7 Habits of Highly Innovative People

154 Comments

innovative-7.jpg

Have you ever looked at super creative or innovative people, and felt they are special beings blessed with gifts? Have you felt that you are not as fortunate? I used to feel this way. I have since learned that creativity is more about psychology than intellect, and there are no secrets to being creative. Actually, there is no such thing as “being more creative”, you are already a creative being.

I’m sure we can all relate to moments when we felt stuck trying to tap into our own creativity. Did you know that this block is merely your mind at work? Your mind is creating all sorts of assumptions, self-imposed constraints and self-limiting inhibitions. I have found that we can remove these assumptions just by being in the moment; start doing, and stop thinking.

Here are seven habits found in highly innovative and creative people that I’ve organized and summarized from Scott Berkun’s “the myths of innovation“.

1. Persistence - Innovation involves more than just great ideas. We need faith, hard work and a laser sharp focus for the end result to keep persisting for our vision in the face of roadblocks. We tend to see the end result of a creative idea in awe, but what we don’t see are the actions, hard work and persistence behind the scene to make the vision a reality.

“Invention is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration“,

–Thomas A. Edison

2. Remove Self-Limiting Inhibitions - Under the spell of inhibition, we feel limited and stuck. We need to free ourselves from these mind-created constraints by removing assumptions and restrictions. This is what we refer to when we say “think outside the box”. Encourage ourselves to be open to new ideas and solutions without setting limiting beliefs. Remember, innovation is more about psychology than intellect.

3. Take Risks, Make Mistakes - I believe that part of the reason why we create self-imposed inhibition is due to our fear of failure. Expect that some ideas will fail in the process of learning. Build prototypes often, test them out on people, gather feedback, and make incremental changes. Rather than treating the mistakes as failures, think of them as experiments. “Experiment is the expected failure to deliberately learn something.” (Scott Berkun). Instead of punishing yourself for the failures, accept them, then take your newfound knowledge and put it towards finding the best solution. Live up to your goal of producing the best result, but understand you might hit roadblocks along the way.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.“

–Thomas A. Edison

4. Escape - Our environment can and does effect how we feel. The more relaxed and calm we are internally, the more receptive we are to tap into our flowing creativity. This is why ideas sometimes come to us in the shower or while we’re alone. Each of us have different triggers to access our creative energy. I get into the ‘creative zone’ from sitting at my dining table, with a warm cup of chai, and my noise-canceling headphones. Many great thinkers go on long walks to help them solve problems. Experiment and find what works for you.

5. Writing Things Down - Many innovators and creative people keep a journal to jot down ideas and thoughts. Some keep a sketch book, scrap book, post-it notes, loose paper. They all have a method to capture their thoughts, to think on paper, to drop their inhibitions and start the creative process. Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous notebook was purchased by Bill Gates for $30.8 Million dollars.




6. Find Patterns & Create Combinations - Ideas come from other ideas. Did you know that Edison wasn’t the first one who came up with the invention of the light bulb? He was the first to build a workable carbon filament inside a glass bulb, that made light bulbs last longer. You can increase your exposure to new ideas, look for patterns and see how you can combine ideas to improve upon existing solutions.

7. Curiosity - Many innovators are just curious people who are inquisitive, and like to solve problems. Practice seeing things differently. For example, When seeing the solution to a problem, ask yourself, “What are some alternative ways to doing this?”. Ask a lot of questions and challenge the norms or existing methods.

Here are some techniques you can apply to cultivate creativity:

  • Keep a Journal - Practice writing every thought, idea, and inspiration down. Practice, brainstorming and thinking on paper.
  • Solve the Opposite Problem - Scott talked about this technique. The idea is to invent and brainstorm by solving the opposite problem that you are trying to solve. So, for example, if you are trying to create “The best laptop design”, then start with ideas to create “The worst laptop design”. For each idea you come up with, flip it. For example, if “heavy and clunky” is one idea for “The worst laptop design”, then flipping that might give me “light and sleek” which can be used in “The best laptop design”.

    This technique works especially well when brainstorming in a group.The technique sounds so silly that people will become playful when answering. Humor brings down inhibition and encourages people to say things out aloud. People feel less insecure and more open.

