Ever wondered why some people consistently generate brilliant ideas while others struggle? According to a recent LinkedIn survey, creative thinking remains employers’ most coveted soft skill. The good news? Creativity isn’t reserved for a chosen few. “There’s not really any evidence that one person is inherently more creative than another,” says psychologist Robert Epstein. His research suggests that specific practices can boost your creative output by up to 55% – perfect for standing out in today’s competitive workplace.
- Create a digital idea vault
We don’t lack creative moments – we simply fail to capture them effectively. “It’s that we fail to capture the bursts of inspiration we do have, or fail to recall our great ideas in the moments and contexts where they can actually be useful,” explains tech speaker and data journalist Alexandra Samuel
Today’s cloud-based tools make capturing inspiration easier than ever. Try keeping a digital notebook accessible across all your devices, share relevant sections with colleagues, and make reviewing your idea collection the first step of any new project.
- Cultivate curiosity beyond your field
Innovation often springs from unexpected connections – a well-known example is Steve Jobs, whose college calligraphy class significantly influenced Apple’s revolutionary design approach.
“Ideas can come from making connections between seemingly unrelated things,” notes author and consultant Vanessa King. “Learning something new in one area of our lives can trigger ideas in another. So, curiosity and creative thinking go hand-in-hand.”
- Build a diverse (and interesting) network
The people around you significantly impact your creative thinking. Bas Korsten, global chief creative officer at advertising agency VML, emphasises that diverse perspectives are “a catalyst for creative thinking.”
“Contrasting opinions spark new possibilities, and allow us to make connections we hadn’t seen before, leading to better decisions,” he explains. “Productive discussions, brainstorms, and debates often result in wiser outcomes.”
- Challenge yourself
Creative pioneers actively seek challenging problems and view setbacks constructively. Epstein recommends tackling ambitious projects without guaranteed solutions to stimulate innovative thinking.
For perspective, consider how NASA’s moonshot mission produced countless innovations we use daily – from solar panels to home insulation.
- Schedule Deliberate Downtime
Your brain needs space to make creative connections. Studies on creative thinking suggest that our most innovative ideas often emerge when we step away from focused work rather than during intense concentration. So, incorporating regular breaks into your schedule isn’t just good for well-being—it’s essential for creative problem-solving.
To see if this works for you, try implementing a “thinking walk” into your routine, where you leave your phone behind and let your mind wander freely. Or adopt the “10-minute rule” – after concentrated work sessions, give yourself permission to daydream or engage in a completely different activity before returning to your task.
Remember, creativity isn’t about sudden inspiration – it’s about consistent practice. By capturing ideas, broadening your knowledge, connecting with diverse thinkers, embracing challenges, and giving your mind time to process, you’ll develop a creative advantage that today’s employers value more than ever.