On average, the human brain has the capacity to concentrate up to twenty minutes. After that, focus and concentration levels drop forcing our minds to daydreams and other thoughts. I am a large proponent of twenty-minute creative sprints. These sprints allow for agile brainstorming, which ultimately leads to effective problem solving. Here is how it works.

Creative sprints can be done in a team setting or on an individual basis. You have twenty minutes to accomplish each sprint. Each creative sprint must include the following steps.

Sprint 1

Step 1: Start The Timer

I find it is best when using a timer as a countdown. The rush of seeing the numbers turn backwards helps to produce more ideas quickly and efficiently.

Step 2: Define The Answer

If you are brainstorming, you have a problem to solve. Define the answer as quickly as possible with the least amount of words. You will need to reference this often.

An answer might be, ‘ways to increase productivity.’ Let’s take that one step further.

How about, ‘ways to make individual jobs easier.’ There we go. The answer is simple in its truest form and anyone can understand it without having to think too hard. The brainstorming will allow you to reference this answer.

Step 3: Solve The Answer

You have the answer, now it is just a matter of solving the problem at hand. The answer is, ‘make individual jobs easier.’ Therefore, what can be done to accomplish this? Be sure to watch the clock and brainstorm, brainstorm, and brainstorm. Compile a list of ideas one at a time, don’t worry so much about the number of ideas, the more the better. Do not stop, let your mind freely explore. Ideas are not to be judged at this phase.

Step 4: Take A Break

You should have successfully defined the answer, and produced ideas within the twenty minutes. At this juncture, you are not sure which ideas are worth exploring further. Take advantage of a twenty-minute break to re-charge your batteries.

Sprint 2

Step 1: Analyze Your Solutions

Start the clock again and allow yourself another twenty minutes to analyze. Does this concept solve the answer? If so, move it over to the great idea pile. If not, move it over to the reject pile. Repeat this until you have successfully analyzed all of your ideas. Remember you have ten minutes to do this, which means you have only ten to fifteen seconds to spend on each idea. At this point in the exercise, we do not want to over analyze the ideas just pick out the best ones.

Step 2: Expand On The Best Ideas

Take your great idea pile and expand on each idea that has merit. This is your chance to spend the remaining ten minutes on expanding and improving upon each idea that has merit or perhaps merging two concepts to make one.

At the end of this exercise you should walk away with a solution to your problem. If you don’t – repeat each sprint. Each time, try tweaking your answer. Simple adjustments can go a long way.

Starting your day with a fitness regimen can dramatically increase your ability to concentrate, focus, as well as problem solving. Working out boosts confidence and energy levels that enhance our performance on a daily basis.

As our lifestyles change over time, we find working out requires time that may not be easily dispensable to everyone, including myself.

In this post, I am going to cover the basics behind working-out. I am no expert, however, I have tried many things and one thing is certain, even a 10-minute workout can increase your energy levels and that can help you increase your creativity.

Step 1: Love Your Workout

This is the most crucial if not most important criteria. No matter what you choose to do, you have to enjoy doing it. Otherwise your results will be slim and your motivation will only last for a couple of weeks. There are many ways to fit a workout within your schedule.

Step 2: Figure Out A Time Block

Figure out what time blocks work for you best. Allocate sufficient time, and stay true to it as much as possible. Of course life happens, but your workout is an important element and therefore try to not compromise your schedule. My time blocks are set for the early morning, and I make full effort to meet my commitment on a daily basis.

Step 3: Find The Perfect Workout

After setting a time block you need to fill it with a form of exercise. Here are some options:

Workout from home – target different muscle groups everyday
There are many online resources for at home workouts
Find a DVD that suits your style
Obtain a gym membership
Choose a class (Yoga, Pilates, Boxing, Martial Arts, Bar Method, dance…etc).
Go on a run, jog, or a long walk
Take up a sport (soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, racket ball, swimming, biking…etc)

Remember that combining a variety of workout routines and ideas can help keep your exercise program interesting so that you are more likely to stay on the road to lifelong health as well as attaining your fitness goals. This is one of the key components to a far more effective method, which will allow you to channel your creativity successfully.

I am a large proponent of dreaming big. If you can size up your dream to something that seems rather impossible then you are truly dreaming. If however your dreams are rather limited and you cannot make yourself dream of the impossible, then you need help. Seriously, start living!

Dreaming consciously (day-dreaming) or subconsciously (sleeping) is the manifestation of your desires (not always) in a fearless environment. Stop for a moment and think back to your last daydream. Ask yourself these questions:

How was your dream?
Did you acquire something grand?
Did you place someone in his/her place?
I bet it felt great didn’t it?

We allow ourselves unlimited possibilities when dreaming. Suddenly we go from being ordinary people into someone powerful or famous instantaneously. We become even more imaginative and sense the fame and lights on our skin. We can hear the crowd of followers and even place a smile on our face. Suddenly everything seems great as if you are making it in this world.

It is not wrong to dream but it allows you to channel your creativity. You can do what you set your mind to as long as you know it requires you to work hard. Don’t take no for an answer. With that I will end my post with this video. It is an inspiring scene from the Pursuit of Happyness.

The iPhone and iTouch are also great tools to channel your creativity. As technology ever-evolves developers are given more tools at their disposal. The following 10 applications are based on a new technology buzz called ‘augmented reality.’ These featured applications vary from functional, educational, to just plain fun and simple.

1. AugMeasure

Ever wanted to measure something, but just didn’t have a measure tape handy? There is finally an application that your father will just love (and perhaps take your iPhone without permission – mine just did). Use your iPhone camera to measure distance and height on any object straight from your camera. This application is free for a limited time only.

2. Virtual Graffiti

If you’re dying like I was to get a can of spray paint and go on an adventure to tag a building this application is for you. Simply, snap an image, add your artistic “tag”, then, once uploaded, your artistic talents will be shown to the world. You can also browse by location because there is integration for Google Maps. Talk about a fun application. Go on, let the creativity out of the closet.

3. Theodolite

Talk about complexity, Theodolite overlays real time information about position, altitude, bearing, and horizontal/vertical inclination on the iPhone’s live camera image, like an electronic viewfinder. Uses are endless, from land surveying to navigation, and the app is great for hiking, boating, hunting, golf, sports, sightseeing, and finding your way around. If your big on your outdoors (and you know what everything means in the description above), this app is a must have.

4. Car Finder

If you are that person that has trouble finding your car in a big parking lot (I can think of a few friends that fall into this category), then this application is for you. Once the car’s location is set, the app creates a visible marker showing the car, its distance away and the direction in which to head. There are other non-AR apps that offer this kind of tool, but we think seeing it on a real-life display will make locating that pesky Honda (if your Asian) a piece of cake.

5. Pocket Universe: Virtual Sky Astronomy

If you have had the natural curiosity to locate each star in the sky, then this AR app is going to be your newest and greatest toy. And get this its educational (gasp!). Winner of Mac World’s 2009 App Awards (Education), Pocket Universe is the ideal astronomy app for those keen to learn about the night sky. The unique display is generated dynamically depending on your location and time, and then rendered in 3D for a super fast response – flick the sky and it spins around you. What a neat concept!

6. Work Snug

Finally an iPhone app that finds digital nomads a place to lay their weary laptop. It identifies Wi-Fi hotspots and potential workplaces – from coffee shops to professional rent-a-desk office spaces – with user reviews encompassing power provision, atmosphere, noise levels and even the quality of the coffee.

7. Dish Pointer

The mobile version of DishPointer is designed for satellite installers or mobile broadcasters to hold their phones up to the sky and get a virtual overlay of their nearest satellites to know which way to point the darn dish. If you aren’t employed in such a field, yet you have this on your phone, then your nerd-score just went through the stratosphere. Way to go, cable guy.

8. Le Bar Guide

Le Bar Guide will assist you in finding the nearest bar, give you ratings and then even point you to a taxi within stumbling distance. It’s accurate to 20 feet, which is a coincidence, as that’s about our level of accuracy after three pints of the French stuff.

9. Firefighter 360

Catering to both pyromaniacs and Backdraft fantasists, Firefighter 360 will set your immediate location on fire, requiring you, as heroic fireperson, to get out the hose, douse some flames and save some people too. As far as iPhone gaming goes, it’s arguably not a high point. The sound effects are crude and the graphics cartoonish. But it’s an interesting application of AR that makes us excited about the next wave of AR games. Did we mention you get to play a fireperson?

10. Ipew

Want to shoot people in the face with a laser? Yep, there’s an app for that. But, sometimes it’s the simple things in life (kicking leaves, vanilla ice cream, swapping around the keys on a colleague’s keyboard when they’re on vacation) that offer the most pleasure – at least on a short term basis. iPew offers you a choice of weapons and provides gratifying noises as you get someone in your virtual sights and blast them away. Recommended for board meetings, long commutes and those cozy nights in with the in-laws (Come on guys you know what I’m talking about).

My Assumptions

• Students aspiring to reach a creative occupation surely have a heightened sense of creativity.
• Since majority of students require Graphic Design prerequisites they have already been taught brainstorming and other viable creativity techniques.

Reality Check

Creativity is an essential component within the classroom. It is the responsibility of the teacher to motivate and inspire such thought processes. The students simply perform to the expectation of the teacher, and if they are not empowered with the right tools, students will not be able to produce the intended work.