  • Find A Creative Environment - Find a relaxing or inspiring environment that triggers your creativity. Try different spots until you find some that really bring out the best in you. I alternate between my living room (which I have carefully decorated) and a couple of local coffee shops.
  • Do something fun - If you’re stuck on something, shift your thoughts by going to do something fun and completely different. Come back to it with a fresh mind.
  • Partnering - Find creative partnerships with another. New ideas can surface as a result of two forces that would not have been arrived by a single person. Brainstorm together.
  • ‘Commit to Failure’ - “Commit yourself to taking enough risks that you will fail some of the time. If you’re not failing, we’re not doing something sufficiently difficult or creative.” -Scott Berkun
  • Talk to Someone About It - I have found that when I try to articulate a particular problem to someone, that I’ll somehow articulate my solution, as well. When explaining my situation, I’m not expecting them to solve my problem, but rather act as a ‘bouncing board’ for ideas.
  • **Plan for Roadblocks -Commit to efforts to overcome potential setbacks. It’s worthwhile to identify and have a plan for non-creative items that may inhibit creative thinking. Scott talked about the most common roadblocks people face: Loss of motivation, ran out of money, unable to convince key person.

What do you think are some common trait of innovative people? Share your thoughts in the comments below. See you there!


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This entry was posted on Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 5:08 am and is filed under creativity. Email this page.

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154 Responses (71 Comments, 83 Trackbacks ):

Comments

  1. Sam.

    Nov 14 07, 6:12 am PST

    1

    Really enjoying reading your blog. And loved this most recent post. Thanks for sharing!

  2. jay

    Nov 14 07, 7:06 am PST

    2

    these are some great tips! ive always been the type of person who just automatically assumed im not very creative. thx for showing me how wrong i am =)

    another tip that may help spark your creativity skills is to maybe learn something new, that requires thinking in abstract patterns and the use of the right side of the brain (like learning to play guitar, learning a foreign language, etc)

  3. SJ from RichGrad.com

    Nov 14 07, 8:35 am PST

    3

    Another great post. Oh by the way, both our sites got updated to PR3! =)

    I have a feeling Thomas Edison said that “Invention is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration“ because he “found so many different ways to invent a light bulb”. Imagine all the time it took him!

  4. Jason

    Nov 14 07, 9:55 am PST

    4

    Another thing that people forget is that creativity can be found in almost anything, it’s not limited to those things that spring to mind when you hear the word like painting, sculpting, writing, etc.

    It can be anything… creative video editing, party planning…

    Whatever you like to do, you can be creative while doing it.

  5. Albert | UrbanMonk.Net

    Nov 14 07, 10:22 am PST

    5

    Nice post as always Tina! Some people believe that creativity comes from beyond you - you just have to let it flow.

    As a side note, I’ve maintained a similar list of creativity tips for those interested.

  6. Colleen

    Nov 14 07, 10:55 am PST

    6

    To begin with Tina, I just love the (speak!) button! AND, You have hit some great points here. I have personally found that I am most creative when I completely let go and have no attachment to the outcome. I may know what I want but I am not attached to it. I am in what I call my working meditation or zone. As you had mentioned the logical mind wants to take over, criticize, critique and put limitations on our goals. You have given some great tricks (I especially liked the “Solve the Opposite Problem” one. What a great idea for overcoming these blocks to creativity…Whether or not we realize it we are creating every moment of our lives. The Chef preparing fabulous meals, the mother that sews her children’s clothing. The teachers teaching our children. We are ALL creative beings! I so look forward to more of your articles Tina!

  7. Madoka Hayashi

    Nov 14 07, 11:03 am PST

    7

    Thanks for sharing this. I always enjoy your blogs. Very inspiring, and it makes my day wonderful!

