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The Skinny on Creativity: A Book Review

By Kevin

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 might be just the book you need to help you get out of your morass.

How to think creatively

In The Skinny on Creativity, Jim Randel discusses different ways to get our creative juices flowing, and the many benefits that we can get from doing so. In order to start expanding our creativity, we need to first think outside of the constraints that have been set by others (otherwise known as “thinking outside the box”). Over time, we can get set in our habits and our patterns of thinking, so it is important to embrace change and diversity. Travel can expose our minds to new experiences and novel ideas, and so can participating in a diverse group with a broad range of worldviews.

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?

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Miscellaneous, Philosophy Tagged With: creative thinking, Jim Randel, skinny on

About Kevin

Kevin has left the office, and he is currently fighting the rat race by working on his own business. He enjoys exploring unvisited places around the world and gaining new experiences. He believes that by properly managing our energy and time, we can learn to invest our lives wisely.

Comments

  1. The Biz of Life says

    December 6, 2010 at 8:29 am

    The constant challenging of assumptions, beliefs, and conventional wisdom is the key to creativity.

  2. Kevin @ CreditShout says

    December 6, 2010 at 10:39 am

    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.

  3. Jessica07 says

    December 6, 2010 at 11:02 am

    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.

    • Jonha | iJustdid.Org says

      December 7, 2010 at 6:34 am

      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!

      • The Skinny On says

        December 7, 2010 at 12:25 pm

        <3 Jonha 😉

  4. DIY Investor says

    December 6, 2010 at 11:02 am

    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

  5. Everyday Tips says

    December 6, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    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.

  6. The Skinny On says

    December 6, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Thanks so much for the review Kevin. We are glad you enjoyed the book!

  7. Forest says

    December 7, 2010 at 7:15 am

    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.

  8. Aloysa says

    December 7, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    Never heard about these books. Now, that I’ve read about them, I am willing to check them out. Thank you!

  9. Mike says

    December 8, 2010 at 12:06 am

    Interesting topic and I like the “Skinny Series” I think I am going to check them out. I could use some creativity!

  10. Andrew @ 101 Centavos says

    December 10, 2010 at 7:03 am

    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.

Trackbacks

  1. Tweets that mention The Skinny on Creativity: A Book Review | Invest It Wisely -- Topsy.com says:
    December 6, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by The Skinny On™, Kevin. Kevin said: New blog post: The Skinny on Creativity: A Book Review http://www.investitwisely.com/the-skinny-on-creativity-a-book-review/ Yakezie […]

  2. Links, Personal Productivity and Gardening | 101 Centavos says:
    December 10, 2010 at 9:20 am

    […] a nice series of book review posts which are worth checking out, as are the books. The latest is The Skinny on Creativity, dissecting what it is that makes us […]

  3. Waiting For The Snow? Get The Coffee and A Pastry, And Enjoy Some Great Posts! | Everyday Tips and Thoughts... says:
    December 11, 2010 at 9:20 am

    […] Invest it Wisely writes a review of the book “The Skinny on Creativity”. I used to think that you either had creativity or you didn’t. However, as I have gotten older, I have actually seen myself become a little more creative, and I don’t just view myself as ‘logical’. Or, maybe I am just losing my logic? That is possible too. […]

  4. Weekend Reading: Snow Edition | Invest It Wisely says:
    December 12, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    […] The Skinny on Creativity: A Book Review – Is creativity genetic, or can it be learned? Can we all improve our own creativity? This is my favorite of the “Skinny on” series so far. […]

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    December 16, 2010 at 1:09 am

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