Innovation

What Creativity is Not: 7 Popular Myths about Creativity

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / By 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

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 / By 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

2 Dynamic Types of Thinking and How to Use Them Creatively

Leave a Comment / Thinking, Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / By 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

9 Easy Steps to Make a Career Switch into Tech: Where Creativity Meets Technology

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

How to Make a Career Switch into Tech Creatively With the current buzz of AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard, and other revolutionary trends powered by technology, more and more people have began to consider transitiong or switching careers to tech. I agree that tech is not for everyone but if you have an interest, there is no harm in exploring it in tech. So, have you ever desired to make a career switch into tech? If yes, then this article will stir you in the right direction. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the intersection of creativity and technology has given birth to groundbreaking innovations. These discoveries have shaped our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a decade ago. This fusion has created a dynamic and diverse landscape in the tech industry, welcoming individuals from all walks of life to embark on a career switch into this exciting field. If you’re someone with a creative background, wondering how to bridge the gap and transition into tech, this blog is your guide to making a successful leap. In this article, I will share some tips that can help you creatively transition to a tech career that suits you by using my personal story as inspiration. By the way, if you want to understand what creativity really is, you can read this blog: What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition! 9 Steps to Make a Successful Career Switch into Tech with Creativity 1. Recognize Your Transferable Skills – This is Where Creativity Meets Technology First and foremost, realize that your creative skills are far from irrelevant in the tech sector. Problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and the ability to think outside the box are all highly valued skills in tech roles. These skills, often honed in creative pursuits, are directly applicable to roles such as user experience (UX) design, graphic design, content creation, and even software development. The emergence of Digital revolution has made it possible to easily reinvent yourself and experience true adventure while deploying your creative problem solving skills. This is something that makes a career switch into technology worth it. For me, that was what spurred my interest in software development. Being a Chemical Engineer by the traditional education system, I discovered that I wanted more from my life than what that field offered. I had so many ideas, gifts and skills that I wanted to explore the world with. So even before I had any interest in software development, I started out sharpening them. The first skill sets I honed among others, were my creative writing skills, presentation, negotiation, marketing, personal branding and my public speaking skills. To learn more about creativity, I recommend you read “Ignite Your Creativity“. 2. Use Your Current Skills to Fill the Gaps Creatively Now you have identified the existing skills that made you thrive in you previous career. You probably recognized the gifts that were suppressed before. What next? Well, your next step should be to figure out how that can compensate for what you lack in the tech field you intend to venture into. When I discovered that I could further reinvent myself and harness my creativity by venturing into software development, it dawned on me that I had transferable skills that could help me succeed in my journey as a programmer. One of the transferable skills was that I spend 10 hours daily writing books, and whoever read my books always fell in love with my flow of thought, use of literature, content and presentation. You may not already be doing 10 hours on your laptop writing a book. But if you can spend at least 3 hours watching a movie or a football match, it means you have the patience required to venture into a technology related field. This is pretty much because your job would require that quality from you if you finally make the switch into Information Technology. Figure out a skill or trait unique to your personality and try to find ways that can help you compensate for what you may lack as you transition. 3. Embrace Lifelong Learning Tech is an ever-evolving field, and its fast-paced nature means that continuous learning is crucial. But don’t be daunted! Your background in creativity positions you well for this challenge. Just as artists and writers refine their craft, you can approach learning to code, mastering new software, or understanding complex algorithms as a form of creative expression. There’s beauty in creating functional and elegant solutions through code, just as there is in crafting a beautiful painting or a compelling story. I took online courses on educational platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning and PluralSight to hone my technical skills. You may want to take online courses, bootcamps or classes. Try to go with what works for you and spend less time with analysis paralysis. 4. Leverage Your Unique Perspective Your creative background gives you a unique lens through which you can approach tech problems. Creatives often have a knack for empathizing with users, understanding their needs, and crafting experiences that resonate. This perspective can be invaluable in roles like UX/UI design, where the ability to marry aesthetics with functionality is paramount. The fact that you come from a different background from tech is not a disadvantage. It is a leverage if you know how to use it because it makes you divergent. For more on how divergence can boost your creativity, read this blog: How Divergent Thinking can Quickly Boost Your Creativity. 5. Network and Collaborate Transitioning into tech involves not just mastering new skills but also building connections within the industry. Attend tech meetups, workshops, and conferences to meet like-minded individuals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and potential job opportunities. Collaborating on projects can help you showcase your skills, learn from others, and demonstrate your ability to work in cross-functional teams – a skill highly sought after in tech roles. 6. Upskill Strategically Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of tech skills, focus