  8. Tina Su

    Nov 14 07, 11:13 am PST

    8

    You guys are soooooo amazing. Thank you for the comments. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside as I read them, oh and wearing a big ear-to-ear smile. :)

    Indeed we are all creative beings.. Thank you all for listening and allowing me to express myself here. ^_^

    [bounce bounce]

  9. Mert Erkal

    Nov 14 07, 11:18 am PST

    9

    Hi Tina,

    This is the best article i have ever read about personal development so far in a blog. I am quite sure one day will come and i will order your book via Amazon :)

    Please keep up the good work! Your blog is worth spending 20 minutes everyday to think out of the box and refresh my mind and soul. I am proud of being a friend of you from a physically very long but spiritually short distance :)

    Cheers,
    Mert

  10. Hasina

    Nov 14 07, 11:27 am PST

    10

    It’s like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.

    Tina i really enjoyed this article. You are doing very well.

  11. Gil

    Nov 14 07, 2:20 pm PST

    11

    CRAP! Yes crap! Tina, there are 8 and not 7. Weren’t you paying attention to my talk at TED? Crap, crap, crap. To be successful at what you do, you need to do everything Tina said in here plus one more. You need to know how to deal with stinky CRAP. Criticism, Rejection, Assholes, and P… I forgot what P stands for. Too much “pressure” makes me lose concentration. :)

  12. gale

    Nov 14 07, 3:09 pm PST

    12

    wow, another great post. i like the philosophy that all mental blocks are self-imposed. such wisdom!

  13. Armannd

    Nov 14 07, 3:57 pm PST

    13

    “Have you ever looked at super creative or innovative people, and felt they are special beings blessed with gifts?” - As a matter of fact, I have. I have looked at the super innovative people and I have clearly seen that they *have* “special” gifts. :) Rejecting this fact seems rather simplistic to me… I mean, I know that the self-help industry wants to send out the message that it can help people in every conceivable way, beyond imagination, so that loads of cash can be made, but pushing things too far into this naive direction doesn’t come free of risks - enormous ones.

    This article may help remove the dust from one’s creativity, so overall it’s a good effort for the community. Thanks!

  14. Caleb

    Nov 14 07, 4:49 pm PST

    14

    Thanks for all the wisdom and everything. This is one more reminder how essential focusing on the moment is for success and happiness.

  15. Tina Su

    Nov 14 07, 5:33 pm PST

    15

    @armannd “Rejecting this fact seems rather simplistic to me… I mean, I know that the self-help industry wants to send out the message that it can help people in every conceivable way, beyond imagination, so that loads of cash can be made, but pushing things too far into this naive direction doesn’t come free of risks”

    I hear what you are saying and where you are coming from. But I do know this from personal experience: “What we tell ourselves becomes our story. Our story becomes our reality.”

    I believe that we are all geniuses because we are all connected to the same source. What we label as “gifts” is merely a person who are more aware of this connection.

  16. Raymond

    Nov 15 07, 12:00 am PST

    16

    Hi Tina,

    It took me 8 years to realize the 7 habits.

    I never knew that there is so much power within me.

    Hanisa’s comment makes me think of Jack Canfield’s words in The Secret. :)

    I like the 7 habits. It rhymes with me. Thanks for sharing it. :)

  17. Tina Su

    Nov 15 07, 1:29 am PST

    17

    Hi Raymond,

    I thought the same about Hanisa’s comment. It was like watching that scene from the secret again. :)

    I’m curious to find out what are your biggest influences that helped you to realized the enormous power within yourself?

    Thanks for commenting!
    Tina

  18. Megan

    Nov 15 07, 1:46 am PST

    18

    Great Post. I love the one on making mistakes. You are so right. The ones who are afraid of mistakes are never going to move forward. Hey lets make a mistake a day. And learn from that mistake.
    Thanks for the post
    http://www.PassportMentors.com

  19. Raymond

    Nov 15 07, 3:14 am PST

    19

    Hi Tina,

    I have reply to you through emails.

    I didn’t reply here ‘cos it’s too long. :)

  20. Mike Pedersen Golf

    Nov 15 07, 4:41 am PST

    20

    You have the order correct! Number one is critical. Don’t give up. It’s easier said than done, but when I get off my butt and take action it feels great!

  21. Alice

    Nov 15 07, 6:29 am PST

    21

    Love your blog. Thanks for inspiring me.

