and have the capacity to perform that skill but only when you actively put your mind to it. You can do it but it takes work. If this is where you are in your journey, you could level up by regular practice and consistently engaging in creative exercises and activities. Apply different strategies and approaches to problem-solving, brainstorming, and idea generation. With time and practice, creativity becomes more accessible and fluid. 4. Unconscious Competence: Becoming a Creative Superhero At the fourth stage, creativity becomes second nature to you. It becomes an integral part of your thought process and problem-solving approach. You effortlessly tap into your creative reserves without conscious effort. With creativity, you would reach the point of unconcious competence when this simply becomes the way you function. You’re not making yourself create solutions faster, you’re just doing so.Just the way you are typing or driving without deliberate attention, you now display creativity without deliberate effort. This level of mastery comes with continuous practice, experience, and an ingrained creative mindset. Embrace creativity as a natural part of your being and trust in your ability to generate unique and innovative ideas. If you’d like to invite me to do a keynote presentation on creativity related topics, you can do so by filling this form. 5. True Mastery: The Infinite Journey True mastery goes beyond unconscious competence. It is a lifelong commitment to growth and continuous improvement. At this stage creativity is not just second nature to you but it has become first nature to you to display creativity at an elite level if that makes sense. Embrace the mindset of a creative superhero and always strive to push your creative boundaries. Seek out new challenges, explore different art forms, collaborate with other creative minds, and constantly expand your creative repertoire. Remember that creativity has infinite potential, and by mastering it, you unlock endless possibilities. Steps to Master Your Creativity 1. Discover Your Creative Identity: Discovering and embracing your creative identity is the first step on the path to mastery. Do not try to copy others or be like others in a bid to harnessing your creativity. Reflect on your passions, interests, and natural talents. What forms of creative expression resonate with you the most? Whether it’s painting, writing, photography, or any other medium, identify your unique creative calling and embrace it wholeheartedly. 2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset is essential for mastering your creativity. Embrace the belief that creativity can be developed and enhanced through practice and learning. Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and view failures as stepping stones towards growth. With a growth mindset, you’ll approach your creative journey with resilience and a thirst for continuous improvement. 3. Nurture a Creative Environment: Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your creative abilities. Create a dedicated space that inspires and nurtures your creativity. Surround yourself with inspiring artwork, books, and objects that ignite your imagination. Minimize distractions and ensure your creative space is conducive to focused and uninterrupted creative work. 4. Embrace Diverse Experiences: Expand your creative horizons by embracing diverse experiences. Engage in activities outside of your comfort zone, explore new places, and seek out different perspectives. Expose yourself to various art forms, cultures, and ideas. This can boost your creative skills immensely. The more diverse your experiences, the richer your creative palette becomes, enabling you to think outside the box and generate truly

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How to Maximize your Creativity without Struggle – 5 Key Thoughts

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

How To Maximize Your Creativity How to Maximize your Creativity First off, why is it important to maximize your creativity? Creativity is a valuable commodity that appreciates with use. When you actively engage your creative capacity, it produces more value. However, if your creativity is caged by tradition or fear, your talent remains obscured and its value depreciates. The parable of the talents exemplifies this principle. It illustrates how to maximize your creativity, highlighting the importance of actively using one’s creative abilities to generate value. Unleashing the Power Within Every individual possesses the ability to be creative, but it must be unlocked to reach its full potential. By allowing your creative muscles to remain unused, they become dormant, making it increasingly challenging to tap into your inherent creative abilities. The longer you withhold your ideas and fail to release your creative potential, the more difficult it becomes to harness your creative capacity. Activating and unlocking our creativity is essential for maximizing its impact. How Does Creativity Attract Resources? Remember the parable of the talents, the one who did not utilize the talent he got but buried it had the talent taken from him and given to the others who used their talent. That is similar to how creativity works and this is why you need to maximize your creativity. The level of creativity demonstrated by an individual often determines the resources entrusted to them. The more creative a person is, the greater the responsibility and resources they are given. Conversely, a lack of creativity leads to fewer opportunities and limited resource allocation. Unlocking your creative potential not only enhances personal growth but also attracts to you more substantial resources and opportunities. The Story of Frank Gunsaulus I first read about the Frank Gunsalaus in Napoleon Hill’s book titled, “Think and Grow Rich“. The story of Dr. Frank W. Gunsaulus revolves around his strong desire to correct flaws in the educational system. Despite facing limited opportunities, he decided to establish a new college that would embody his vision of teaching through practical experience. To accomplish this, he needed one million dollars, which seemed unattainable. However, he refused to let go of his vision and remained determined to find a way. After brainstorming for nearly two years, he realized the importance of taking action. He announced that he would deliver a sermon titled “What I Would Do If I Had a Million Dollars.” This bold step led to a miraculous encounter with Philip D. Armour, who believed in Dr. Frank’s sermon and offered him the one million dollars needed to fulfill his vision. With this funding, Dr. Frank established the Armour Institute of Technology, demonstrating that creativity goes beyond ideas and requires turning them into tangible reality. From Idea to Tangible Reality Creativity requires more than just generating ideas; it necessitates transforming those ideas into tangible reality. Dr. Frank W. Gunsaulus’s story illustrates the importance of taking action. Despite facing obstacles and a lack of resources, Dr. Frank refused to let go of his vision. By preparing a sermon that showcased his plans and taking bold steps towards his goals, he attracted the attention and support of others, ultimately receiving the necessary resources to establish his visionary educational institution. Breaking Boundaries for Creative Solutions Persistence is a vital element of creativity. Dr. Frank’s unwavering belief in his vision and refusal to give up led him to the resources he needed. Creativity often challenges the status quo and requires thinking beyond traditional methods. Dr. Frank’s innovative approach to education, bypassing conventional funding channels, paved the way for transformative change. By embracing perseverance and thinking outside the box, creative individuals can overcome obstacles and make significant impacts. Nurturing and Harnessing Creativity Creativity resides within each individual, waiting to be nurtured and unleashed. It requires refusing to let creative potential go to waste and being willing to challenge conventional thinking. By persevering in the face of obstacles and taking action on ideas, you can attract resources and opportunities that align with your visions. Embracing a creative mindset allows dreams to become tangible reality, ultimately leading to personal and societal growth. Conclusion: Maximize Your Creativity In conclusion, creativity extends beyond generating ideas; it is about transforming those ideas into tangible reality. The story of Dr. Frank W. Gunsaulus serves as a powerful example of creative thinking and action. By embracing our creative potential, persevering in the face of obstacles, and boldly pursuing our visions, we can unlock the resources needed to bring our ideas to life. Remember, creativity knows no bounds, and with the right mindset and determination, we can turn our dreams into tangible reality. PS: If you would like to invite me for a talk or keynote at your conference, seminar or workshop, you can contact me here. Here is a link to my books if you’re interested. If you found this valuable, or you have a question or different perspective, feel free to leave a comment below. Further reading: What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition! 10 Easy Steps to Unblock Your Creativity and Banish your Inner Critic 14 Strategies to Develop Your Problem Solving Skills Profitably