As Educators We Must Not

As educators we cannot kill creativity. To get an idea, here is a list I have compiled from my learning’s as ‘Creativity Inhibitors.’

1. Encouraging students to borrow ideas Vs. owning an idea

It is easy to find inspiration. It is all around us. However, looking at original pieces can also greatly influence how the student will produce his/her work. Look closely, and while they did not intend to mimic the examples, they most certainly did. In fact, I now ask students to find inspiration outside of the medium they are producing. Some students had a great amount of trouble producing original navigation menus. They setout to find other forms of design, and soon enough their projects looked similar to what inspired them. I asked the students to find inspiration outside the norm, as such, inspiration was found in streetlights, windows, and towels (random, but it worked).

2. Assigning Grades

I stopped grading all of my students work. In fact, I allow them to improve their work until they are at a 100%. I provide feedback but never tack on a grade to my critiques. Students are in the classroom to learn and if the student produces ‘A’ level work at the end, then as an educator my job is complete and the student has rightfully earned an A. I stopped assigning grades, and while I went against school policy, I have collected enough data to prove how these measures improved quality of work.

3. Giving Freedom With No Focus

Our day-to-day jobs fill a position that solves a problem. Why should it be any different in the classroom? Keeping assignments loose with no focus can dilute the quality of work and can cause students to feel lost. Direction is always required, with parameters and constraints. Problem solving is the key component to any successful career.

4. Making Suggestions Vs. Asking Questions

As educators it is easy for us to bluntly express our suggestions on improvements. This causes an inherent issue. Students become reliant on answers from the teacher, teaching them to not think for him or herself. I find it more beneficial to break the problem into more simplified forms and ask the right questions to get them to solve it. After all they are the creators and what they think is important.

As I continue my efforts as an educator, I am continuously observing my behavior and how that may affect the quality of work. It is our sole duty to motivate such students to produce work that makes us think ‘why didn’t I think of that.’ It starts with our approach.

Do you know of any creativity inhibitors? Comment on them below!

Children are great examples of creative imaginations. Children think, grow, and imagine endless possibilities. They don’t view from a logical perspective, nor do they place boundaries and limitations. They are simply ‘free minded’ and expressive of their imaginations. Such imaginations make us laugh, smile, and enjoy their company. Through such experiences we do not realize the importance as adults to harness the same ‘freedom.’

Welcome to the concept of ‘FREEDOM.’ I define freedom as the ‘absence of interference’ allowing yourself limitless possibilities for unthinkable solutions. No ideas are considered bad, in fact the more left field the ideas the better. Practical ideas do not come from thinking practical. They come from a bigger picture and through conversation the idea becomes practical and simple. Allow your team to think of impossible solutions that make you think, ‘how will we pull that off?’ Such ideas are the true inspiration behind challenging problems. By permitting yourself to think outside the boundaries of ordinary, normal thought, brilliant new solutions can arise.

So the next time you are faced with a problem, allow yourself the freedom to think unordinary.

Freedom On!
Mitesh Solanki

Brainstorming sessions are meant to serve as a toll to produce ‘ideas’ that are inspired through creative means. When conducting a brainstorming session, consider the following as key components necessary for an effective methodology:

1. State The Challenge

Stating your challenge is the key component for an effective brainstorming session. Often, participants are not aware of the issue at hand, which in turn leads to solutions that do not solve the problem at hand. The goal should be to bring all participating members on the same platform by clearly stating the challenge at hand. Be sure to ensure that the moderator is clear and concise in addressing the challenge and running a effective session.

2. Leave Criticism At The Door

In order to think like a creative, don’t forget your confidence! It is vital that criticism be left outside the session. It only harbors negativity and it will not result in any teamwork. It can also prevent participants from producing ideas as well as sharing them in a group. The ideas that are presented should be used as a benchmark to welcome an increase in discussion for a viable solution.

3. Enthusiastic Facilitator

The facilitator sets the environment and the motivation for participants. An enthusiastic facilitator will produce dynamic participation and ensure that the conversation remains on track.

4. Use Voice Recording

When ideas roll, they roll. It is very common for a great idea to be forgotten when repeated twice. Therefore, it is always a great idea to record the brainstorming session. These recordings can be used as a reference and analysis.

5. Comfortable Environment

The environment can make or break your brainstorming session. Your participants should be in an environment that has minimal distractions. Where possible, hold the brainstorming session outside your office, in a pleasant environment where participants are less likely to worry about their obligations.

6. Keep To The Time Limit

Conduct a brainstorm session with a time constraint. It will build a high performance team environment. The time constraint will give participants a sense of urgency to develop ideas that provide results. Creativity requires a great deal of imagination and innovation, which are key in brainstorming. The mind can only stay stimulated for a certain period of time. Which means, if your sessions are stretched out to more then thirty minutes, it may not be as effective. However, you can also consider splitting up the sessions over at different times throughout the day or stretch it out over several days.

There you have it, six ways to run an effective brainstorming session. If you have your own ideas that help stimulate creativity, please comment – we always love to hear from you.

Creative Thinkers are not always ‘organized.’ Some lack the interest to ensure that everything is in order, categorized, and/or even placed away where it belongs. Creative Thinkers tend to be more free spirited and less bothered with mess.

Creative Thinkers subconsciously make themselves believe they cannot accomplish their task until they receive the ultimate inspiration. Sounds like an excuse to not work, but for these thinkers, everything requires perfection. This is only achieved when they find the inspiration to do so. After all you can’t force the next ‘big idea’ – it just has to come to them.

Have you ever really taken a close look at Skittles? Some people tend to only pick out a certain variety of colors, that is what makes them selective and analytical. Creative’s usually tend to not discriminate, they don’t care about the colors they just really enjoy devouring this tasty treat. If you notice, many ‘creative’s’ tend to deviate from schedules. You can try to enforce a schedule but you will soon be pulling hair before they even succumb to your standards. Remember that creativity is about novelty and nuances not about routine and right answers.

Creative Thinkers are constantly on the move. I have noticed that most Creative Thinkers are always thinking about other matters, even in a conversation. The smallest matter can bring about true inspiration. Creative’s can be fascinated with what an ordinary individual may not find interesting. They are constantly on the look out for the latest idea. Bottom line, their imagination is their gem.

Creative Thinkers have an inner voice that leads them to believe they are the best. Although, when they have the opportunity to be in the presence of an artist that they admire, it can bring out the competitive spirit in them. It may sound like a negative personality trait, but it helps them to grow as an artist. After all, if you want to be the best, you have to come up with something that is considered the ‘best.’

Creative Thinkers won’t just settle for anything. A slight hesitation can bring about a new solution to the problem. You can try to convince a Creative but you won’t succeed. This type of individual will not budge if they have any form of data or previous experience to prove otherwise. They only move forward when they believe it is the feasible solution. So, throw out the statistics and spreadsheets, leave that to the finance experts, and let these Creative’s utilize the blank canvas.

Creative Thinkers firmly believe good is just not good enough. They will work tenaciously to dot the ‘I’s’ and cross the ‘T’s.’ As a natural perfectionist, they won’t stop until they are satisfied with their presentation. Be patient, the wait will be worth it.

Creative Thinkers love parameters and direction. But do not try to control this creative artist. They appreciate rules but it should not interfere with their creative methodology. We are all for rules, but don’t try to get in the way of their imagination. Some of these creative individuals need time and space – sounds cliché but it works for some. Great ideas are found in many places, so why restrict their inspiration?

Creative Thinkers like to keep their schedules as free as possible. They will not mind rescheduling or changing plans on a whim. It is their spontaneity that allows them to be free spirited as well as the down-to-earth attitude that makes them so unique.

Now let’s not become defensive, as this is my mere observation – Creative Thinkers are known to be the social butterflies at many social gatherings. The typical personality of a creative is curiosity for all things that are new. They like to strike up a conversation and can really fit in anywhere. Although, you don’t have to be the typical extrovert, many of these individuals do not care about what others perception is of them. I call it confidence, a trait we all should carry with us. So next time, take notice because these individuals will naturally stand out.

Please leave your comments below as it would be interesting to see how our readers stack up against the list above.

Happy Self Discovery!
Mitesh & Hatel

Looking for that moment of inspiration can be daunting. Especially if you have no method or process in place to help you. The following five ways are the most effective ways that inspire me:

1. Present Your Initial Ideas

While the purpose might be to find the golden idea, we often overlook the value of collaboration with the current ideas that are on the table. Believe it or not, this method works and will help you to come up with new ideas! A fresh perspective can bring volumes of insight.

2. Eavesdrop

Drive yourself to the nearest coffee shop, buy something to blend in, and try to sit near the most conversational people. Start writing down everything they say. I know, I know eavesdropping on someone’s conversation is down-right wrong. But your objective isn’t to publish their story, it is to find ideas within what they say and how you are hearing it.

There was a time I was working on an Ad Campaign for a window film company. The whole team was stuck for days at a time. The Creative Director and I took a walk to the local coffee shop, blended in and just listened to what other people were saying. We went back to the office, and read out loud parts of the conversations that we had just heard. Soon enough the creative team came up with more ideas than we ever imagined. Yes, it is a real story!