    I have linked to your article, and no doubt will link to more, because I love it. Best wishes.

  22. James - Creator Of The Ladder Of Dreams

    Nov 15 07, 10:03 pm PST

    22

    Hey Tina,

    I have one important habit to add, the habit of asking “why”? Not exactly like curiosity but questioning established processes and procedures in order to improve.

    Cheers
    James Soh

  23. raj

    Nov 16 07, 7:58 am PST

    23

    What can I say, if I could actually make my self do all of that, I’d be the next Warren Buffet or someone like Arnold with a very rewarding and purposeful life,

    P.S Actually Arnie’s always been an idol of mine cos I wanted to build muscles like him but then I had a very crazy accident couple of years ago and there are steel rods in my right arm and right leg, suffered big concussion and then another one when I suffered another accident and this time I was the passenger, docs told me to lay off hard work outs for ever n it got me depressed for a time but I did get over that, it was a hurdle n it’s past me and now I am working hard at a career in investments/entreprenuer in a nice business etc, thanx or the article very helpful n fresh …

  24. Denver Web Design

    Nov 17 07, 10:26 am PST

    24

    Excellent article. I feel like breaking through with a great idea or innovation requires you to be running on all cylinders. Like the article mentions, you have to be laser focused, but I feel an important part is having balance in other areas of your life. Don’t neglect health and good diet. Feeling great physically not only builds incredible confidence, but allows you to think better when you’re not feeling down because of your health.

  25. Kyle Wendling

    Nov 17 07, 12:24 pm PST

    25

    Your idolization of edison as a paragon of individual innovation is sweet but misguided. If you want to innovate the edison way, you should champion hiring 100 engineers to test 10000 ’shotgun ‘ ideas in a sweatshop.

  26. Johnny Maveric

    Nov 17 07, 12:34 pm PST

    26

    “Take Risks, Make Mistakes”
    That’s among the most important, if you don’t make any mistakes - you don’t learn, and if you don’t learn you’re doomed to repeat the status quo.

  27. Sam F

    Nov 17 07, 12:58 pm PST

    27

    Thanks for the tips, I have been slowly developing an idea for a new website in my head, just reading these tips and mentally applying them I have some potentially interesting tangents to follow and am now ready to move the idea from my head into code. Thanks again!

  28. Dick Kline

    Nov 17 07, 1:30 pm PST

    28

    Creativity is problem-solving. You don’t have to be an artist, writer, musician, poet or playwright to be creative. Creativity is all about identifying the right problem, then coming up with a solution. Sometimes when identifying the right problem the solution becomes self-evident. The real problem in the workplace is that you are rarely given the right problem to start with. I have identified a number of ways that problems are served up to us and none of them are the right problem because the people handing down the problem can’t identify it themselves. The comic strip Dilbert is a great example of how management manages not to understand the right problem. They seem to have a vested interest in not knowing what the people in the trenches need to know in order to solve the right problem. It is ever thus. And, Scott Adams is a genius.

  29. Ryan M

    Nov 17 07, 2:51 pm PST

    29

    Creativity/innovation also might have to deal with obtaining the right tools to be creative, and if they don’t exist, creating them as well. For example, as an engineering major in college, I need to take all of my mathematics and science courses so I can actually know how to design various systems.

  30. Tim Brewer

    Nov 17 07, 4:21 pm PST

    30

    Thank you for reading my thoughts and helping me change the world as we know it.

    I have an idea on how we can communicate with future out of body afterlife people in a way that can be measured, now all I am doing is waiting for everybody else to catch up with the positive possibility.

    If you think you are that type of person please fill Free to let me know.

    Please help me tear down this communication barrier that is stopping us from making this happen.

    Thank you,
    Tim

  31. James Priestley

    Nov 17 07, 4:46 pm PST

    31

    It’s really much simpler. No Mind, to begin with. Then, relax.
    Walking helps. Then, be ATTENTIVE to the matter at hand, at your ease, fully confident. If the solution doesn’t come, do something else. Tomorrow morning you’ll know, first thing.

