How To Become A Creative Genius

When we measure the creativity of young children, virtually all of them will record as being 'highly creative'. However, only a small percentage of adults register as being 'highly creative'.What happened?Schools have crushed creativity. We were told to color within the lines. We were taught to follow instructions. The goal in school is to get the ''right" answer. Unfortunately, if you're afraid to be wrong, you'll never be creative or original.The job of education is to produce employees who follow instructions. And to this endeavor, they are doing a very good job. However, in terms of creativity, they are falling terribly short.This is one of the most unfortunate realities in our current education system.To undo this, we must continually exercise our creative juices.
That's why I have put together 6 tips for expanding your creativity.

1. Keep a Notebook and Pencil on hand at all times.

Ideas are like in-laws, you never know when they're coming over to visit. By keeping a notebook around, you will always be able to capture your ideas at any time of the day.Leonardo da Vinci was well known for keeping a journal of his ideas. His notebooks are now prized possessions that hold the many creative and genius thoughts of this master thinker, painter, and inventor.His notebooks were filled with plans for flying machines, a parachute, a helicopter, the extendable ladder, the bicycle, folding furniture, and a number of automated tools for increasing productivity.Yes, I am happy to say that Leonardo da Vinci was a productivity junkie.A blank page is an open invitation for the creative and curious mind. The simple act of writing gets you into a creative flow that can last for hours.The free-flowing, exploratory practice of keeping a journal encourages freedom of thought and expanded perspectives.

2. The second key to creativity is to ask questions.

Questions are the root of all knowledge and creativity. By continually asking questions about the world around us, we fuel our creative fire. Great minds are those that have asked the greatest questions. Leonardo da Vinci asked such questions as:''Why does the thunder last a longer time than that which causes it?" and ''Why is the sky blue?"Socrates asked such questions as: ''What is wisdom?" ''What is piety?" ''What is beauty?" As a young boy, Albert Einstein asked himself, ''What would it be like to run beside a light beam at the speed of light?"A number of inventions have been created by asking one simple question... ''What if.....?"By asking questions we increase our level of consciousness and change our perspective of the world.

3. To become a creative genius, you must also be a voracious reader.

Reading enhances your mental ability and lets you experience the world from a brand new perspective.When we read a book, we let go of our own perspectives and experience the world from the characters that have been crafted by the author.I have found in my own life that the more I read, the more I want to know. Reading feeds an insatiable desire and an unquenchable thirst.

4. Seek out new experiences.

Our minds are much like a garden. Without proper care, the weeds will take over. Nothing sparks the mind like learning something new.If you want to expand your creativity, then learn a new skill. It can be anything you choose. Learn a new language. Learn to water ski. Learn to play an inst rum ent. Pick up photography or even try a new sport.All of these activities get your mind working outside of its regular patterns.

5. Become a whole-brain thinker.

There are generally two types of people in this world: left-brained and right-brained.In most cases, people are either analytical thinkers who enjoy math, science, and logic or they are highly imaginative and creative individuals who focus on the big-picture.Unfortunately, our school systems generally cater to those who are left-brained analytical thinkers. This has created a world of employees who are very good at following directions but are not so good at developing new ideas.To break the mold, we must become whole-brain, holistic thinkers.You can do this by using a powerful method known as mind mapping.Mind mapping has been used by some of history's greatest brains, including Michelangelo, Mark Twain, and Leonardo da Vinci.Mind mapping is a whole-brain activity that will awaken your creative side as well as your analytical side.Mind mapping will also help you to generate new ideas when needed. It doesn't matter whether you're using it for personal goal setting, problem solving, or simply to become a more creative, whole-brain thinker.Our mind works in pictures, associating one idea with the next. Mind mapping allows you to continue this natural thought process on paper.Mind mapping is one of the most powerful tools for awakening your creativity.For a detailed explanation of mind mapping, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

6. Engage in imaginary dialogue.

Yes, I know, it may sound silly at first, but this technique can be an extremely powerful tool for developing your creativity.This technique was first introduced in the best-selling book by Napoleon Hill, ''Think and Grow Rich".Before achieving his success, Napoleon Hill would meet with an imaginary mastermind each night. He would close his eyes and visualize a table occupied by such great men as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Elbert Hubbard.Napoleon Hill would then speak to the members of his imaginary mastermind in the following manner:''Mr. Lincoln: I desire to build in my own character those qualities of patience and fairness toward all mankind and the keen sense of humor which were your outstanding characteristics."''Mr. Washington : I desire to build in my own character those qualities of patriotism and self-sacrifice and leadership which were your outstanding characteristics."''Mr. Hubbard: I desire to develop the ability to equal and even to excel the ability that you possessed with which to express yourself in clear, concise and forceful language." After meeting with his mastermind group for several months, he found that he had developed each of their desired characteristics into his own personality.Napoleon also went to his imaginary mastermind to help solve any problem he was facing.The imaginary mastermind is a master tool for finding new perspectives and looking at your problem from a different angle.For example, let's say that you own a business. Why not develop an imaginary mastermind of the greatest business minds in history? You can call to your table such names as Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, Walt Disney, Bill Gates, Ray Kroc, and Sam Walton.Call on them daily for advice and you will begin to see your problems in a new light.

As once said by Albert Einstein: ''You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it."You can have even more creative fun by imagining a discussion between two different well-known people. Some examples to get you started include:

* Bill Gates Vs. Steve Jobs
* Leonardo da Vinci vs. Albert Einstein
* William Shakespeare vs. Maya Angelou

Let your mind wander and you will be surprised at where it will take you.

The Law of the Garbage Truck

How often do you let other people’s nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you’re the Terminator, for an instant you’re probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can get back her focus on what’s important.
Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here’s what happened. I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car’s back end by just inches!
Here’s what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face.
Now, here’s what blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck™.”
Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you.
When someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You’ll be happy you did. I guarantee it.
So this was it: The “Law of the Garbage Truck™.” I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, “I’m not going to do it anymore.”
I began to see garbage trucks. Like in the movie “The Sixth Sense,” the little boy said, “I see Dead People.” Well now “I see Garbage Trucks.” I see the load they’re carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don’t make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.
One of my favorite football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his best. Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?
Here’s my bet. You’ll be happier. I guarantee it.
© David J. Pollay