3. Write, Write, Write

Get away from looking for inspiration and sit down with the purpose to write. Jot down your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and/or just rant about anything. Writing without a purpose helps explore your inner most thoughts without forcing them to come alive. One neat thing my business partner and I try to do (if time permits) is a Quote of the Week. I find that just writing my thoughts on a quote helps refresh and energize my creativity. It is just one way to get out of the norm.

4. Surround Yourself With Music

Sometimes to get yourself in the moment you have to turn the music on loud and allow yourself to become absorbed with the tunes. Listen to the beats, the lyrics, and see what visuals you can draw from it. But of course, if your more of the soft music type, that works as well. ☺

5. Surround Yourself With Images

Sometimes all it takes is looking at images for some level of inspiration. Whether it is a breathtaking view, or a vacation that you took most recently. Inspiration is about abundance and experiences. So try and re-live an event. You just never know where the next big idea is hiding.

Happy Inspiration
Mitesh Solanki

Last month I wrote a post on ‘A Creative Outlook On The Economy! Are You Ready?’ to engage our readers to start thinking from a creative perspective. This week I am going to place focus on the fundamentals so that you can setup your lifestyle that is enriched in creativity.

But, before I start my post let me point out a few things. There is a lot of fortune out in this world with those who are seeking it out through creative means. There are also those who sit on the other side that follow the lead of others by cutting back or seeking out other means to a fortune. Fortunately, all of that can change. It doesn’t come overnight – all you need to do is change your mindset. You are required to do only three things:

1. Become a positive person.
2. Think creatively.
3. Stop being lazy.

If you cannot commit to doing all three of these steps above actively, then you won’t succeed no matter how much you believe that you are trying. In fact, you will feel your life is moving in the ‘same’ circle only because you refrained from practicing one of the aforementioned principles.

My Journey

It started with teachers who didn’t believe in my potential, and therefore, never took the time to inspire me to reach greater knowledge. No one would dare to say I was the brightest kid on the block. The more I failed the less motivated I became, and every passing day I would be moving closer towards dropping out of school. Luckily, my parents never let that happen, but I felt like a drop out. It took many years before I started to get my life on track and it all came from self-discovery. Like they say, once you hit rock bottom, you have nowhere to go but to the top.

I learned that in order to know where you are going, you have to come up with a goal in reach. Not the typical goal that society wants you to achieve: ‘Graduate from college, get a job, make some money, and buy a home.’ It happens for most but not for everyone, or even in that same order. I am talking about a tangible goal. As in where you see your life in two years, five years, ten years, and even in twenty years. If you don’t have a clue what your goals are, it is time to stop and re-evaluate what you are doing. Success is measured by what one achieves based on time. You can achieve many things in your life – but true success is what you achieve for yourself in a certain timeframe, and that comes from personal goals.

So What Is Stopping You?

The vast majority of people have goals that range from money to family; there are varying degrees to goal setting. But why is it that many people will never reach a personal goal? It isn’t that they don’t want to achieve it; the fact is they are mentally and physically lazy to pursue their goal. The truth is if you are afraid to stand up and go after your dream, you will never accomplish what you truly want in life. You have to better yourself and not let your consciousness get the best of you. Eliminate all of life’s distractions that make you lazy and unproductive. If that means you cut the cable for a month – then I suggest you do it. Laziness is the single most identified reason that stops people from achieving success. Have you wondered what separates you from people who achieve their goals? How many times do you hear them say that they are bored or have nothing to do? One simple observation is watch successful people walk. They walk naturally at a quicker rate. Why, because they have places to be, things to accomplish, and understand the value of their time. If you are lazy – find the means to not be. Only you can make yourself work hard, and only you can achieve your goals for yourself. Bottom line — no one can do that for you.

Take Action

At this point, be honest with yourself. Identify which category you belong to – lazy or active? If you fall into the category of becoming lazy – things can change and here is exactly what I did.

Overcome The Laziness

Let me start by saying, nothing in this world is impossible. If there is someone else who has achieved the same goal you are after, it could be possible that they just beat you to it.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Life

I took a hard look at myself and figured out why everything was wrong. You have to be brutally honest with yourself otherwise this won’t work. I realized I was nothing but a troublemaker and party animal. It took time but I realized what kind of person I had become, and that is not how I envisioned my future. Things had to change, immediately.
One thing in particular I realized during this time is that I was truly afraid to take a chance on myself. I had everyone around me, thinking I was life’s biggest waste of oxygen (it’s true) – and I was afraid that I wouldn’t ever make it – so why even try? That attitude made me lazy and that laziness gave me an excuse not to try at all.

Step 2: Let Things Go

Success is based on your mindset and where you place your focus. You have to learn to forget the past – and I am not saying forget everything, but certainly things that are negative. Keep them out of your life and never speak of it negatively. Grudges, personal issues, all of it – you must let it go. Believe me I did it and it was not easy.
You must find all positives in all of your negatives. Once you do – you will find closure and make room for success. Remember, successful people know how to overcome things that life throws at them. They pick themselves up overnight and figure out a solution. They don’t dwell in problems because it is time and energy that is wasted. It is best to channel that energy towards your goals and accomplish something that will benefit you. You have nothing to loose but lots to gain.

Step 3: Lifestyle Changes

It is time to discipline both mental and physical aspects of your life. One of life’s biggest lessons I have learned is time does not wait for your convenience. Because time does not wait – there are no excuses on why you can’t accomplish anything. Your current situation is relative to your perspective. Keep a positive outlook and you will always find the means to achieve what you set out to do – no matter what happens. Trust me it can be done if you don’t allow yourself to make excuses for lack of effort. After all, excuses are the cause laziness.

In addition to these changes, you must give up things in life that are the cause of your distraction. I used to play endless hours of videogames and watch a lot of TV. Now I will be lucky to catch two hours a TV a week, and maybe one hour of video games a month. I would love to pursue my hobby of videogames and lazily watch TV, but I have my personal goals that I must prioritize. After all, it is my dream and I am willing to sacrifice a few items that I indulged in my whole life to realize those dreams. I am sure that I will be able to take a nice breather once I achieve what I have set out to do. By eliminating these distractions I found that I am working twenty additional hours in my workweek. Imagine what can be done with that spare time? I can read parts of a book to gain knowledge, talk with a friend and get some advice and the list goes on from there. Disclaimer: I am not saying get rid of things completely, but I made that sacrifice for myself and I have no regrets.

Step 4: Take Action

If you make it to this step – you have come a long way and I commend you for taking action. Now it is time to take corrective action by avoiding common problems. One common problem is, you know your goal but don’t know how to achieve it. That is okay, because the real fun starts here. And this step my friends is what makes ‘Lifestyle Change’ easy. When you start working towards your personal goals – you feel accomplished. As you keep pushing yourself, you feel more confident in your undertakings and the laziness disappears.

Here is what I do to solve my problems: I get creative. Every Monday, I open up a simple document. It lists out my goals and I read them over as a refresher to remind myself of what I have set out to do in life. I know what they are, but reading them gives my week a greater purpose. I then simplify my goals by breaking them down into what do I need to accomplish this week to get one step closer to achieving those goals. Some weeks it may require that I need to make a new contact, or it will require I seek mentorship from a friend. Your network is the single most effective way to achieving your goal. I can guarantee that if you don’t know how to do it, a friend of yours probably does or knows of where you can find the information. All you need to do is learn to seek out the opportunity by creatively thinking things through.

If you need ideas on how to effectively brainstorm – read through some popular posts to help jumpstart your creativity. Here are some of my personal favorites.

10 Ways To Get Inspired
10 Greatest Mistakes While Brainstorming
Learn to Think Intuitively
Creativity Stop Where You End It!

I wish you all the best in achieving your goals. I understand that it is difficult to stay positive, but remember, those thoughts alone move you towards success. Do not give yourself the time to brew negative thoughts! As Walt Disney said ‘Keep Moving Forward’.

Best Wishes,
Mitesh Solanki

I had mentioned in my previous post ways one can get creative juices flowing. Like anything in life, it is easier said than done. So to refresh everyone from my last post here is the link:

http://www.inventcreativity.com/2008/10/02/invent-creativitys-new-addition/

Now it was addressed that people have issues finding 30 minutes a day to really unwind from a long and stressful day.  This seems to resonate with everyone since our economy has taken such a turn in the past few years.

Now onto business!!

I suggested that one should listen to music for 30 minutes a day before you retire for the day. But, it does not have to be music alone. I have noticed that I like variation so a few days out of the week I will curl up with a great book and it helps to go to bed easily. Try it and let me know how it works for you.

The second suggestion I had given you was to take a break and let the creative juices flowing through Crayola art. ☺ It is a great way in bringing you back to your childhood by picking up your favorite coloring book and a nice set of fresh Crayola’s to break the creative block.  If you are not a fan of Crayola art then try painting or even photography. I have been advised that it helps to really relax and exercise your brain.

Finally, it’s the workout for your health.  I know a lot of us out there in cyberspace dread working out or you may find that you prefer it over anything.  I have actually asked a very dear friend to set up an easy workout regimen.  I made it a goal to work out at home (for free!) and try out a light form of a workout outside of a gym so that I can at least tone and obtain some sort of flexibility.