  32. James Priestley

    Nov 17 07, 5:13 pm PST

    32

    and, having been so spontaneously insouciant as to post that,
    I recalled that when I was working as an employee of the local Parks Department, Viet Nam era, one of my coworkers asked me, in regard to my request to be classified as Conscientious Objector, “What if everyone did that?” Well, then, there would be no more war. But, by “everyone” he meant U.S. citizens. If, by everyone one were to include all human inhabitants of this planet, fir trees, grasshoppers, jellyfish, protozoans, kangaroos, spiders, the question would acquire a very different scope and the Peace Congress would require the ENTIRE planet as venue.
    An interesting prospect to contemplate.

  33. Qvistar

    Nov 17 07, 5:34 pm PST

    33

    Being a creative type I have always displayed an inherent ability to conceive something totally to the wacked - It’s like an underlying ability that we all have but some “exceedingly” more than others. Except for physical limitations anyone can shoot a ball through a hoop but some have the ability to do it “exceedingly” better than others. So sure anyone can be creative but some have an almost God given ability to do it exceptionally well. I hope this helps. As with most things the more you practice the better you become at it. I live eat sleep and drink creativity, it’s a lifestyle?

  34. Sahala Swenson

    Nov 17 07, 5:39 pm PST

    34

    I think there are more creative people out there than you think. A lot of creative people don’t recognize situations or behaviors that maximize the output of their creativity. For instance, you might be super-creative and have great ideas, but you’re lazy (not picking on you…we’re all lazy) and don’t always persist in the execution details of what you’re working on. Or maybe you’re scared of failing, and don’t take enough risks bringing ideas to fruition.

    My point is, there are many human behaviors that detract from creativity surfacing. Call them bad habits. Sometimes people need help getting past these limitations, and this list alludes to that.

  35. financial hack

    Nov 17 07, 6:54 pm PST

    35

    Number one is by far the most important when it comes to turning the innovative and creativity into success. To many people still want the instant riches and aren’t willing to go through the hard times to prove their inventiveness is worth the look.

  36. Slacker

    Nov 17 07, 7:22 pm PST

    36

    Fantastic list.

    http://askaslacker.blogspot.com/

  37. etavitom

    Nov 17 07, 7:48 pm PST

    37

    Thanks for the phenomenal info! “Thinking Outside The Box” is something I continually strive to do. I like to make 1 + 1 = 3 with everything I do. All the best…. (http://www.etavitom.com)

  38. business

    Nov 17 07, 8:21 pm PST

    38

    Great list, bookmarked. I like the taking risks section. If you don’t take risks you’ll stay motionless in a clutter marketplace, only leaving innovative companies to steal your marketshare.

  39. penny

    Nov 17 07, 9:07 pm PST

    39

    As a research mathematician, it is my experience that creativity is a function of MORE BRILLIANCE plus psychology.
    You can’t make a less intelligent person into a creatively
    successful one by a few platitudes.
    Smarter people can simply find hidden patterns of connection in complex problems that are INVISIBLE to less
    intelligent.
    In fact, in math academia, we measure intellectual abilty by successful research because we have found that the best
    measure of REAL intelligence ( AKA problem solving ability for REALLY hard problems) is CREATIVITY.

  40. penny

    Nov 17 07, 9:10 pm PST

    40

    There is a very cute science fiction classic about fake creative improvement by “self help platitudes” titled
    “Poor Superman”.
    It is well worth reading.

    Einstein was Einstein because he was……Einstein.
    Such people happen about once every few centuries and are not created by a few tricks of psychobabble.

  41. Hasina

    Nov 18 07, 9:47 am PST

    41

    I really didn’t know about Jack Canfield’s words in The Secret.I have heard somewhere thanks Raymonds and thanks Tina.

  42. David Greiman

    Nov 18 07, 2:35 pm PST

    42

    Creativity can be taught! We may not all become Einstein but certainly we can improve from our current creative abilities.