Innovation: Keys to Breaking out of the Box of Tradition

What is Innovation? 7 Keys to Breaking out of the Box of Tradition

Leave a Comment / Innovation, Thinking / By Iredafe Owolabi

https://youtu.be/c9FGOHKmWy8 Innovation vs Tradition: Keys to Breaking Out of the Box In a world that is constantly evolving, the clash between innovation and tradition has become a defining characteristic of our times. Intentionally breaking out of the box has become the only way to thrive. While tradition, rooted in the methods of the past, provides us with a sense of comfort that comes with stagnation; innovation on the other hand drives progress and propels us into the future. Often seen as opposing forces, these two paradigms are locked in a perpetual struggle for dominance. However, the key to thriving in this dynamic landscape lies in our ability to break out of the box and harness the best of both worlds. In this blog post, we will explore the delicate balance between innovation and tradition while breaking out of the box of tradition. This is important if you want to climb unto new heights of creativity and success. What is Innovation? Innovation refers to the process of introducing new ideas, products, services, methods, or technologies that bring about significant improvements or changes to the current state of affairs. It involves creative thinking, problem-solving, and the application of novel approaches to address challenges or fulfill unmet needs. The goal of innovation is to constantly break you away from the “cocoon” called tradition. But the goal of tradition is to make people hold onto a method for too long. Innovation holds onto the principles behind past and current methods but keeps inventing and reinventing better ways or methods of achieving the desired result. Another good thing about innovation is that it may sometimes also bring about the discovery and use of a better principle and method altogether. Innovation does not wait for a method to stop working before developing a better one. But tradition holds onto a method that worked long ago even though it is no longer efficient. Do not get married to your methods because they worked before! What is Tradition? Tradition is a set of old ideas, beliefs, custom, practice, or information that have been passed down from one generation to another with or without true understanding of its origin and purpose. Traditions are bound to be done away with, changed or modified to suit the need of the hour. Rigid people however, are resistant to innovative change. They devote their time, energy and resources to protect traditions which came into existence as a result of past experiences, limited exposure or outdated information. The most annoying part is that most times they do not even know the origin of such limiting traditions and conventions. This is why every individual who wants to come out of the cage of convention and tradition must be a student of history especially as it concerns his particular area of interest. Some traditional practices are not bad in themselves because they were invented to serve a particular purpose based on the level of exposure that was available when they came into existence. However the problem with tradition is that it gets handed down and transmitted to a totally new generation with different sets of challenge and a better degree of exposure. Further Reading:1. The 2 Basic Differences Between Creativity and Innovation2. 4 Reasons Why Creativity Is Important in Life and Beyond The Power of Innovation Innovation is the engine that drives progress and propels society forward. It is the force that disrupts the status quo and challenges existing norms. Embracing innovation opens the door to new possibilities and opportunities, empowering us to solve complex problems and improve our lives in unprecedented ways. Innovators push the boundaries of what is possible, leading to groundbreaking discoveries, technologies, and solutions. For more insights on how to tap into the realm of innovation, read this blog: The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries. https://youtu.be/BxP-3g52VtY Keys to Breaking Out of the Box 1. Break Free from Limiting Beliefs Tradition cages people into a particular convention and trades its practices from one generation to another and no one dares think in the line of change and innovation. The clash between innovation and tradition often stems from rigid thinking and the fear of change. Breaking out of the box requires you to challenge your own limiting beliefs and be open to new ideas and perspectives. For more insights into this, check out one of my books titled: “4D Thinking“. 2. Welcome Change as a Constant Change is the only constant in life, and both innovation and tradition are essential for navigating this ever-changing landscape. Instead of seeing them as opposing forces, we can view them as complementary elements in a continuous cycle of adaptation and improvement. By embracing change as an integral part of life, we become more resilient and agile in the face of challenges and uncertainties. For more insights on the benefits of change, check out this article. 3. Preserving Core Values while Pursuing Progress Breaking out of the box requires us to strike a delicate balance between preserving our core values and embracing progress. It is possible to honor principle-based tradition while incorporating innovative practices that align with our values. By doing so, we ensure that our advancements are rooted in integrity and respect for the past. 4. Fostering a Culture of Innovation To embrace both innovation and tradition, organizations must foster a culture that encourages creativity and forward-thinking while appreciating the significance of established practices. Encouraging employees to experiment, take risks, and learn from failures can lead to groundbreaking innovations. At the same time, recognizing and celebrating the value of principle-oriented tradition can enhance employee morale and commitment. 5. Leading by Example Breaking out of the box starts with individual leadership. Leaders who embrace a balanced approach to innovation and tradition can inspire their teams to do the same. By demonstrating that change is essential for growth and that tradition is the foundation for progress, leaders set the stage for a harmonious coexistence of both paradigms. Conclusion: Innovation and Tradition The clash between innovation and tradition is