I hope that this helps you out to get a better picture of simple solutions in creativity.  If we really just took a simple approach our lives would be a little less complicated. ☺

Happy Inventing!
Hatel

It isn’t very difficult to find yourself depressed and worried about loosing your job in these tough times. But if you are one of those not-so-rare individuals who have lost their job, finding another position to meet your lifestyle needs is rather difficult.

In fact, I can jump on all major news sites, BBC, CNN, Washington Post, and within ten seconds I will come across many negative articles on the Economic conditions. So where can you find hope? The better question to ask is how can you use a creative outlook to empower your future?

Simple

First and foremost, let me point out that this is easier said than done. I believe it can be achieved if you have the right work ethic. This is the time to work harder than ever. There was a time where employees used to work hard to make a bonus on their next paycheck. Today you have to work harder to keep your job. Your loyalty to your company means nothing. The honest truth is that many of us went from being ‘a person’ to a ‘burden number’ overnight. That is a shame.

But there is hope, and more success ahead for those who seek to find the fortune during this downturn. Basic logic suggests what goes up must come down and vice-versa. There will be greater days ahead and for some those days have already begun.

The Fundamentals

When the market is low surprisingly opportunity is created. More and more people need help during this time. The fact you need to grab a hold of is that businesses are comprised of people. Do you see where I am going with this?

If you offer something to this world that is competitively different than conventional thinking, you will win during this upturn. Remember the system is broken and corrupt. If you can offer a solution that fits somewhere into the puzzle you can bring an advantageous approach. Creativity is the center to problem solving. It suggests new methodologies of approach and ways of thinking. The only thing required is that you take your skills and see how you can improve your industry. The web has opened many doors for all kinds of businesses that bring simple solutions to ordinary daily problems. These solutions are superior only because they are simple and we then begin to think ‘it is about time.’

Take Action

What industry are you in and what are you doing differently than your competitors? If you do not have an answer for this, maybe it is time to stop and do some brainstorming. Set yourself up to create a culture, not a company. Set yourself up to make a difference. Conventional thinking combined with personal greed has ultimately resulted in this mess. I think it is time that small businesses conquer corporate America and replace some of the existing Fortune 500 and 100 organizations. It is time for change and change comes through creative problem solving. Will you be one of the innovators of this next upcoming era?

Happy Creative Thinking!
Mitesh Solanki

Sometimes the smallest things can spark the biggest ideas.

That is why I decided to publish on inspirational post that I personally reference frequently. Enjoy and Happy Inspiration!

Top 5 Most Inspirational Videos on YouTube

21 Truly Impressive And Eye Catchy Collection Of Free Textures

Ask for What You Want

Yes, we kern

Writing Workshop

28 Beautiful And Inspiring Photographs Dedicated To Earth Day

How to Make Bigger and More Inspiring Pictures (Creative Visualization)

Designer Showcase: Mike Chan

Video of the Amazing Ice Man

The Secret to You

It is time to take your mind on a quick journey down imagination lane. Imagine yourself driving what appears to be your dream car. On the radio so happens to be your favorite song. The road is traffic free, and you are on your way to something exciting. Something that is daring and very unusual for you and rather contradictory to your personality. But the excitement keeps you driving, and your favorite song keeps you relaxed. In this story I also mentioned you were driving your ‘dream car.’ How do you suppose you achieved that dream car? And why all of a sudden are you doing something contradictory to your personality?

My friends welcome to the concept of The Law Of Attraction. In this post I am going to cover not just what the fundamentals are of this principle but how creativity falls into play and how you may reap the benefits.

The Law Of Attraction

It is a rather simple concept. You attract events, emotions, and outcomes into your life by what you think about. The mind in itself is very powerful. Just think back on your life, play-by-play, and all the decisions you made and the outcomes that came of those decisions. In reality there is one consciousness and that is solely yours. When you dream, you live in the same world, but imagine a progression that has immediate change. When you dream your thoughts mature, worries mature, and most of what you think about subconsciously manifests. In other words your dreams are already hinting on what you maybe attracting into your life. Don’t believe me?

The Proof

Ever had a bad event happen one day and thought to yourself this is a bad day? Behold the rest of the day just seems to get worse. It didn’t get worse because it was a bad day. In fact there is no such thing as a bad day if you think about it. It happened because your intentions were focused on the continuation of being a bad day.

Lets take a look at something as simple as your career. You are interviewing for a job and come to find it is either you or one other applicant. There are several ways you can think about this scenario. (a) You have competition or (b) you know your good and have a lot to offer and see this as your job. I am sure there are more scenarios out there, but these are the ones I am going to use.

Competition already means you know you have a chance of NOT successfully getting the job. If you focus your thoughts on competition, did you really focus on yourself first? However lets say you are more focused on yourself and your intention is to get the job. Did you allow for any distractions? I can say from personal experience the times I had the most pure thoughts were the times I have successfully accomplished an undertaking. The times I have had negative thoughts I have had unfortunate circumstances that I believe were apart of the attraction of my intentions.

There are a few ways you can think and focus your intention on. You can believe that life is all about uncertainty – and that is the life you will live. Understand one thing. You create your life. You are responsible for your life and way you live it. It is your decision to take action and to move your life the way you want it to move and how quickly you want it to progress.

On the other note focus your mind on love and happiness and you might be surprised where the love comes from. Ever seen individuals who live very simple lives with little to no material value but have great happiness within them?  

Make It Work For You

The first thing you have to do is probably the hardest of them all. Be true to yourself. You must be honest about the reality in which you live in and consciously accept everything within your reality. When you do that you are ready to make drastic changes. Ever hear those stories about those who go from rags to riches. You think they finally accepted reality and stopped fighting it?

Now it is time for you to control your desires and think more positive. Life is for your taking and it can be as fulfilling as you desire it to be. Remember the story I started with above, how many times a week do you take ‘me time’ to sit down and think about your dreams or where you would like to be? If the answer is yes, have you started to actively pursuit them?

Creativity & The Law of Attraction

Creativity is about problem solving. If your life is not moving in the direction you desire it to, it is time to stop and solve your problem first. Use your natural curiosity and imagination to piece a life together that isn’t just rewarding but very much fulfilling. That is in your hands.  

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

Before I start this post – I wanted to quickly give a thank you to a friend who inspired this post. With that said lets start cooking up some creativity. Culinary Art is defined as “the art of cooking.” Spawning not just great smell and flavor but artistic presentations that commit themselves to visual appeal.

Cooking essentially boils down to putting things together in creative ways. It manifests curiosity, understanding of ingredients, and most importantly the preparation to be open. Like all creative undertakings there is always room for change and sudden enhancements. A musician will have an idea how to play out his/her next song, but will try things out of the ordinary to spawn something fresh. A photographer will go into a shoot with ideas and will be open to change depending on varying circumstances. A chef is no different. A recipe will be used with all the correct ingredients, but as the meal is prepared and the ingredients come together there is change. Change in the order of mixture and often times new ingredients come into the mix. Each time the meal might taste different yet fresh.

I recall some of my college days where I would drive to a grocery store in an effort to inspire my intellect. We were inundated with projects, at times asked to roll out four to five advertising campaigns in a given week. With that rigor keeping the creative flow can be daunting. At times one would feel like a “creative hack.”

The Trick

Creativity means to “create” something “new,” “fresh,” and “original.” If you continuously challenge yourself outside of your career it keeps your imagination and personal curiosity at an ultimate high, enabling you to become a problem solving genius.

Next time you are at a grocery store think about putting a dish together from scratch. Just walk through the isles and see how you may take different ingredients and whip something together. Do not go in with the intention of making something already. Go in without intent.  

• Let your curiosity sore
• Imagine what the flavors will come to if you mix them together
• Go home and try it, see if your imagination was correct

Challenge your curiosity through the culinary arts!

Happy Cooking

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

With that said here are ten quick tips on how you can get inspired!

A great way to find inspiration is by looking at the World around you. There are thousands of places to find great ideas, and sometimes they are locked away in paintings, architecture, nature, and the Internet. I am not condoning plagiarism, but rather pushing for the unexpected inspiration. Look at work around you, does it make you think, “why didn’t I think of that?” Bare in mind the best ideas are the most simple. Complex ideas are only more difficult to comprehend let alone execute. Simplify your thoughts when observing.

This is a bit dangerous and I only recommend this idea to those that are comfortable being in the spotlight. For instance, you have no idea. No Problem.
Walk up to your colleague, boss, partner, spouse, whomever you would share your idea with. Tell them, “I have a great idea.” Now its time to start BSing your way through the mess you got yourself into. You would be surprised how many wonderful ideas you can come up with when you put yourself on the spotlight. If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself. Works for me every time!

Do yourself a favor. Don’t think. Just touch your pencil to the pad and draw lines, circles, triangle and other shapes. Start bringing objects together. Eventually you may come out with a distinctive character and your strokes will mold an image. This is where you are letting your subconscious do the talking. When in this state of consciousness, ideas can flow more naturally.

This may sound counter intuitive but follow me if you will. Lets say you have been focusing relentlessly to solve your problem. However, there is no solution in sight. See the problem?