    Thank You,

    David Greiman
    Casa Grande, Arizona

  43. David

    Nov 19 07, 7:08 am PST

    43

    Excellent Post! Thanks for the great tips on being creative. I have always considered myself not to be a creative person…but you have opened my eyes! Thanks! :D

  44. John Stack

    Nov 19 07, 11:51 am PST

    44

    Good stuff! I’m thinking these are good living rules. If you’re not interested, why participate? If you’re stuck, how long are you going to be there? I do think creative people give themselves (license) to do the things you say as a normal rule. Sometimes we just have to be reminded.

    john @ http://www.paperchase.com (coming soon!)

  45. LJ

    Nov 19 07, 9:22 pm PST

    45

    These methods are taught in any managerial skills class. However, they are very useful. Good article

  46. Ciro

    Nov 21 07, 7:27 am PST

    46

    I always had a laugh with a friend who everytime he had a problem he went to talk to me. Halfway describing his problem he devised a solution for it, said “a-ha” and interrupted himself back to the computer.

    It was hilarious :-)

  47. Dividends4Life

    Nov 21 07, 12:46 pm PST

    47

    Great read. Inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

    Best Wishes,
    D4L

  48. Jorge

    Nov 22 07, 8:54 pm PST

    48

    Great post! Another book that could be added to your list of resources is Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking which has some great techniques on rearraging things and looking at them in a different perspective.

    Also check out this post Mind of the Innovator

  49. Mary Jaksch

    Nov 23 07, 1:57 pm PST

    49

    Thank you for great post! It’s insightful and inspiring. My blog focuses on topics where spirituality intersects with life. I’ve just written the first of two posts on creativity and will refer to your site in my next post.
    Maybe you would like to leave a comment on my post? I would value your contribution.
    http://goodlifezen.com/2007/11/24/what-makes-us-creative/
    cheers
    Mary
    PS. Your blog really stands out. So well written and informative!

  50. Mikey Mc

    Nov 25 07, 3:40 pm PST

    50

    Thank You! That was very helpful!

  51. Wouter Kersten

    Nov 26 07, 1:08 am PST

    51

    This page really corresponds 100% with my own vision on creativity. I work at an organization that is specializing in innovative idea generation (Enviu, in the Netherlands) and regularly use such techniques. More importantly, we introduce them to students and Young Professionals, who get captivated as well.
    Two small additions:
    * whereas free and uninhibited association is useful and fun and can actually lead to some radical new ideas, to achieve real breakthroughs, it may also help once in a while to forget completely and start thinking from a completely new perspective. This has been called ‘the forgetting curve‘.
    * I love the quote from Thomans Edison about finding 10.000 ways that don’t work. And it’s space for an attitude like that that needs to be created. It’s not easy to convince people of the importantce of ‘purposeful failure’.

    Thanks for this collection of interesting material, I am sure I will use it very soon.

  52. Anthony Kuhn

    Dec 17 07, 3:20 pm PST

    52

    Tina:

    You list is more generous that your Covey-esque title would suggest with plenty of extra tips to help everyone be more creative and innovative. I cross-posted on your wonderful piece at the Innovators Network in hopes that some of my readership will visit your site and enjoy your musings.

    Best wishes for the holidays!

  53. Shanti Braford

    Feb 01 08, 3:06 am PST

    53

    A true classic.

  54. Daniel Edlen

    Feb 01 08, 1:03 pm PST

    54

    @Tina (post #15)

    Great statement. I’ve had to learn how to apply this to myself, as I started out doing better at beating myself down than giving myself the ok to fail. Cool for you for having life experience to back it up. I’m making my story happen right now.

    Peace.

  55. Jonathan Wells

    Feb 03 08, 2:32 pm PST

    55

    This post embodies all of the principals used by the most successful people on the planet. Everyone is capable of putting these suggestions to work in their lives. You could read 50 personal development books, distill them down into a list and it would look very much like this one.

    So with all this great information available the real question is, how many people are willing to take advantage of it?

    Thanks for a great post.

  56. Leo

    Feb 08 08, 2:19 pm PST

    56

    Hi Tina, just thought I would let you know that this post my made my top five posts over at: http://www.workconnexions.com/blog/Leo/LeosTopFive.aspx

    Great stuff..

  57. jd

    Feb 13 08, 11:50 pm PST

    57

    Hey Tina -

    The most important thing I’ve learned about innovation is that you don’t have to be *brilliant* to come up with *brilliant* ideas.

