Creative Thinking: The Superpower You Forgot You Had
When was the last time you came up with a solution so good it surprised even you?
That’s creative thinking in action.
Today’s issue is about unlocking the skill that solves problems others don’t even see.
What Is Creative Thinking?
Creative thinking is the ability to come up with new, original, and useful ideas.
It’s not just about being artistic. It’s about solving real problems in ways that others don’t think of.
It’s the difference between:
“How have others done it?”
and
“What else is possible?”
Creative thinkers don’t just look for answers. They ask better questions.
Why It Matters
In a world full of sameness, AI tools, and copy-paste strategies, creativity is a competitive advantage.
It helps you:
- Solve problems with limited resources
- Stand out in a crowded market
- Design faster, better, smarter systems
- Turn constraints into innovation
- Adapt when others freeze
Creative thinking doesn’t just keep you afloat. It helps you lead.
Who Needs It?
You do—especially if:
- You’re in business or leadership
- You want to grow in your career
- You’re building anything: a project, a team, a product, or a plan
- You face problems with no obvious solution
This isn’t just a “nice to have.”
It’s essential if you want to win long-term.
Where It Applies
Creative thinking works everywhere:
- In business: redesign your offer, product, or process.
- In life: structure your time, fix your habits, deepen your relationships.
- In learning: create ways to learn faster or apply smarter.
Wherever there's a challenge, creativity gives you new angles.
When To Use It
- When you’re stuck
- When the old way isn’t working
- When you’ve hit a wall
- When you need a better, faster, or simpler solution
It’s most useful when others default to the obvious or familiar.
How To Use It (In 6 Steps)
1. Define the Real Problem
Dig beneath the surface. Use the “Five Whys” method. Don’t just solve symptoms.
2. Challenge Assumptions
Say “I suspect…” or “I conclude…” instead of “I assume.” That subtle shift keeps your thinking honest—and creative.
3. Generate Lots of Ideas
Set a timer. Go for quantity. Bad ideas welcome. The gold often comes after the obvious.
4. Combine and Remix
Great ideas often come from combining old ideas in new ways.
5. Test Fast
Don’t just think—try. Sketch, mock up, prototype, experiment.
6. Iterate and Improve
Creativity thrives on revision. Think > try > refine > repeat.
A Personal Tip
When I get stuck, I zoom out.
I ask:
- “What problem am I really trying to solve?”
- “What if I had to solve it with zero budget?”
- “What would a kid do? Or someone from another industry?”
That shift unlocks new ideas—fast.
Try This Today
Pick a challenge.
- Write down all your assumptions.
- Flip them.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes.
- Brainstorm 15 new ideas.
- Circle the weirdest one—and test it.
That’s how creative thinking gets built: one small experiment at a time.
Want to read the full article? Find it here.
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