O.K., you see a problem. You know what it is. And you have this feeling that if you were just one of these creative folks, you could find an answer.
The truth is: Everyone is creative.
The problem is: Some people use their creativity better than others. Here are four tools to lead the way:
1. Relax and have faith that you can find an answer. Anxiety and tension may block thinking processes. Apply yourself to the task for the joy of it.
2. Get rid of what Dr. Michael Ray of Stanford Business School calls the Voice of Judgment (VOJ). Maybe it came from parents or others who told you that only special people could create something, and you could not. Maybe you do it to yourself. A simple example: You try to reach someone important by telephone but are told that person isn't in. Your VOJ says he or she doesn't want to talk to you.
3. Be ready for inspiration by observing precisely. Pay attention to the task at hand in order to get better ideas. Listen carefully. And think of the many small ways in which you are creative each day.
4. Ask questions. Ask dumb questions. Dr. Ray says creativity starts with a question. A creative approach means making your life a questioning process. Start by asking yourself questions to develop natural curiosity. Then work up to asking other people.
Remember, Columbus asked himself if there was a sea route to India.