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7 Easy Steps to Achieve Peak Performance Creativity

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

How to Achieve Peak Performance Creativity Why should you care about peak performance creativity? In the year 2018, I did an online seminar tagged “Birth Your Brainchild” and in the buildup for the event, a lady in her early 40s reached out to me. She was a banker at one of the top banks in her city and had been there for 10 years. She said she was feeling frustrated because she knows deep within her that she was not fulfilling her dreams. She was making an SOS call to me to help guide her out of this predicament. She thought that maybe she needed to quit her job so she could become creative, but I told her she needed to become creative first, so that she could make her dream into a job, and then quit the job she hated. Her job was never the problem, her inability to become creative was the issue. This is the situation many gifted people who are yet to reach the peak of their creativity find themselves today. Many need to stop waiting for an event and understand how to live their dreams one day at a time. Before we delve into peak performance creativity, let us understand what peak performance is. By the way, you can checkout my public speaking gallery here. What is Peak Performance? Peak performance refers to the maximum result that can be achieved or attained by an individual within a given period of time. A lot of people are performing way below their capacity. They are like the man who has a power bike but only used the power bike to outrun bicycles when they ought to compete with fast cars and even outrun them. Are You an Eagle With Chicken-level Results? It reminds me of the mythological story of an eagle that was born in the nest of a hen and grew up among chickens. The eagle grew up with chickens and died thinking it was a “great chicken” not knowing that it was born to soar above the highest mountains. Many people painfully have a similar story. They are born as eagles but instead of being highfliers, they end up competing with chickens and are satisfied with little results. Peak performance is a great necessity for any student, graduate, professional or businessperson that desires to release his or her full creative potential. It is relevant for maximum achievement and can be applied to anyone and to any area or endeavor of life. When you begin to perform at the peak of your creativity, you begin to harness fully, the potential of your mind as a creative. The Creative Power of the Mind: The creative power of your mind is so limitless that no matter how much you have achieved, you can always do more, achieve more and make more impact. The performance of your mind is heavily connected to how effectively you allow creativity to dominate your thought processes. Imagine driving a car with manual gear transmission which has a capacity to run at 180 miles per hour. If you never engage the gear system from one to two and you choose to run a journey of 200 miles on only the first gear, what will happen? You may knock down that engine because it was designed to work efficiently and maximally when all its gears are engaged from first to fifth. On the other hand, when you begin to engage all the gears from one, two, and three until you get to the fifth or to the highest gear, you would discover that it becomes easier for the vehicle to move and to reach your destination faster. That is because the vehicle begins to run on full throttle when the gears have been adequately engaged to maximum capacity. Peak performance creativity is attained when the mind is fully optimized, utilizing its immense potential. Strategies to Achieve Peak Performance Creativity, Productivity, and Profitability: To reach peak performance creativity, you must adopt strategies that enhance productivity and increase profitability. While each person’s journey is unique, the following principles can be universally applied: 1. Define Your Major Goal Define your major goal by aligning it with your purpose and vision. Your purpose represents the reason for your existence and your vision is a clear picture of where you want to go. By setting a specific and challenging major goal, you direct your efforts towards accomplishing it. For example, a purpose-driven individual aspiring to positively impact the world with music may set a major goal of becoming a renowned artist within “X” number of years. Defining your major goal gives you a target to work towards and fuels your creativity to function at peak performance. 2. Discover the One Thing to Do Today: Break down your major goal into smaller, manageable steps. Determine the one thing you must do each day to move closer to achieving your major goal and fulfilling your vision. By focusing on accomplishing this one task daily, you maintain momentum and make steady progress. For instance, if your major goal is to become a major distributor of a specific product, your daily task may involve conducting market research or establishing contacts with potential suppliers. Consistently taking these small steps leads to significant accomplishments over time. Will there be roadblocks? Absolutely! And that is where creativity kicks in as you figure out a way around those roadblocks. 3. Avoid Complacency: Never settle for past achievements, no matter how great they may seem. Continuously challenge yourself to go beyond your comfort zone and strive for improvement. Recognize that your previous achievements should serve as stepping stones to greater accomplishments. By refusing to rest on your laurels, you can multiply your results and achieve peak performance creativity. 4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Creativity flourishes when we venture beyond our comfort zones. Break free from routine and familiar patterns by seeking new experiences, exploring different environments, and engaging with diverse perspectives. Embrace uncertainty and embrace the