Your mind can only sustain its quality of thoughts for a very small amount of time. Many advertising agencies hold ten minute brainstorming sessions for that reason. Creativity is heightened when your mind is stimulated. Being around things that distract you is apart of the stimulation. Call up a friend, take phone calls that are routinely disturbing, watch TV, or better yet look to procrastinate a little. It will be time well spent over getting nowhere.

My friends would be surprised to hear this one. The world knows me as a person who hates the thought of writing, yet I have a journal of random thoughts… :/

Writing helps you get things out of your head and achieve mental clarity. Writing expresses thoughts and moves the process forward. It is a way to achieve and solidify an idea. The grammar does not have to be near perfect, just enough for you to understand your personal thought process.

Reading descriptive words helps stimulate the mind. Imagining the descriptions the author portrays helps your imagination increase its capacity to visualize. They say active readers are great problem solvers – not because of the knowledge they gain from reading (although that is apart of it), but mostly because they are exercising their imagination without even knowing it. So do yourself a favor, read.

Heck Yeah! Working out is a great way to freshen up the mind and get loose (for lack of a better term). Go at it, and watch the results it can bring for your creativity.

I have written a few posts on how music can help the imagination create new ideas. Music that caters to your niche can help you focus and adapt your thought process to that angle. An example is you are working for a surf company. Classic Rock and Reggae are great genres of music that can help position your mindset to solve your industry problems.

If you are that stuck don’t be a hot shot. It’s ok to ask someone for help. In fact bouncing ideas can only lead to greater idea discoveries. I use this method very frequently. Everyone has a different way of looking at life, it’s another lens to help you get to the, “why didn’t I think of that” solution.

This one is by far my favorite. Fear is what holds many people back from achieving goals and achieving a dream. Failure comes to mind and while that is not the only fear, it is one that strikes everyone at one point or another. Confronting that fear and overcoming it helps feed your inner ego. We all have one and the fact that you overcame a fear helps boost your confidence. Makes you feel better about yourself more fulfilled and most of all more confident in your undertakings. So make a note to actively confront your fear. It is one way to become inspired.

Happy Inspiration, and as always I would love to hear what things help get you inspired.

Recently I was working on a project for a brand new fashion line. The line was geared towards real outdoors enthusiast. The surfers, mountain bikers, rock climbers of the world. As normal procedure I had produced three compositions for the client to look at. All three were rejected, as my designs did not resonate with the target market.

After much deliberation with my business partner we brainstormed ways to change the design of the site to reflect more of the target market and give it the right tone and feel. Our brainstorming session had lead to some great discoveries. The perfect concept was born.

So what does this have to do with music?

40% concept and 60% execution. No matter how great your idea is, if the execution is poor your concept has no value.  We had this wonderful idea on how to position the brand online. It was a matter of the art direction to help position the site. As I started the design, I quickly noticed my struggle to shape the look and feel that was required to execute the concept.

I opened up my itunes and quickly browsed all the categories of music. I tend to keep music that I don’t listen to, but needless to say, I have almost everything you can imagine. I have classical music all the way to trash metal. I thought about the type of music this target market listens to. I tuned into classic rock, and all of a sudden in matter of seconds my mind started to visualize how the site should flow. My mind was in the perfect gear to produce the look and feel we were going for.

Lets just say the client was more than happy about the results we produced.

Music is powerful. A perfect example is when I listen to hip-hop, I tend to get more road rage. That is not the case for everyone, but it is the case for me.

Bottom line, music can help inspire great ideas. Music inspires visuals from what you are hearing. It can help you turn a blank canvas into a solution that works.  

Happy Inspiration
Mitesh Solanki

I had a rather interesting email in my inbox this morning when I woke up.

• “Mitesh, for me coming up with ideas is easy. I can brainstorm ideas naturally, but my largest downfall is knowing when to stop and how to choose the best idea. Any insight in this matter would be much appreciated.”

Well my friend, I am going to try and answer your question through my personal trial and error.

Lets start by clearing up a few things. When brainstorming it is important to not ridicule an idea or become “Negative Nancy” for lack of a better term. An idea is an idea, no matter how ridiculous it may sound. One idea may spark a more relevant idea.

With the culmination of all your ideas, start by categorizing them. I tend to use three categories.

• Best Choice
• Probable
• No Way

Best Choice:

Nine out of ten times you will always have an idea that you fall in love with. But that doesn’t mean it is the best idea. However, at this point in time you are allowed to put these types of ideas in this pile.

Probable:

These are the more reasonable ideas. They work, but are not necessarily the best. You can also call these types of ideas, the “safe” ones.

No Way:

These are the ideas you probably won’t want to share with anyone, and are just god-awful.

Now The Trick

While you may have an idea of what the best concept is, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best idea. When we concept we pride ourselves on how good the idea is. In doing so we forget the main purpose.

• Which idea solves the problem most effectively?

Get Feedback

If you want the most brutal honest assessment get feedback and don’t be afraid of it being negative. Feedback can only make your ideas better and more polished. When an outside perspective sees your idea, they view it from a different light. Let that fresh perspective make the same piles, Best Choice, Probable, No Way. If you both agree then it looks like you have a winner. If there is some dispute discuss why the idea is in that particular category. That discussion can only improve your ideas or justify a better solution.

Long story short, collaboration is the key to picking the best idea hands down.

Happy Collaboration

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

I recently attended a global conference in Orlando Florida – held at the Disney Resort called Unstructured. At this conference many large Fortune 100 companies of the world came together in a discussion of business and its evolution for the future.

• At this conference some of the highlights included:
• A panelist discussion on Generation-Y and how to align your business model so they may thrive.
• A panelist discussion on sustainable business – going green!
• Al Gore gave a presentation on his take: Economic conditions and what that means for global warming.
• Finding the talents in the right countries.
• And of course my favorite, business innovation and its importance in a global economy.

While at the conference I conversed with many senior management individuals from wide array of organizations including, Cisco, Harvard Business School, HCL, United Technologies, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Celestica, Mercedes-Benz, Carnegie Melon, and Xerox just to name a few. The fundamental principle of “creativity” was highly stressed amongst all the senior executives.

I recall the VP of Product Innovation at Cisco speaking in regards to creativity and how they nourish that in a collaborative environment. One particular thing he had mentioned was, “If you are not thinking creative, close your business doors as we are moving from information boom to an innovation boom. The global economy will leave behind the non-creative thinkers. That is why Cisco set up a headquarters in Banglore India. The talent is creative, while here in US it is primarily theory based and we would be far more behind today had we not shifted.”

So for all of you who are wondering why many large organizations outsource, the truth extends farther than cost (the media will not tell you that). Companies will shift where the talent is. Much of what I have been discussing in this blog in regards to our education system falling behind and lack of initiative will result in a reduction of jobs. Believe it, it’s happening now!

A professor from Harvard Business School also gave her presentation on creativity. Her presentation consisted of defining creativity as a piece of “Genius Pie” that everyone brings to the table. She also concluded that schools must adopt this new way of thinking and ensure students are equipped with creative thinking skills so they may innovate business in a global economy.

Invent Creativity’s Take

We have been watching this shift progress for sometime now. The economy is moving away from routine and right answers. Current jobs today are about novelty and nuances, however schools continue to obsess over routine and right answers. There is an abundant usage of standardized tests. While in the job market there is virtually no correlation to routine and right answers. Organizations that continuously push the limits within their industry, and deliver new concepts become the leaders. Those who copy, will always copy.  As organizations shift to find new talent, we are shocked to see the lack of government initiative to change the education system to reflect the global economy. Today, the system is established to rob students of their creativity and imagination. Cutting art, drama, and music programs are enough of a reason to prove that we are running at a dangerous capacity. Failure to move forward with necessary changes will bring the talent within the United States to a dangerously low level. We are not the only one saying this, large Corporations are saying the same thing. Schools must be in sync with the way our World and economy are shifting.

With that said I will leave you with some final words from Garr Reynolds, Worldwide User Group Relations Director at Apple. “Moving forward, the business world will appreciate intelligent, creative, design-mindful professionals who both understand the strategic role of design for a company and who also have a commitment themselves to doing wonderfully designed projects, create creative systems that amaze customers, or developing useful, unexpectedly cool products that change people.”

Mitesh Solanki

Psychologists have studied the nature of human problem solving methods over the past hundred years. There are several methods of studying problem solving, including; introspection, behaviorism, simulation, computer modeling, and experiment.

Now if I sit here and explain what each one of those methods includes and how it is used, I wouldn’t be able get to the real bread and butter. Bottom Line: A solution has to be simple, and cannot be complicated.

Systems Diagram

A system diagram is a great way to help you understand how something works and the steps the system takes. When broken down into visuals it helps us understand the problem as simple as possible. Lets use an example.

As an Advertising consultant there are some common problems I come across when I begin to work with organizations. Since I can best demonstrate problem solving through the industry I work in, I will use advertising as the example. Please note that this methodology can be applied to any industry.

• Problem: ACME Inc. is struggling to maintain its market share as its competitors aggressively acquire its share in the market. This uncertainty in the market has caused reduced sales for ACME Inc. and also diminishes the brand loyalty. This negative perception can hurt long-term business growth and potentially devastate the financial standpoint of the organization. Bringing consistent layoffs, reduction in research and development, and less funding to seek company growth. ACME Inc. must aggressively tackle this new up and coming issue while cash flow remains positive.

