Opportunity Is Everywhere

In almost every aspect of life creativity can have a significant and positive impact. Many people think of creativity as something only artists or writers use.  Some think of innovation in the world of technology for inventors.  Creativity is much much more.  Creativity can be a perspective on life.  Every minute of life is an opportunity to create something new and something better, whether it be tangible or intangible.

I remember when I was a boy and I forgot to pack my homework assignment that was due that day in school.  My mother explained to me that if I wanted to remember to take something to school I could put it right next to my shoes the night before.  “Wow” I thought “Mom's got some good ideas.”  A simple creative addition to my routine could help overcome a previous shortcoming and make a substantial difference.  These minor insights are creative improvements to life and each is another opportunity to discover, create and share with others.  Seeing the part of life that offers perpetual opportunity to create can bring an excitement and energy to every moment.

Choose to experience the following technique.  Focus on the present, be acutely aware, and ask questions.  Consider the environment you are currently in.  Stop, look around you and begin to ask questions.  Think of how you might want to frame the questions such as “What can be better?” or “What is remarkable about this space?” or “What amazing secrets are hiding right here in front of me?” or just begin asking random questions:  How could this keyboard work better with my hands?  How can my chair better position my hands for the keyboard?  How can I be more comfortable?  How can I be more energized?  What would help me think more clearly?  What would be a great way that I could help someone right now?  Why is this phone shaped the way it is?  What would be a completely new way to use a printer?  What do most people hate about computers?  What do most people love about computers? and so on.  Each question entices your brain to create answers.  It’s the way your brain was designed.  It wants to solve problems, answer questions and find patterns.  Each question is like a dog treat for your brain.  When it sees a question it likes, it starts to wag it’s tail and look for answers.

Notice also the many different areas of your life that offer creative opportunities.  Consider the following areas as questions to jump start your awareness of how many there are:  How do you communicate with family and coworkers?  How do you spend time in your car?  How do you sleep?  How do you choose to see people around you?  How do you eat?  How do you wake up in the morning?  How do you read?  How do you remember things?  How do different people in your life see you?  How are you valuable to others?  How do you learn?  Each of these areas begs for creative insight and improvement.  They also present opportunities for you to offer value and connect with others.  Others face problems in similar areas and they are hungry for creative insights and solutions.  So be open to the many opportunities life presents you to be creative and give your brain lots of dog treats daily.

          In a nut shell

   1-Creative opportunity is everywhere, tangible and intangible
   2-Focus on the present, be acutely aware and ask questions
   3-Notice your areas of creative opportunity and be open to them

Quotes
Clint Eastwood

 “In school, I could hear the leaves rustle and go on a journey.”

"I don't believe in pessimism. If something doesn't come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it's going to rain, it will."

Videos
If you are not familiar with Edward de Bono he is well worth looking into.  He has written many books in the area of creative thinking such as “Lateral Thinking” and “Six Thinking Hats” and his lectures have been heard around the world.  In the following videos he presents his “Six Thinking Hats” in a classic presentation he did years ago.  It will open your eyes to many new thoughts and insights as to how we think and it will give you a number of valuable tools you can incorporate into your creative processes.