2 Essential Types of Creativity and How to Easily Leverage Them

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

https://youtu.be/3cnyCDfHsMM 2 Types of Creativity and How to Easily Leverage Them Creativity is the lifeblood of innovation and progress. It fuels our ability to think beyond the boundaries of what already exists and envision new possibilities. Before going into the types of creativity, I will like to give you a quick review of what creativity is. My most concise definition of creativity is simply to think differently and do differently. If you would like to really understand what creativity is all about before delving into the types of creativity, then read this blog: What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition! When it comes to creativity, there are two primary types: creating from nothing and creating from something. In this blog, we will explore these two distinct forms of creativity and delve into effective ways to harness their power to unlock your full creative potential. How I came about the Types of Creativity Now, you may want ask how I came about this so let me tell you. There are two very important Hebrew words that were used frequently in the Bible when describing the creation account. In the beginning when God created the heavens, the earth, the sun, the sky, the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the trees and the plants, these two Hebrew words were uniquely used. The first is “bara” while the second is “asah”. The Hebrew word “bara” is usually used mostly when God is the subject of creation. At such scenarios “bara” was always used to indicate that the object or concept that God created was brought into existence out of nothing or out of previously nonexistent material. The second word that is often used in relation to creation all through the Bible is the Hebrew word “asah”. This word actually means to “make”. Whenever this word “asah” is used, it usually connotes that the object in question was fashioned out of already existent material. For more on this, you can check out my book titled “Unlocking your Kingdom Creativity“. Part 1: Creating from Nothing – The Art of Imagination Creating from nothing is often associated with the purest form of creativity. It involves starting with a blank canvas or blank sheet of paper and using your imagination to give shape to novel ideas, concepts, or works of art. Here are some key aspects of this type of creativity: 1. Leverage Curiosity: Curiosity is the spark that ignites the imagination. To create from nothing, you must cultivate a sense of wonder about the world and be open to exploring new ideas and perspectives. This is where understanding the creative power of questions can make a difference. Check out this blog for more on this: The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries 2. Engage in Frequent Reflection: Solitude provides a fertile ground for the mind to wander freely. Take time to disconnect from distractions and engage in introspection, allowing thoughts to flow organically. 3. Mindstorming and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help calm the mind and tap into the deeper recesses of creativity. They allow for a clear mental space where ideas can arise and take shape. For more insights on mindstorming, check this article: 6 Easy Steps to Solve Problems with Mindstorming. 4. Divergent Thinking: Intentionally practice divergent thinking, which involves generating multiple solutions to a single problem. Think beyond the obvious and conventional, exploring uncharted territories of imagination. For details on how divergent thinking can boost your creativity, read this article: How Divergent Thinking Can Quickly Boost Your Creativity. 5. Play and Experimentation: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Sometimes great discoveries are made in a more relaxed atmosphere if you are sensitive enough. Playfulness is crucial to creating from nothing. Engage in creative exercises, experiments, and games to explore new avenues of thought. Part 2: Creating from Something – The Art of Innovation Creating from something involves taking existing ideas, concepts, or materials and transforming them into something new and original. This form of creativity often underlies innovation in various fields. Here’s how to use it effectively: 1. Knowledge and Research: To create from something, you must first immerse yourself in knowledge. Research extensively, learn from existing works, and understand the subject deeply. 2. Combining Ideas: The ideation phase of creativity often involves connecting seemingly unrelated concepts. Look for patterns, analogies, and connections between different domains to spark fresh ideas. You can learn more about brainstorming ideas in this blog. 3. Iterative Process: Creation from something is rarely a one-shot deal. Embrace an iterative process, where you continuously refine and evolve your ideas based on feedback and new insights. 4. Problem-Solving: Identify challenges or gaps in existing concepts and strive to solve them creatively. Innovations often arise from addressing real-world problems with ingenuity. For more insights into how to be better at problem solving, see: 14 Strategies to Develop Your Problem Solving Skills Profitably 5. Collaborative Efforts: Engage in brainstorming sessions and collaborate with others. Diversity of perspectives can lead to innovative breakthroughs. Part 3: Balancing the Two Types of Creativity While creating from nothing and creating from something are distinct approaches, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the most successful creators often find a balance between the two. Here’s how to harmonize these types of creativity: 1. Cross-Pollinate: Intentionally apply insights and ideas from one domain to another. Allow the imagination to draw from existing knowledge while giving it the freedom to transcend those boundaries. 2. Embrace Constraints: Instead of viewing constraints as barriers to creativity, see them as challenges that stimulate innovation. Creativity often flourishes within limits. 3. Connect the Dots: Use mind mapping techniques to visually connect ideas and concepts. This helps in identifying potential areas of intersection between the two types of creativity. 4. Get in the Zone: By this, I mean you should seek to enter the state of flow, where you are fully immersed in your creative process. In this state, both types