Well sure that sentence sums up the problem, but if you are reading a brief, with multiple problems, this can be cumbersome to understand, let alone solve. That is why when I am briefed I make doodles. Yes I doodle out the problem rather than write it out. It just makes more sense to me. Here is the same problem visually. Now you tell me which one is easier to understand. The words or the visuals? Also keep in mind that it is human nature to forget things, and therefore we look back at our notes. Which one of the two is quicker to browse, the visual or the words?

This was a fairly easy problem to draw out visually. Often times people tend to struggle when the problem has many components and becomes complex. Regardless of the situation, you must come up with your own conventions to understanding things.

For example to me circles with a line going down can be a representation of a person. Simple. And of course you will have to practice making system diagrams, but eventually it will be easy to draw out. Try it out on simple math problems. Visually demonstrating the problem can often lead to the “ahh haa” moment to solving the problem, and avoiding silly mistakes. It is also a great way to gearing your mind into visual thinking. It is a very powerful tool, and might I add rare individuals utilize visual thinking. When was the last time you were sitting next to someone who draws notes out rather than write? If you are one of the few “true visual” thinkers, think about your personal marketability…

Happy Systems Diagramming

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

Lets be honest here. We all get these voices that talk us out of things and inhibit us from moving forward. I admit that I get these voices; voices of doubt and most of all fear of rejection. We are wired to talk ourselves, which is what we call the simple concept of “thinking”. Often it is by hearing another story of rejection, or another story of failure. If you are busy listening to this voice how can you actively channel your thoughts to solve the problem?

When I was going to college, I choose a design school where I faced a new unapparent challenge. I was put in a room with hundreds of other creative individuals who had a similar thought process as I did. Eventually we were competing for the A in the class by having the most creative projects and executions. From the very beginning I started to hear that voice, and the times I felt more pressure I would hear more voices of doubt and concern. 

Luckily one day as I was sitting down to work on a project I realized after three hours I had gotten nowhere. My advertising campaign had no concept and the deadline was only a couple days away. At that moment I realized, the only reason I had gone nowhere was because of the voice. That very voice slowed me down and made me feel like I was a creative hack. I mean come on, three hours and no ideas? I realized that instead of focusing my energy on what I needed to solve, I focused it on that negative voice. 

The moment I started to catch myself is the day I started executing my projects more naturally. Ideas started flowing left and right. It was a matter of positive mental clarity. All it took was realizing when the voice becomes negative and hitting mute. Eventually the voice dies down, and it becomes just another sound in the crowd. The real positive voice that helps you solve problems is the one you want to listen to. It is the voice that inspires great ideas. So if you are still stuck in the same boat of problems, what are your thoughts focused more on? Solving it so you can fix it, or wondering about it so you can think about it over and over again?

Happy Thoughts
Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

I recently had a discussion with a close friend of mine in regards to passion and career. She has chosen a new path in life in relation to her career, and along the way she frequently receives negative criticism as to why she choose it. If that isn’t enough already, she receives further criticism on how there are better options out there that are higher in social status.

Unfortunately this criticism occurs often, far more than it should. I recall receiving criticism when I choose to attend a Design School over a traditional University. It was inferred that I would fail, or that it would be one of the greatest mistakes of my life. However, not once did those assumptions stop me for pursuing my passion.  As I step back, I see myself farther than my peers in terms of accomplishments and success.

What does this have to do with Creativity?

I define creativity as “the formation of ideas that ‘WOW’ ”

It’s simple if you think about it. Passion is a desire and enthusiasm for something. When you allow yourself to explore that desire, you no longer worry about understanding its complexities. Your focus is on accomplishing that goal that craves within you thereby naturally channeling creativity into your work.

Example:

If you hand an artist a pad and pen, he/she is likely to draw something interesting and also likely to continue drawing for a longer period of time. Give a mathematician a pad and pen, the outcome may not be equivalent to the artist. He/she is not as likely to have the same motivation as the artist to draw. Rather he/she may begin to solve a mathematical problem. Both the artist and mathematician have a pad and pen, but they utilize the medium to their own desires and interest.

If you do not pursuit what it is you desire, or rather inhibit someone to pursuit his/her desire, how can one expect innovation? Creativity starts with a passion for what it is you are doing. Then it is a matter of innovating to be different, to stand out, and most of all be known and respected for what you do. Creativity is passion explored.

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

As strange as it sounds, I have been wondering what I can possibly write about I mean this will set the tone for future postings right?  It is not always easy but I ask my fellow readers to feel free to send me suggestions on topics that they would want posted on this site.  I believe that the best way to keep the communication lines open is to really just ask for feedback.  It never hurts and I firmly believe that you will be a creative person because of it.  (But that is just my 2 cents!)  

Now is the time for all of us to take a step back whether we like it or not.  I am sure all of you have noticed that as a society we are constantly moving not realizing that we can make our lives simple by finding creative ways to do so.  For example, I was browsing the internet and noticed that almost every major headline or eye-opener was a list of over a dozen creative ways to almost do anything!   I know that all of you out in cyberspace notice it too:

• 10 simple ways to save money at the gas pump
• Workout at home with these simple moves
• Meals in under 30 minutes

I am sure that you get the point.  We are always in a rush to get things done, or to get to our destination.  It really makes me wonder why don’t we just put simple methods in practice to alleviate stress and enjoy life? As cliche as it sounds, we are conditioned to continue in a cycle and we aren’t used to change.  This takes time and if we want a simple solution we will try it and if it works its great and if it requires that we put in ‘time’ we believe that it is not worth it.  Let’s take a step back and change that method of thinking and just try simple things and see how your creative thought process will change.  If we as a society did all the little things to make our lives better imagine the possibilities!  

As a creative myself, I would like to share with you some techniques on how to get your creativity working towards your benefit.  

• Take 30 minutes everyday to just relax, I find that listening to music works for me.
• As a kid at heart, I find that coloring with Crayola crayons brings you back to your childhood and can really help you unlock your creativity (I also want to note that the late Randy Pausch also believed in this)
• If you can have a simple workout regimen at least 3 times a week you would be surprised how much energy you will have and you will also be healthier

So my fellow readers, I ask that you at least try one of the above suggestions and see what it does for you. You will find that this will take time but creativity needs you the individual to be at 100%.  That is it for now fellow creatives!  

Before I start this post, I would like to take this time to wish one of my closest friends a “Very Happy Birthday.”

Often times when I am brainstorming, I come to the conclusion that my idea has been done. Even if I feel that it is a brilliant idea, I convince myself that it must be done. No rational but just a gut instinct. That forces me to do some research and often I find that it has been done.

That is the purpose of this post. The real challenge of creativity is not just coming up with great ideas, but it is also the struggle to come up with original concepts. Creativity isn’t just a matter of brainstorming a cluster of ideas, nor is it just the process of innovating. Creativity is hard thinking, it is a struggle to get past what has been done and paint a new canvas. A canvas that when looked at, people think, “now there is an idea, or, why didn’t I think of that?”

How to Get Passed What Others Have Done?

• Understand that everyone is creative and fully capable of coming up with great ideas.
• Understand that more than one individual has had to problem solve a similar situation.
• Understand that creativity is not easy, and if you give yourself the right amount of time, the solution will come.

The Process

1. Do your research. The number one reason why people fail to come up with original concepts is because they did not effectively do the right amount of research. You are not the only one who is facing this issue, many people have. Therefore, a quick search on a search engine can help you see another point of view. Research will get you in the right mindset to make things simple and more creative.
2. Keep all your ideas. If you get an idea, sketch it out, or write it down so that you when you reference it, you can recall the entire scope. I have been in brainstorming sessions where people look at their notes and cannot remember their golden nugget. That is the last thing you need. If you believe your idea is no good, still write it down. There maybe someone else that believes the idea can be better or finds a golden nugget within it. Never rule out an idea, especially the day it was thought of.
3. Come back to your ideas. Spread them out on the wall or the floor. Take a look at each idea. You may find that some ideas you thought of yesterday that were good, seem to be weak today, and often the weak ones from yesterday are your strong ones today. A fresh perspective makes all the difference in the world.
4. Rule out the ideas that you and another individual cannot salvage. Be sure to keep a rejected pile and never throw away an idea. That idea might be a solution to another problem.
5. If you cannot find the perfect solution to your problem, go into your archives of previous ideas you had on a different problem. Gems or Golden nuggets maybe in there that can help jumpstart new innovative thoughts.
6. If you do not have a previous archive change the way you brainstorm ideas. There are many brainstorming techniques you may find in this blog.

It is simple. Research > Concept > View > Modify > Rule Out > View Archives > Implement.

Happy Brainstorming

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

Leading a Brainstorming session as a group/team is a great way to bounce ideas. But how many people do you need to involve, and when is it to many people? For starters, brainstorming sessions I have been apart of have been as few as one other person to as many as forty people. I have witnessed and been intertwined in groups as upwards to forty or so people, but quickly found that only a select two or three individuals will actively participate, another couple individuals will interject every now and then, and the rest sit there and node, smile, and usually yawn.