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How You Got Me Pregnant! 4 Inspiring Stories

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

How You Got Me Pregnant! Before you hang me on the stakes, burn me alive, crucify me or stone me to death for saying you got me pregnant, please hear me out! Will you? Just hear my story and if after hearing this you deny this pregnancy, then so be it! In 2019, I spoke at a conference that had 1,200 attendees. My presentation was tagged “Creativity Accelerator”. It was an explosive presentation that transformed the lives of many. After I returned back to my seat from the podium and rested a while, basking in the energy of the moment, a gentleman tapped me and expressed gratitude for my delivery. He then asked if I had a book that contained the insights I just shared. At this time, I already had 7 books to my name, so he was hopeful that my answer would be a “yes”. Since I had a book on creativity titled “Unlocking Your Kingdom Creativity“, I recommended that to him and told him that what I had shared that day was not in the book. He was disappointed… he asked if I could write a book that would capture the powerful creativity-laden insights I had bombarded the audience with that day. Seeing the raw desire in his eyes, I made a promise to him that I would write a book on that. It has been 5 years since then and I can confirm that the book he asked for which is titled “Ignite Your Creativity” is getting close to being ready. The Day You Got Me Pregnant I still remember vividly that day when I got impregnated with this brainchild (Ignite Your Creativity book) about to be born. It was 14th September 2019. The gentleman who wanted to know if I had a book about what I had shared was very fervent and effusive in his inquiry. He believed those inspiring thoughts about creativity which I had dished out were timeless and needed to be baked into a book. Now here’s why I held on to the promise I made until this day. I remember that moment, when he requested for the book. As I looked into his eyes, I saw you! I saw you yearning for a book that could help you ignite your creativity. I saw you and millions of others around the world clamouring for this brainchild. That was how YOU got me pregnant… in the womb of my mind! I Considered Aborting This Brainchild Now all I ask of you is please do not deny this baby. Just own up to this brainchild that I have carried in the belly of my mind for 5 years. There were stomach cramps of uncertainty, periods of uneasiness, and sleepless nights. I carried this baby bump of ideas wherever I went, feeling the mental kicks of this baby that sometimes left my brain throbbing. At some point, I considered aborting this brainchild when the demands of my 9-5 job was taking its toll on my ability to carry this baby around in the bowels of my mind. But then again, when I thought of it, all I saw in my mind’s eye was you telling me that I could do it, and that we could make this work. And you know what? I believed you! I believed we could make it work. I realized the immense potential of this brainchild and the transformative impact it could have on countless lives. It was this realization that kept me going, pushing through the discomfort and embracing the growth that came with it. Just like an expectant mother who chooses to nurture and bring forth new life, I made the decision to wholeheartedly embrace the birth of “Ignite Your Creativity.” After I crossed that Bridge So, after I got pregnant, and overcame the temptation to abort, for the next 5 years I went about with this seed like an expectant mother. I started doing and eating only things that will support the growth of this brainchild in the womb of my mind. Interestingly, the baby has a name, and it was not chosen by me. Fans of this baby selected a name on Facebook when I announced years ago that I was pregnant with a book and described to them what it was going to look like. They named our baby “Ignite your Creativity”! So I’m happy to let you know that I have made the final push to deliver this baby, you should check it out here and you’ll be glad you did. PS: If you would like to invite me for a presentation on any of my creativity-stirring themes, or you want to add me to the line-up of speakers for your conference or event, you can contact me here.

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