How to Use Creative Thinking To Solve Problems

Have you ever thought about using a creative thinking process to solve your everyday problems or challenges? We’ve all been faced with challenges before, but we usually don’t think about going through a whole process to figure out a viable solution. Instead, we usually settle for countless brainstorming sessions that may not yield the lasting results that we are after. I have been guilty of this time and time again, so I totally get it. 

The purpose of today’s discussion is to outline a few ways to actually use creative thinking in your own life to solve some perplexing issues. 

Now before we get started you may be thinking that you’re not particularly creative. You might even be thinking of someone close to you who is very creative and you might be comparing yourself to that person. You need to understand that creativity manifests itself in many different ways. If you’re stuck on artistic, musical, or poetic forms of creativity you might be overlooking your own particular type of creativity. 

Creativity is an underrated yet incredible trait that one can possess. This is also a talent that can grow and develop over time.

Although you may be lacking Michelangelo-like artistic creativity, creative thinking is a form of this inherent trait that is actually attainable through effort and by using a process.

Here are Some Insightful Ways To Use Creative Thinking To Solve Problems

Recognize That Different Outcomes Require Different Methods

While we often fail to realize it, many of us spend an enormous amount of time making the exact same mistake, or a very similar one, repeatedly. This leads to anger and frustration to the point that a lot of people give up on the goal altogether. However, when we really stop and think about whatever this mistake is in our own lives, the problem is that we are usually taking the same or similar approach every time. 

If you want to resolve a problem that has seemingly stumped you over and over again, stop trying to conquer it the same way. It is better to fail than not to try but consider the option to fail differently than continue to repeat a perpetual cycle. If you want something you have never had, you have got to do something you have never done. 

There Is Ususal No Cookie Cutter Solution

Although the majority of the people in your life will tell you otherwise, few things in life can only be done one way. All too often, we get into the habit of using the same method to address the same obstacle. 

When using this approach on something simple, such as opening a jar, the process is usually successful time and time again. However, when faced with more challenging issues that other people have unsuccessfully attempted to tackle, it is important to avoid taking the general opinion as truth. 

There will be times in your life where a new problem will require you to come up with a novel solution. Try something different. This is commonly referred to as thinking outside of the box. 

Have the Courage To Do Something Abnormal 

You can have all the creative thinking ability in the world, but if you are too afraid to act on any of your ideas for fear of standing out from the crowd, you won’t move forward.

The fear of being criticized by other people has clipped the wings of many incredible ideas before they could even take flight. Human nature tells us to avoid things that are different and new. Creative thinking tell us to do the opposite. 

Create A Sustainable Process For Evaluating Ideas and Outcomes

This is perhaps my best advice because it is typically overlooked. This baby right here will take you from brainstorming to actually crafting a process that you can use over and over again to reach your problem-solving goals. It may require you to go a little deeper and do some real soul searching but the end result will be well worth it.

It goes like this:

• Thoroughly identify the “real” problem. You need to really understand what’s wrong. Clarity can actually “be” the real problem. So take some time and think deeply about this. Nine times out of ten, there is something else lurking beneath the surface that has you stuck.
• Get information. Now that you’ve gone beneath the surface and fully understand what’s happening, you need to go into an information-gathering mode. Research your topic. Find others who overcame this challenge or reached this goal and sort out how and what they did. Ask questions. Get answers.
• Brainstorm Ideas. Now is the time to really start brainstorming because you’ve done the deep work and you know what you really want. As you explore new ideas, you can use mind mapping tools to get even more creative ideas to get you where you want to go.
• Take Action. Create your plan of action and do it. We know by now, that increased clarity will come as you begin to take action on the ideas that you’ve discovered and the plan that you’ve created.

This is a doable creative process that you can improve on overtime. It will assist you in overcoming some of the obstacles that stand in the way of your goals and dreams. 

Be brave, make a plan, and take action and watch the obstacles come tumbling down. 🙂

Be well + prosper!

Elaine xx