A group of say up to six individuals works best. Everyone participates because the environment forces them not to stay quiet. It is easy to make connections with everyone in the room. Bouncing ideas is apart of creating synergy, and that synergy exists in smaller environments. My most successful sessions have been with just another person. Advertising agencies are notorious for this approach. A team of two will concept for a client. But at the same time there will be three to four other teams attempting the same project. Only one idea will win, but it is a way to find more ways to solve a problem.

You know that voice in the back of your head, “How will I ever solve this.” Eventually seconds go by turning into minutes, and all you have really done is questioned your own ability to think creative.

Try and stop that voice before it becomes subconscious where you think your trying to solve the problem, when really you’re repeating the same phrase over and over again. Usually when people are in this state, they always give feedback in the group that goes something like this. “I don’t know.” “I just can’t think of anything today.”

So make it a note as of today, if that voice comes in your head, stop early so you can really focus on the problem rather than creating your own mental problem.

Some people are wonderful at coming up with ideas on fly, and for all of you who have that innate ability, congratulations. However, there are far more individuals who simply do not have the necessary practice to solve problems on the spot let alone do it creatively. That must be kept in mind before calling a brainstorming session. Allow your team to prepare with notes, research, and maybe a few ideas here and there to get the ball rolling prior to the session. One very successful session I was involved in required that we submit our ideas prior to the session. It helps place a focus, and really breaks through the problem of number 9.

Creativity requires a great deal of imagination and many thoughts are processed during that time. The mind can only stay stimulated for a certain period of time. Therefore if your sessions are stretched out to anything more then thirty minutes, it may not be as effective as it could be if split up during different parts of the day or throughout the week.

The mind needs to get away from things in order to come up with the best solution. Some people find their ideas in their sleep. Some of my best ideas have come during abnormal activity, working out, driving, surfing the web, and looking at random images. Allow your team to get away from the problem, it can actually be the best thing you can do.

Brainstorming sessions should have rules but keep them simple. I have been in sessions where the moderator insist that no one walk around, raise your hand to provide input, offer criticism to the previous idea before adding or stating a new idea and frankly the list goes on. Here are a few rules that I use when moderating.

• Get up and walk around the room
• Do whatever it takes to keep your mind stimulated and stay comfortable
• Leave your phone(s) at your desk unless it is an emergency
• Bring things to eat and drink
• Make the session conversational and open
• Criticize ideas after we are done

I’m sorry to say this, but not everyone can lead a successful brainstorming session. Many times brainstorming sessions are treated like meetings with a formal agenda and documentation that must be read and presented etc. I find that the moment there is an “authority figure” in the session, individuals are afraid to present their ideas. Productivity increases when individuals are less afraid to perform or say the wrong thing. Therefore, if you know you are an authority that frightens your team from time to time, maybe you should stick the sessions out, and leave the job to a capable facilitator. Someone who can keep the team on track, take wonderful concise notes, and most of all, can engage the group in an active conversation.

If you have uncomfortable chairs that people just cant sit still after five minutes, consider changing them out. If you have a small room that cramps everyone together, consider expanding (if you have the budget of course), or consider moving the meeting outdoors at a local park. If you have a table that won’t accommodate everyone’s things and begins to look like clutter with everyone’s pad and computers, consider a larger table. If your walls look sterile, no pictures, white, and boring, consider spicing things up. Make the environment as comfortable as possible, it can greatly help increase employee efficiency and well worth the dollars spent for the million dollar ideas coming out of them.

Brainstorming sessions are meant to be fun and exciting. It is your chance to think wild and imaginative thoughts, regardless of the problem (and if for some reason you are reading this and thinking “are you kidding me” you already have the wrong mindset). Learn to relax and let ideas flow, and to listen to others. It can help stimulate your own thoughts and place things in perspective.

Keep this in mind, just because you maybe the leader of the team, it doesn’t mean you have to be the one with the ideas. You are in your position because you understand what works and what doesn’t, because you have good judgment calls, and most of all because of your leadership qualities. That is why it is ok to let someone else have the fame, after all that is the point of the session. So take number three and blend number two together and you will find your team is also more relaxed.

If it is anything that can ruin a brainstorming session, that would be the negative criticism presented while ideas are flowing. Negativity causes people to one, feel like they let the boss down by presenting a weak idea, when in fact could have been salvaged if the remark was more positive. Two, it un-relaxes not just the person being criticized but also everyone in the room. People want to share their ideas, but not if they are going to get shot down. If that is your attitude, do the team a favor and don’t attend the session. Plus on top of all that it makes the environment less conducive. People need nurturing and assurance, regardless of the person. Therefore work as a team and help one another out.

To all my readers who have bombarded me over the past several months about “what creativity really is?” I think I finally have the best answer…

• Creativity is a challenge. It is a purpose to improve and simplify.
• Creativity is courage. The world needs more fearless people that can influence all disciplines to challenge their very existence.
• Creativity is reflection aimed not at yourself, but at the world around you.
• Creativity is an approach to the world to solve a problem.
• Creativity is a way to influence, to get the world behind you with new fresh thinking.
• Creativity gets noticed, and all those who copy only copy because they noticed.
• Creativity is original thinking, not just thinking, but real thinking. Thinking that is hard, and doesn’t come easy.
• Creativity is being imaginative yet realistic.  
• Creativity is a capacity to understand the difficult.
• Creativity is a sudden inspiration.

Most of all creativity cannot be taught. It is not mathematics or science, it is a mental process. So why do I have a blog on creativity. Because the world is being robbed of its creative thinkers, and creativity is inspiration from anywhere. All it takes is to believe that you are creative and become a little fearless. Techniques only help you get there, but only you can teach yourself. I can only help you jumpstart, the rest you have to do on your own. Creativity is what keeps the world changing its dynamics. Are you the change or the one who follows the change?

I have seen many ideas from initial concept to final concept. Ideas that I could only wish that I had thought of myself (that’s when you know it is a really good idea). So the initial concept is spectacular, one can see many benefits from going in that route and see how it can/will be effective. But here is the thing, one must understand that the concept is only 40% of the game. Execution of the idea and/or concept is what brings the real results. Execution is 60% of the game.

Regardless of what your creative capacity is, if you simply do not understand how to execute the concept so that it will bring measurable results, the great idea becomes a flawed idea.

Here are a few simple tricks that can help you execute your creative idea. Remember if your idea is golden, it probably is golden because of its simplicity and because it solves a problem. Now executing that idea so that it becomes reality also needs to have simple creative steps. If something seems difficult its because your not thinking simple enough.

One of my friends had a wonderful idea for an Internet Business. His idea was golden, but when it came time to executing it, he was spinning in circles. Creating more work than required, and ended up not going anywhere for the first four months.

Step 1:

Don’t tangle yourself in useless thoughts. Often times you get distracted. You look at other people and how they did things, and try and model yourself after them. I ask why? Your objective is to execute your big idea. Plan from scratch. Do what it will take to execute your plan, not someone else’s. To clarify I am not saying re-invent the wheel, but I am saying just because someone did it one way, doesn’t mean you have to as well. Look at it from the point of view of, “Will this strategy ultimately get me to where I need to be, or is it just icing on the cake?” Creativity starts by innovating.

Step 2:

Make a list of targets. If I told you my big idea was to start a blog on creativity. Well the steps can be simplified of what I need to do. Buy a domain name, get a hosting plan, install wordpress, design a layout, and write some posts. Well that’s the basics. Every problem has steps, small to big. No need to write out paragraphs on how to do it. That’s your job. Rather write out simple steps that need to be taken just like above.

Step 3:

Stop thinking that you can’t do it. If everyone thought that way there would be no fortune 500 companies around. Everyone started from the bottom. If you are at the bottom right now, I say plan to move ahead. Key word, “PLAN.” If your not planning then your never going to execute, and therefore your ideas will go from great to nothing. And great ideas are rare. So if you get one, I say plan and execute it through simple effective steps. Even if you believe you are at the bottom. You have to start somewhere.

Happy Execution

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

Visual Literacy is defined “as the ability to understand communications composed of visual images as well as being able to use visual imagery to communicate to others.”

In order to become visually literate, one must practice expressing their thoughts and ideas in visual forms such as drawings (encoding) and translating/understanding the meaning of visual imagery (decoding).

Visual literacy isn’t always easy. In fact some artists make their visual work difficult to understand, and only those truly observant will understand. Show me a photograph, and there is an excellent chance I will be able to interpret the photographers intentions only because of my years of practice and dedication.

Benefits of Visual Literacy

·      Increase of Creative Capacity

·      Enhanced Observational Skills

·      Improves visual represented comprehension (charts, graphs..etc.)

·      Improves Capacity to Develop Powerful Concepts and Solutions

·      Enhances Ability to Think Simplicity

Sure visuals can be complicated, but those that have the most powerful concept are the simplest in form. If you are out to problem solve and need to understand the concept of simplicity, visual literacy is a great way of getting there.

Take a good look at the above image. I shot that image while I was in Wisconsin. I used special lens filters on my camera just to get my intention across visually. Any ideas on what I was trying to portray? Leave a comment and lets see what everyone comes up with. It’s a good starting point.

