Invent Creativity

Posted by admin at October 8th, 2008

I recently had a discussion with a close friend of mine in regards to passion and career. She has chosen a new path in life in relation to her career, and along the way she frequently receives negative criticism as to why she choose it. If that isn’t enough already, she receives further criticism on how there are better options out there that are higher in social status.

Unfortunately this criticism occurs often, far more than it should. I recall receiving criticism when I choose to attend a Design School over a traditional University. It was inferred that I would fail, or that it would be one of the greatest mistakes of my life. However, not once did those assumptions stop me for pursuing my passion.  As I step back, I see myself farther than my peers in terms of accomplishments and success.

What does this have to do with Creativity?

I define creativity as “the formation of ideas that ‘WOW’ ”

It’s simple if you think about it. Passion is a desire and enthusiasm for something. When you allow yourself to explore that desire, you no longer worry about understanding its complexities. Your focus is on accomplishing that goal that craves within you thereby naturally channeling creativity into your work.

Example:

If you hand an artist a pad and pen, he/she is likely to draw something interesting and also likely to continue drawing for a longer period of time. Give a mathematician a pad and pen, the outcome may not be equivalent to the artist. He/she is not as likely to have the same motivation as the artist to draw. Rather he/she may begin to solve a mathematical problem. Both the artist and mathematician have a pad and pen, but they utilize the medium to their own desires and interest.

If you do not pursuit what it is you desire, or rather inhibit someone to pursuit his/her desire, how can one expect innovation? Creativity starts with a passion for what it is you are doing. Then it is a matter of innovating to be different, to stand out, and most of all be known and respected for what you do. Creativity is passion explored.

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

Posted by hatel at October 2nd, 2008

I wanted to graciously thank Mitesh for his kind introduction and for the readers who have been consistently supporting our creativity.  I refer to this as ‘a work of art’.  Before I do start, I would like to apologize for my delay in writing my first post.  

As strange as it sounds, I have been wondering what I can possibly write about I mean this will set the tone for future postings right?  It is not always easy but I ask my fellow readers to feel free to send me suggestions on topics that they would want posted on this site.  I believe that the best way to keep the communication lines open is to really just ask for feedback.  It never hurts and I firmly believe that you will be a creative person because of it.  (But that is just my 2 cents!)  

Now is the time for all of us to take a step back whether we like it or not.  I am sure all of you have noticed that as a society we are constantly moving not realizing that we can make our lives simple by finding creative ways to do so.  For example, I was browsing the internet and noticed that almost every major headline or eye-opener was a list of over a dozen creative ways to almost do anything!   I know that all of you out in cyberspace notice it too:

• 10 simple ways to save money at the gas pump
• Workout at home with these simple moves
• Meals in under 30 minutes

I am sure that you get the point.  We are always in a rush to get things done, or to get to our destination.  It really makes me wonder why don’t we just put simple methods in practice to alleviate stress and enjoy life? As cliche as it sounds, we are conditioned to continue in a cycle and we aren’t used to change.  This takes time and if we want a simple solution we will try it and if it works its great and if it requires that we put in ‘time’ we believe that it is not worth it.  Let’s take a step back and change that method of thinking and just try simple things and see how your creative thought process will change.  If we as a society did all the little things to make our lives better imagine the possibilities!  

As a creative myself, I would like to share with you some techniques on how to get your creativity working towards your benefit.  

• Take 30 minutes everyday to just relax, I find that listening to music works for me.
• As a kid at heart, I find that coloring with Crayola crayons brings you back to your childhood and can really help you unlock your creativity (I also want to note that the late Randy Pausch also believed in this)
• If you can have a simple workout regimen at least 3 times a week you would be surprised how much energy you will have and you will also be healthier

So my fellow readers, I ask that you at least try one of the above suggestions and see what it does for you. You will find that this will take time but creativity needs you the individual to be at 100%.  That is it for now fellow creatives!  

Posted by admin at September 22nd, 2008

Before I start this post, I would like to take this time to wish one of my closest friends a “Very Happy Birthday.”

Often times when I am brainstorming, I come to the conclusion that my idea has been done. Even if I feel that it is a brilliant idea, I convince myself that it must be done. No rational but just a gut instinct. That forces me to do some research and often I find that it has been done.

That is the purpose of this post. The real challenge of creativity is not just coming up with great ideas, but it is also the struggle to come up with original concepts. Creativity isn’t just a matter of brainstorming a cluster of ideas, nor is it just the process of innovating. Creativity is hard thinking, it is a struggle to get past what has been done and paint a new canvas. A canvas that when looked at, people think, “now there is an idea, or, why didn’t I think of that?”

How to Get Passed What Others Have Done?

• Understand that everyone is creative and fully capable of coming up with great ideas.
• Understand that more than one individual has had to problem solve a similar situation.
• Understand that creativity is not easy, and if you give yourself the right amount of time, the solution will come.

The Process

1. Do your research. The number one reason why people fail to come up with original concepts is because they did not effectively do the right amount of research. You are not the only one who is facing this issue, many people have. Therefore, a quick search on a search engine can help you see another point of view. Research will get you in the right mindset to make things simple and more creative.
2. Keep all your ideas. If you get an idea, sketch it out, or write it down so that you when you reference it, you can recall the entire scope. I have been in brainstorming sessions where people look at their notes and cannot remember their golden nugget. That is the last thing you need. If you believe your idea is no good, still write it down. There maybe someone else that believes the idea can be better or finds a golden nugget within it. Never rule out an idea, especially the day it was thought of.
3. Come back to your ideas. Spread them out on the wall or the floor. Take a look at each idea. You may find that some ideas you thought of yesterday that were good, seem to be weak today, and often the weak ones from yesterday are your strong ones today. A fresh perspective makes all the difference in the world.
4. Rule out the ideas that you and another individual cannot salvage. Be sure to keep a rejected pile and never throw away an idea. That idea might be a solution to another problem.
5. If you cannot find the perfect solution to your problem, go into your archives of previous ideas you had on a different problem. Gems or Golden nuggets maybe in there that can help jumpstart new innovative thoughts.
6. If you do not have a previous archive change the way you brainstorm ideas. There are many brainstorming techniques you may find in this blog.

It is simple. Research > Concept > View > Modify > Rule Out > View Archives > Implement.

Happy Brainstorming

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com