What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition!

2 Comments / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving, Thinking / By Iredafe Owolabi

https://youtu.be/nO4NqYN99v0 What Is Creativity? Introduction How do we define this elusive and intangible force that sparks our imagination and pushes the boundaries of human potential? This is the only article you need to understand the meaning of creativity in a way that you can explain it to a 3rd-grader without leaving them more confused. In this blog, we will delve deep into the concept of creativity, exploring its nature, its importance, and the ways it manifests in our lives. Misconception about Creativity – Big Thinking with no Doing When I discovered that creativity was a subject I was passionate about, I did a lot of research on the topic but was disappointed to find out that there was not enough insight out there. Most articles I came across online could not do justice to the definition of creativity. They seemed unable to distinguish between creativity and big thinking. That’s why, in all my interactions, be it speaking engagements or day-to-day conversations with friends, family, and people in general, I always make sure to differentiate between having great ideas and being creative. Having bright ideas is fantastic, but it does not amount to creativity. Creativity is an action word. You can think passively, but you cannot create passively. You must take a step, act, and make that change you have always imagined in your mind to truly be creative. Additional Resources1. Where Do Innovative Ideas Come From? 6 Channels2. 10 Reasons Why Creativity and Innovation is Important in Business and Work3. 8 Great Ways to Amplify Your Creativity With Intuition Define Creativity One day, a lady approached me with an intriguing request: she wanted me to explain the concept of creativity to her without using the direct terms “creative” or “create.” She sought a deeper understanding of what I meant when I referred to her own inherent creativity. In response, I offered her an analogy which I believe captures the essence of creativity. I said to her, “Your creativity is like a refined gift at work—a masterpiece of untapped potential, well-furnished for display. It’s a learned skill in motion, representing ideas that come alive through purposeful action.” I went further to say, “Think of it as your unprocessed food ingredients getting transformed into a well-cooked meal, teasing your senses with their flavors and aromas. Your creativity is what turns raw meat into a tasty, finger-licking chicken soup.” I guess she could relate more to this analogy because, by her own admission, she loved cooking. At its core, creativity is the ability to generate novel ideas and convert them to tangible solutions, or expressions that possess originality, value, and relevance. It is not limited to the realm of artists or inventors; rather, it is a universal capacity that every individual possesses to varying degrees. Creativity allows us to connect seemingly unrelated dots, to see the world from different perspectives, and to break away from conventional thinking. How to be Creative: the Creative Process The creative process is an intricate journey that often involves several stages. First, there is the stage of preparation, where one immerses themselves in the