HOW TO UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

Innovation is shifting creativity from a positive characteristic to a precious, highly sought-after asset in the global market. Esteemed schools like Harvard and Yale have added creativity to their curricula, and several Fortune 500 companies like PepsiCo and Marriott are running employees through creativity training programs. So how do you tap into your ‘inner Leonardo da Vinci’ (the accomplished artist, musician, scientist and engineer of the 15th century)? Try these creativity tactics right now.

Observe Carefully

Observing a problem and watching it under different circumstances is an effective approach to understand a problem’s true nature. When striving to improve a product or service, vigilantly study how people are using what’s currently available to identify and address any snags or frustrations they face.

Know Your Audience

Walking in the shoes of your intended audience helps you put yourself in your audience’s mindset. And the more you understand your audience, the more power you’ll have making your solution relevant to their personal needs and wants.

Abandon Your Comfort Zone

Seek unfamiliar activities. Take new classes; read random books; travel to unusual destinations; and talk to people with conflicting views. Different experiences can spark fresh and unusual thoughts.

Think of Failure as Opportunity

Successful individuals often learn from failure through three essential activities: detection, analysis, and experimentation. So ask yourself: “Why did I fail? What went wrong? What can I do differently?” Mind Thomas Edison’s wise words: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Play Tunes

Scientists report happy music boosts divergent thinking, which is associated with creativity and problem solving. Go for genius and stream some Mozart or Pharrell Williams. Need to focus hard and think deep? Try some sad, moody songs. Frustrated and need to kick serious creative ass? Assume air guitar position and salute AC/DC.

Read more and get all of the tips here: How to Unleash Your Creativity.