Have you been suffering from a lack of creative juices? Are you looking for a solution to a problem, but can’t seem to think of any ideas? Jim Randel’s The Skinny on Creativity: Thinking Outside the Box
How to think creatively
In The Skinny on Creativity
There are many different ways that creativity-building can be approached. Sometimes, one needs to cut out all of the noise and embrace solitude; other times, one needs to stop working, let go and let their subconscious ponder the matter at hand for a few hours. To avoid nipping one’s creativity in the bud, avoid showing projects to others too early; don’t let early negative feedback kill your creative mojo.
Mistakes are learning experiences
Creative thinking isn’t just about coming up with new ideas and facing new experiences, but it’s also about having the proper mindset, with the willingness to embrace change and make mistakes along the way. The risk in taking the path of certainty is that although there is no risk of failure, there is also no chance of success or growth. One shouldn’t be fearful of making mistakes and look upon previous mistakes with regret, because mistakes are how we learn and how we improve. To do that, we need to get out there and try.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed this book, since it showed me that creativity isn’t just something that people are born with or that strikes people at random; it is a skill that can be embraced and developed. At the same time, this isn’t some new-age book that claims that all you need to do is send a “wish” out and creativity will come; it is not that easy, and embracing creativity also means being willing to challenge one’s assumptions and beliefs, as well as deal with the rejection and disbelief of others.
This book was my favorite out of the “Skinny on” series so far, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun book to read on creative thinking.
If you would like to read more, you can order the title direct from Amazon:
So, reader, what do you think about challenging your thoughts and beliefs, and sparking creative thought?
The constant challenging of assumptions, beliefs, and conventional wisdom is the key to creativity.
Before I got into blogging and started my own business I actually went to Savannah College of Art and Design for film and visual effects. During my first year I had to take a bunch of foundation drawing classes before I was able to take any of the “cool” classes learning how to make big digital explosions etc.. I could always draw to some degree, but what really amazed me was that there would be others that couldn’t draw a stick figure the first class and by the end of the semester they were attempting to replicate da vinci paintings.
This really changed my view on what could be learned vs natural born talent and creativity. It just goes to show you that everyone has some creativity in them and sometimes it’s just a matter of learning to access it.
Bahaha! “[T]his isn’t some new-age book that claims that all you need to do is send a ‘wish’ out and creativity will come…” That had me rolling with laughter. Thanks. 😉 I am absolutely going to check this book out as soon as I can.
You need to check out their blog too for a taste of what the book is gonna be like, but of course the book is gonna give a much better view of The Skinny On. They’ve got some really awesome and interactive people that responds on Twitter when you tweet. A perfect ingredient and necessary element for every brand that most books and even companies lack. Kudos TheSkinnyOn!
<3 Jonha 😉
One of the joys of living in the age of technology is seeing the creative ways people are coming up with to present ideas.
Check this youtube out:
http://thebizoflife.blogspot.com/2010/12/200-years-of-progress.html
It is funny because I have always thought of myself as a strictly logical person without an ounce of creativity. But as I have gotten older, I have given my creative side a little chance and I have learned that you can actually develop the skill. (I previously thought you either have it or you don’t.)
The book sound very interesting.
Thanks so much for the review Kevin. We are glad you enjoyed the book!
I have all the skinny ebooks and have not had a chance to read any yet but maybe ill start with this one when I do.
Thanks for the review.
Never heard about these books. Now, that I’ve read about them, I am willing to check them out. Thank you!
Interesting topic and I like the “Skinny Series” I think I am going to check them out. I could use some creativity!
Travel and new experiences as creative stimulants is spot on. Making new memories open up your mind. Hard to get creative juices flowing sitting on the couch watching TV.