subject matter, gathers knowledge, and seeks inspiration. Next comes the incubation phase, during which the mind processes the information subconsciously, allowing ideas to germinate. This often leads to the “aha” moment in the illumination phase, where the breakthrough idea emerges seemingly out of nowhere. Lastly, there is the verification and implementation stage, where the idea is refined, tested, and put into action. By the way, to invite me for a keynote or presentation on creativity or related topics, kindly fill in the details of the invite here. So, What is Creativity? My 7-sided Definition. In the second chapter of my latest book titled “Ignite Your Creativity“, I went into great detail in a bid to explain what creativity truly meant. In this section, you can get a brief highlight. Creativity is a multi-faceted and powerful phenomenon that enriches human experience and drives innovation across various domains. Here are the seven key points from “Ignite Your Creativity” that provide a brief explanation of creativity: 1. Ability to Create: At its core, creativity is the innate ability to generate new ideas, concepts, and tangible outputs. It involves bringing something into existence that didn’t exist before, whether it’s a piece of art, a novel solution to a problem, or a novel product. If you would like to master your creating capacity, check out this blog: 5 Steps to Master Your Creativity. 2. Ability to Solve Problems: Creativity serves as a potent problem-solving tool. It enables individuals to think outside the box, break free from conventional patterns, and devise inventive solutions to complex challenges. 3. Ability of Uniqueness in State and Approach: Creativity celebrates individuality and originality. It involves expressing ideas and concepts in distinctive ways, reflecting the creator’s unique perspective and approach. 4. A Propelling Force: Creativity is a driving force that fuels progress and growth. It serves as a catalyst for advancement in various fields, encouraging exploration and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. 5. Dynamic Change of State: The creative process is dynamic and ever-evolving. It involves navigating through multiple stages of ideation, experimentation, refinement, and realization, leading to continuous change and evolution. 6. Ability to Be Divergent: Creativity thrives on divergent thinking, the capacity to explore a wide range of possibilities and perspectives. It encourages embracing ambiguity and exploring unconventional paths. https://youtu.be/JvSsHorGTwA 7. Ability to Be Productive: Creativity is not solely about generating ideas; it also involves translating those ideas into tangible outcomes. Productivity is a crucial aspect of creativity, transforming imagination into something concrete and impactful. In summary, creativity encompasses the ability to create, solve problems, and approach situations uniquely. It serves as a propelling force for progress, embracing a dynamic and divergent process, all while promoting productivity and transforming abstract ideas into reality. Creativity in Different Domains 1. Artistic Creativity: In the world of art, creativity flourishes through painting, music, literature, dance, and other forms of

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8 Great Ways to Amplify Your Creativity With Intuition