    Techniques can go a long way. I think there’s a lot of techniques that aren’t common knowledge. For example, while Fishbone diagrams, MindMaps, brainstorming, and storyboarding might be relatively well known, how many people know the techniques of some of the best Disney imagineers — Lotus Blossum, Idea Grid, Pheonix, Future Fruit, Stone Soup, Rattlesnakes and Roses, Da Vinci’s Technique … etc.

    Luckily, I get to see first hand the impact that using proven practices can make. I forget the name of the movie, but there was a line along the lines of — you’re either trained or you’re untrained.

  58. Stephen of comic book movies

    Feb 15 08, 4:31 pm PST

    58

    I just found this article through blogging zoom and really enjoyed it; I remember learning back in college about some of the great thinkers that would ‘walk it out’ as a way to get the creative juices flowing. I have found myself doing just the same thing on occasion because of past expwerience: I have been out and about and suddenly found myself feeling much more creative. I also have returned to a past habit of having pen and paper close by for those ‘brainstorm’ moments whether its at home or on the go.

    Again, nicely done!

  59. Miguel Wickert (Pineiro)

    Mar 05 08, 4:40 pm PST

    59

    WOW! Great post!

  60. Adrian Rodriguez

    Mar 20 08, 3:19 pm PDT

    60

    Wow. Nice post. It really inspired me to focus more on my work and has helped open my eyes a bit in where I have been lacking. I think I’m going to become more innovative. Thanks.

  61. TPI News

    Mar 22 08, 3:15 pm PDT

    61

    Hey great article! I love your posts, everyday I read one of them. Too bad ou’re not posting too much early. Thankks a lot!

  62. Clinton Skakun

    May 14 08, 11:37 am PDT

    62

    Great article! Very inspiring!

  63. Alan Arqueza

    May 30 08, 11:39 am PDT

    63

    Thank you for the reference to Leanardo DaVinci’s notebook. Excellent and inspiring!

  64. Stephen Tompkins

    Jun 04 08, 1:14 pm PDT

    64

    Very nice post and inspiring. I always forget that procrastination is my biggest enemy as a creative. I need to just jump in head first like I did when I had nothing to lose.

  65. ccrev

    Jun 08 08, 11:03 am PDT

    65

    The first one is the most important. I think good ideas are common. Making those ideas into reality is the hard part.

  66. Sara

    Jun 30 08, 8:27 am PDT

    66

    These are some wicked ideas! Thanks.

  67. Encefalus

    Aug 22 08, 10:19 am PDT

    67

    A very good post! A mentioned you in my own article http://encefalus.com/cognitive/bolster-your-creativity/ which deals pretty much with the same issue

  68. Mystic Madness

    Apr 15 09, 9:56 pm PDT

    68

    Nice article. the perception of the people is that it is a God given gift. You article removes the myth all together.

  69. Cristian

    May 13 09, 10:27 am PDT

    69

    Great article! I will add emphasis to #1. There are plenty of incredibly creative and talented people out there who never achieve all that much. What truly makes things happen is having the discipline to take action day in and day out. It is one thing to be creative, another to be innovative. Innovative individuals are creative doers. So creativity in action is what we ultimately want.
    Cheers!
    Cristian

  70. AJ

    Jul 10 09, 7:09 am PDT

    70

    Brilliant. Wouldn’t agree any less. Keep it up.

  71. Oleg Mokhov

    Oct 19 09, 12:27 pm PDT

    71

    Hey Tina,

    How to be innovative: Give yourself permission to be awesome, start something, then regularly do it.

    Innovation comes from failing faster: finding what doesn’t work quicker to get to what does work. Edison talked about how his successful invention was the result of 5,000 things that didn’t work. He failed often to succeed faster.

    So let yourself be innovative. It’s free to think and dream whatever you want, so imagine yourself as a creative genius. No one can stop you from doing that.

    Picture doing something really great. Then just do it. Fail often (with a purpose and direction) to create innovation faster.

    Awesome list of essential habits for turning kick-butt innovation into a regular part of us,
    Oleg

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