Intentional Creativity - What does it take to go deep?

What does it take to think big? We’ve become adept at quick thoughts, witty one-liners and regurgitating ‘thought leaders’. But I’ve been processing on what it takes to be deeply creative. I’m interested in what’s my own approach to in-depth ideation, problem-solving and innovation to complex matters. The day-to-day flow of emails and meetings doesn’t always facilitate deep exploration. I’ve been wrestling with how I intentionally create circumstances to explore my own deep thinking. A few factors seem to facilitate my best experiences:

• Physical Environment - There’s an entire industry dedicated to creating work environments appropriate for creativity – including spaces to work individually and collaboratively. Being a part of a company that believes in the value of the team, I appreciate the importance of these thoughtful environments. However, I’ve also begun to tune into places outside of work that allow me to isolate further from the day-to-day activities. I love to be outdoors – specifically hiking. It triggers my brain to explore and dig into a deeper level of thinking. I have a sense of clarity and issues unclutter and reorganize more logically. I also spend hours in my truck driving my kids around the state for soccer games. 2+ hours is more than enough time for me to transition from small to-do’s and radio surfing to in-depth exploration (and still managing the task at-hand). 
• Resources - What are the platforms that can help fuel your curiosity and exploration? I’m not asking what people and ideas will you just adopt. There’s a place for that, but right now, I’m focused on my own creative development. Books, podcasts are logical triggers. I actually find content unrelated to what I do more useful to me than a business or ‘marketing expert’ (maybe I have issues following directions). Personally, I’m intrigued by good old talking with others. Many times, these talks are unplanned, unscheduled and the other person may not even know they’re contributing to something I’ve been wrestling on.
• Time - It’s not lost on me that often the more exploratory thinking for me happens outside ‘normal’ work hours. That said, if what you’re doing is really that important, you’re exploration on that topic doesn’t have office hours.
• Document it - I’m as bad as anyone in having a random thought or idea and letting it die on the vine. If I don’t create intentionality around it, it gets batted around and then withers away. But what if I start to dig into it? Write it down. Whiteboard it. Visualize it somehow. Maybe an idea or logic begins to evolve, I can process it and return to it over time without losing my thinking completely. I’ve also been challenging myself to continue to craft how well I express my thinking. What if I return to the idea and continue to clarify and distill my thinking?
• Process your ideas with others - It can be uncomfortable to share your thinking with others. Will they love it or tear it apart? Will they help you build on a great concept or re-direct away from your thinking? If your concept is ever going to fly, you’re going to have to take that chance. So how do you build up a network of people that you can share your thoughts?
• Know when to walk away (like Kenny Rogers) - There’s a point where you hit the wall. You can’t quite see the path for a time from your present position. I personally think that’s OK. Not everything will be resolved in a single rush of energy and clarity. Set it aside, but commit to re-visiting it.

Just my thoughts and thinking. Your approach to creating deep thinking may be completely opposite from mine. I find it interesting that creativity demands intentionality. It’s when I don’t deliberately give myself time and space I realize I’m shallow thinking.