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

8 Ways to Amplify your Creativity Through intuition Creativity is an extraordinary gift that resides within each of us, waiting to be unleashed. Often, we seek external sources for inspiration, overlooking a powerful internal compass that can elevate our creative endeavors – intuition. Intuition is the deep-seated knowing that arises from within, guiding us toward innovative solutions and artistic expressions. In this blog, I will share my personal experience with creativity using intuition and also the stories of others who achieved success in their own right. We will explore how to tap into your intuition in a bid to amplify your creativity and open the doors to boundless imagination. Understanding Intuition Intuition is often described as a gut feeling or an instinctive response to a situation without relying on logical reasoning. It is the voice of your subconscious mind, drawing on your accumulated knowledge, experiences, and emotions. Understanding the role of intuition in creativity is crucial to boosting your innovative mind’s capacity. Unlike rational thinking, intuition operates beyond conscious awareness, presenting you with insights, ideas, and visions that defy conventional thought processes. This is no longer news as it has been proven time and again that intuition and breakthrough ideas sometimes go together. Let us examine one of my numerous experiences with this side of creativity. Also Read: The 2 Basic Differences Between Creativity and Innovation Where Do Innovative Ideas Come From? 6 Channels Can Creativity Be Taught or Learned? 2 Powerful Reasons What Creativity is Not: 7 Popular Myths about Creativity My Personal Story One day as I worked in my capacity as a software engineer, I had a tricky puzzle to solve. You see, I had to fix some issues that were causing the company’s software to behave unexpectedly. It was a complex problem because there was a small mistake causing trouble, but the tricky part was that the mistake wouldn’t show up when anyone wanted to replicate it. It was like trying to catch a sneaky bug that only came out when no one was looking! So, there I was, sitting at my desk, feeling a bit lost because I couldn’t figure out where to search for the problem. But then something amazing happened. Suddenly, I heard a tiny voice inside me saying, “check the feature toggle.” It was like a whisper, but it grabbed my attention right away. By the way, if you want to extract your superpowers, solve big problems and make smarter decisions, I recommend you read “4D Thinking”. Now, let me explain what that means. You know when you have a button on your phone or computer that turns something on or off? Well, in this case, there was a special button that controlled a specific part of the program I was working on. It was called a “feature toggle.” It’s like having the power to switch a certain function of the program on or off. When I heard that little voice telling me to check the feature toggle, it was like a light bulb turning on in my head! I had a strong feeling that looking in that direction might just solve the problem. And guess what? It did! You see, sometimes our inner voice or intuition can guide us in the right direction when we are trying to solve a problem, even when things seem confusing or complicated. It’s like having a secret helper inside us, giving us clues to find the answers we’re looking for. So, with newfound confidence, I followed that intuitive message and examined the feature toggle. And just as I suspected, there was a little switch that was causing the trouble, and no one had a clue about it. By making a small adjustment, I fixed the bug, and everything started working smoothly. This story shows how our intuition can be an invaluable asset. It’s like having a smart advisor whispering helpful suggestions to us. And by listening to that inner voice, we can solve problems and find solutions, no matter how complex they may seem. Do you see how intuition’s link to idea generation bailed me at work? I know this is not a big deal like inventing a spacecraft but if you cannot trust your intuition for little problems, how would you tap into intuition in the creative process of a space ship? This explains how the switch of intuition can ignite your creativity if leveraged. Other People’s Opinion Richard Branson once said that he relies far more on gut instinct than researching huge amounts of statistics. In other words, he keeps himself abreast of statistical projections and permutations but ultimately leans toward his gut feeling. Similarly, Steve Jobs once said, “Intuition is a very powerful thing, more powerful than intellect, in my opinion.” Oprah Winfrey also shared, “I’ve trusted the still, small voice of intuition my entire life. And the only time I’ve made mistakes is when I didn’t listen.” To the outsider, it looks like these people have been blessed by luck. Everything they touch turns to gold. But the truth is that they’ve tapped into an intelligence that is rarely wrong. You can call it your gut feeling, your sixth sense, or even just a hunch, but each one of us has that inner voice that seeks to guide us. The trick is learning how to really listen and distinguish between the intuitive guiding hand of your human spirit and your own mental chatter. Intuition refers to the ability to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning or analysis. It is often described as a “gut feeling” or an inner sense that guides decision-making or problem-solving. Intuition can manifest as sudden insights, hunches, or a deep sense of knowing. Intuition plays a significant role in the creative process. Creativity involves generating novel ideas, making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, and finding innovative solutions to problems. Intuition acts as a switch for creativity by facilitating the flow of ideas and allowing the mind to make unconventional

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 / By 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

The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries

1 Comment / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving / By 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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The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries

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