Those who are creative tend to have a high capacity of visual literacy. Unfortunately many major institutions other than design schools have tested visual literacy, however, I am big believer in Visual Literacy. It helps Problem Solve, and problems are a large part of everyday life. So why not emphasize something so important to everyday life?

Cheers

Mitesh Solanki

Lets take a minute and think about creative talent. First off, it is fair to say that it is a rare talent. Secondly, it is difficult to find the perfect blends of creativity and logic. Lastly, creative’s have a much different problem solving habit and therefore are wired to think much differently than most of the average population (another reason why creative’s tend to score poorly on standardized test).

Now as creative’s engage in companies in an effort to do what they do best (problem solve), that talent can go from an A to an F in matter of a couple months. I have seen a high turnaround rate in Agency culture, corporations, and most of all any company that seeks to hire creative talent to further its business.

Therefore here is my message to all executives, directors, managers, or anyone who may get the opportunity to work with a creative individual. Bare in mind their job is difficult, that is why you hired them. Also note that thinking simple is far more difficult than thinking complicated. Creative’s don’t enjoy taking on stress, in fact it hurts their job performance. Creativity requires fresh original thinking, which comes from the subconscious. If the subconscious is not calm, it cannot function the way it is meant to function.

Take it from me, give them a culture that they can thrive in. Spacious room, spontaneous activities throughout the day (stop everyone from working and start a soul train line), keep them calm and focused. If you go with the pressure and stress route, you will notice a high turn around rate and lack of performance (what a waste of a payroll).

Now for all those who are thinking, well we have deadlines… Well I too run a successful agency, and my business partner and I hardly ever run into the stress avenue and plan a strategy to avoid it. Plan your projects carefully and you will achieve. It starts with your attitude. There is a reason why Target has the best employee efficiency. They too have adopted this strategy…

Mitesh Solanki

Every company CEO, COO, President, VP, Director (you get the point), I have spoken with always mentions one thing, “Making this company profitable is not the hard part. The hardest part is getting the rest of the team to think intuitively.”

Lets break down what intuition really is. The dictionary presents it as “The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.”

Intuition is an interesting concept. Why would you want your employees to act without true reasoning or factual data to prove it will work, isn’t that dangerous? Personally I believe the creative process alone is dangerous. When presented a problem, there are multiple solutions, some better than others. However, identifying which ones is the correct path quickly without conscious reasoning is the difficult part.

Here is the secret:

1.    Gut Instinct

We all have a gut instinct; some learn to listen to it while others choose to ignore it. Learn to feel what is right and what is wrong. It’s human nature to just have a hunch. Like they say first instinct is usually correct so why question it? Thinking intuitively is what makes great leaders. It is a way to make quick decisions, so learn to listen to your gut instinct and stop ignoring it.

2.    Leave the Fear at HOME!!!

Lets face reality, we are all afraid to take certain risks. But when you have that gut feeling telling you what the correct solution is, take the risk and run with it. It’s your intuition so use it to guide you when your lost.

3.    Forget about Methodology for Once

If everyone followed the rules laid out by other innovators, there would be no innovation. Creativity is new born solutions, things people have not thought about. So isn’t it time we all start innovating?

It all starts by thinking intuitively (your gut instinct minus the fear).

Happy Intuition

Mitesh Solanki

I was on a road trip with my family over the past two weeks. While on the road we obviously had the CD cranked with all sorts of music. Folk, Classical, Rock, Hip Hop… well you get the point. While I wasn’t driving and there was a lack of conversation (sort of personal time), I would be working on my current projects.

I noticed how my style of design was inspired by the music. When I was producing a logo, I had this real fluid design when listening to classical and a somewhat grudge look when Hip Hop was playing. Without even really thinking, my mind was in that zone. My creativity was heightened by the influence of music.

I learned something new about my personal pursuit to expand my creativity. Music influences your thoughts. It is how you channel those thoughts to your benefit. So if you are a designer, artists, or problem solver for that matter, consider the type of music you listen to. Change it up, and notice how your mind just might change its state of consciousness.  

Happy Creative Pursuit

Mitesh Solanki

Often times when its time to create a list of some sort, or put things down on paper, you know random thoughts, people tend to fire up their computer and open up good old word.
Every design professor I have spoken with, every creative individual I have come in contact with prefers paper to a computer hands down. WHY?

• Helps visually demonstrate the thought, not just boring text.
• Gives freedom of the page, does not need to be structured.
• When the pencil/pen touches the paper it lets you feel in control of your thoughts.
• No race against forgetting. Quicker than typing.
• Easily be elaborated as a chart and/or form.
• Brainstorming partner can easily see flow of ideas.
• If you find yourself stuck, doodling can be done to jump-start that imagination.

Paper is freedom and therefore the next time you find yourself firing up that computer, try the SIMPLE paper and pen. Notice I said SIMPLE, creativity is also simple ideas done imaginatively. Why not cater to the art? After all it is what the professionals do.

Happy Brainstorming
Mitesh Solanki

If ever you have been in the position to find creative talent, you have probably noticed how difficult it can be to find. Strong creative talent is rare, partially due to the educational system that pushes students away from creativity. However, there is always the right person for the job, regardless of how impossible it may seem at times.

I have been asked a few times on how to test someone in regards to their creativity. Creative individuals tend to have personalities that extend a wide array. They jump from topic to topic and find interest in some of the smallest facts in the world. They have a tendency to be able to hold conversations with people, regardless of the discussion. They have the brain capacity to break things down and make them simple. A complex solution to them is still considered a problem. Simplicity to them is a solution.

I recently came across a creative myself. Over the past seven to eight months I have come to know more and more about this person. From the beginning I had a feeling there was talent behind the mind. She approached things from a new point of view. Asked questions that nobody else would ask, and potentially would overlook. Most of all she solved problems and always found SIMPLE solutions that would work in replacement of COMPLEX solutions.

That is why I have asked her to join me on Invent Creativity as an Author. Please welcome Hatel. She will be writing alongside me in this blog to help our readers increase their creative capacity and reach their aspirations. She has that talent, and is now more than willing to help others achieve the same. 

Mitesh Solanki

F

Failure: Lets be realistic, not all ideas will work. Reality is, in order to get your winning idea you have to think it through and test them. Remember, not all solutions work, and frankly speaking, if you decide you want to do something you have to be willing to fail for as long as it takes to get the right solution.

B

Basics: If you want to get that award winning idea, break down your problem into the basics. Make it simple to process and only worry about the main points, versus all the points. If you want to get that big idea to solve your problem, think simple. Its what makes creativity creative.

C

Condense: Take all your solutions that you have come up with. Step back and look at them. Can these solutions be condensed to even greater simplicity? Sometimes an idea is good, but if it can become simpler, the idea goes from good to great. Don’t just kill an idea because it’s good. Kill it because it can’t get passed good.

Happy Creativity

Mitesh Solanki

While I was surfing the web, I came across a very interesting post on 50 creative ways to make your blog popular. Inside are some very key gems that I am sure many of us have overlooked.

50 Creative Ways to Make Your Blog Popular

Enjoy
Mitesh Solanki

Every time I have been in a brainstorming session I find that there are two types of individuals. One type that does not mind throwing out an idea, or adding onto an existing idea, and the other who sits and listens and provides feedback, such as, “I like that”, or “that’s pretty good”. That same individual (if he/she does not comment further or present ideas) is also known as “fear minded:” Unsure how others will take their ideas, and therefore simply afraid to present them. These individuals also tend to talk themselves out of a good idea, looking for anomalies from everyday life. “My idea has to be done, it came to easy.” Or my personal favorite, “everyone is going to think it’s a bad idea.”

Fact of the matter is, no idea is a bad idea. If for some reason you believe it to be a bad idea, then stop for a second and remember, your thoughts are generated through your own personal creative capacity. Nobody on this planet has the same mind capabilities you posses. Sure we think alike, but we also think differently. Your angle can be far different than anyone else’s angle and that is what makes every idea a good idea. It’s a way of collaboration and often times, one idea leads to an even larger idea.

So take it from me, the next time you are going into a brainstorming session, leave the fear outside the door. Force yourself to present your thoughts, and you will notice how much creative freedom that brings. And for the final note, do not ever tell another person their idea is bad or completely wrong. It ruins the environment and concentration of that individual. Learn to push a small idea into a big idea that is simple.

Cheers

Mitesh Solanki 

Sir Ken Robinson speaks about creativity and its importance in this four minute video.

Have you ever stopped and reflected your life vs a child. Just think about it for a minute.

· A child isn’t afraid to be wrong, are you?

· A child will take a risk, will you?

· A child won’t over think what he/she wants, do you?

· A child learns to forgive quickly, do you?

· A child isn’t afraid to fail, are you?

We forget that we used to be like that. We all had a portion of our lives that had virtually no worries and it didn’t matter what we did because we found a way to have some fun. That child in you was a creative genius. Fear never took over your thoughts, and it is that same fear that holds your imagination behind. So take it from me, loosen the tie from time to time, and just let go. Let your mind be free, and maybe that solution will be around the corner.

Invent Creativity hits its first anniversary. Thank you to all our current readers and subscribers for coming back time after time in an exploration to better your creative skills. I wish you all the best, and once again thank you for your support. It is support like that which will make this blog one day a tremendous resource for the masses.

Happy Creativity

Mitesh Solanki