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Creative License Episode #6

We’ve all heard that overused phrase, “thinking outside the box,” and we have a vague idea that it means creative problem solving that doesn’t follow the same old paths. But, uh, what IS this box, and how do you think outside it? And why?

It really goes back to some basic understandings of how our brains work. Dave talks about pros and cons of stereotyping, lateral thinking and demonstrates how “brute force” can help us break our usual thought patterns.

Basics of “brute force” to help us think outside the box:

1. Think of a random object, animal, concept, etc.  In the podcast we use “our favorite animal.”
2. List some attributes of the object — fuzzy, brown, hard, soft, angry, smelly, etc.
3. For each of these attributes, FORCE yourself to make a connection to the creative challenge at hand.   How could fuzziness, or smelliness apply to the challenge.

That’s basically all there is to it.  With a little practice, you’ll get proficient at using seemingly unrelated ideas to gain insight into any challenge.

Thanks to Peter Lloyd at gocreate.com and Demarée Dufour-Noneman for contributions to this episode.

Music provided by MusicAlley.com, Jamendo and Indiana University.

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Frank Cimino, who looks a lot like Tony Danza in this picture.

“It’s not creative unless it sells” is a classic advertising maxim that my grad school buddy Frank Cimino recently reminded me of.  I think it applies to all creative endeavors, really, even creativity that isn’t directly aimed at selling a product.

Folks that helped on this episode, besides Frank, include Michele Morgan, Demarée Dufour-Noneman, Chris DuFour and Peter Lloyd at GoCreate.com.

Music provided by Music Alley, Jamendo and Indiana University.

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Dave discusses why it’s important that we allow ideas to percolate and not grab hold of the first good idea that comes along.  We never know if the next idea, or the next one or the one 100 ideas from now, will be better than the one we get “married” too at the beginning of a brainstorming session.

Thanks for help from Demarée Dufour, Michele Dufour, and Peter Lloyd’s Creative Center of the Universe at gocreate.com.

Music from the Music Alley, Jamendo.com and Indiana University.

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Here’s why the “idea man” who doesn’t actually follow through is NOT really a creative person — he’s probably lazy, inept or just  a pain in the rear.

Thanks for help from Demarée Dufour and Michele Dufour.

Music from the Music Alley, Jamendo.com and Indiana University.

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Brainstorming is possibly the most well-known, yet most abused and misunderstood creative technique.  Here’s how to make it a better experience.

Thanks for help from Demarée Dufour, Michele Dufour, and Peter Lloyd’s Creative Center of the Universe at gocreate.com.

Music from the Music Alley, Jamendo.com and Indiana University.

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To be truly creative, one of the first steps is to give ourselves permission to be creative, to take risks, and to fail.  Here’s why.

Thanks for help from Demarée Dufour, Michele Dufour, and Peter Lloyd’s Creative Center of the Universe at gocreate.com.

Music from the Music Alley, Jamendo.com and Indiana University.