Creativity is a simple process

… of combining things

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For example:

The artist that paints a masterpiece is merely combining existing colors in a new way.

The author that writes a best seller is merely combining existing letters/themes/thinking in a new way.

The composer that writes the latest hit on the radio is merely combining existing notes in a new way.

The philosopher . . .

The architect . . .

The sculptor . . . you get the idea.

Muxy’s definition of creativity: Creativity is merely the process of combining things in new and original ways.

 

“Unlike the creative skills of an artist or a musician, creative thinking is something that can be learned”

 

Let’s go back for a moment to our Random Starting Point (RSP) examples in the previous lesson 2:

Reductions on the roads

We combined:

  • Needs for safety, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility;
  • Traffic intersections; and
  • Modern computer technology.

The result: SMART INTERSECTIONS

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Sink or swim

We combined:

  • An urgent need to stop the boat from sinking; and
  • Two pillows and a bedsheet (random materials on hand).

The result: A CLEVER INNOVATION TO PLUG THE HOLE IN THE BOAT

 

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AN ADDITIONAL THOUGHT ON THIS SUBJECT

The combining of just “ideas” is rather limiting. Creativity has no boundaries. Think of “ideas” in a broad sense. You can combine projects, or people, or businesses, or . . .

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TAKEAWAY:

Creativity is merely our ability to combine existing things in new ways.

Lateral thinking disrupts blinkered thinking to allow your natural creativity to flow.

 

NEXT Lesson:

A more targeted (& more powerful) disruptive strategy:

Alternative Perspectives

50 Lateral thinking puxxles

 

For a deeper explanation of the term “lateral thinking” check out the link.