Creative Something

The difference between a creative genius and you.

When it comes to creative problem solving, you and I are probably the same. In–fact, it’s safe to say that all humans tend to solve problems the same way. With the exception of creative geniuses (such as Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Isaac Newton, etc.).

While you and I would react as a typical human being when confronted with a problem, a creative genius goes about problem solving in a completely different way. It’s that different way of thinking that makes a creative genius… well, a creative genius!

Here’s my opinion about the different problem solving strategies used by the average male and female, and by creative geniuses.

The average Joe.

When faced with a problem, the average male will make the mistake of dedicating themselves to finding a solution based on past experiences. Funny thing is, even if there really is no relationship between the current problem and a past one, the average Joe will try to solve the current problem using previously successful techniques.

The average Jane.

The average female, when faced with a problem, will first let her feelings guide her to a solution; if that fails she will either solicit help from someone else, or convince herself that she knows the solution already, she just has to dig around in her thoughts to find it. Much like the average Joe, she is convinced that there is a right solution, and a wrong solution.

The Creative Genius.

When a creative genius is confronted with a problem, he or she will first ask: “how many ways might I solve this problem?” The Creative Genius knows that there are more solutions to their problem than imaginable, and the only sure–fire way to find an innovative solution would be to find as many solutions as possible (no matter how absurd they may be).

You and I might look at a problem and expect a specific result (for example: what is one–half of thirteen? The solution can be found at the bottom of this article), but a creative genius knows that the best way to solve a problem is to identify as many solutions as possible.

Finding those solutions can be as easy as searching for inspiration, using a chart or graph, generating random connections from the problem to unrelated things, etc.

If you want to solve problems like a creative genius, start thinking like a creative genius, not like the average Joe or Jane. Oh, and the question “what is one–half of thirteen?” can actually be answered several different ways*. The expected (non-creative) answer would be 6.5, or six and a half; however, the answer could also be thir (with the other half being teen).

*This example was given in Michael Michalko’s book: Cracking Creativity.

No Motivation Monday next week.

Next Monday, August 18th is going to be my birthday, so there will be no Motivation Monday next week.

I know, without Motivation Monday, finding a reason to motivate your creativity next week is going to be tough. But don’t fret, I’ll be back with a new post on Wednesday that is sure to inspire your creativity.

Today, in celebration of my birthday, I just want to share a few interesting tidbits about August 18th.

Did you know that on August 18th, 1963, James Meredith, the first African American at the University of Mississippi graduated with a degree in government?

Did you know that Austrian Emperor Francis Joseph I, king of Hungary, was born on August 18th, 1830? His brother was executed, his wife was assassinated, his only son, Archduke Rudolf, committed suicide, his nephew, Francis Ferdinand, was also assassinated (which led to World War I).

Did you know that on August 18th, 1937, the Toyota Motor Company was established? They now represent Japan’s number 1 auto manufacturing company and are ranked number 1 for customer loyalty in the United States!

Know anything else interesting that happened on August 18th? I want to hear about it, post it in the comments!

Tim Ferriss on negotiating with reality.

Who is Tim Ferriss? He’s the guy that wrote The 4–Hour Workweek, a number one, best-selling book about how to change your life, and have it all – really.

Tim has become known in the entrepreneurial world as a revolutionary leader (though most people that hear what he has to say just call him an asshole). His techniques for managing your life are incredible, and he owes it all to the fact that he started to dispute assumptions about the real world early on in his life.

Derek Sivers recently did an interview with Tim, and posted the interview on his blog.

The interview is absolutely great; and whether or not you hate Tim Ferriss, he has some pretty good insights into negotiating with reality (which inspired my creativity today).

One of the most prominent points I felt Tim made was when he said: “Scratch your own itch. Like Twitter: Evan Williams and Jack Dorsey created it in two weeks as a way to scratch their own itch. …it’s amazing how many otherwise smart, well–funded companies will use awful statistically–invalid focus groups, then say, ‘Well, no one in this room likes the idea, but our focus groups tell us that we should make it,’ so of course the product comes out and it fails.”

Tim goes on to talk with Derek about how being fearless – just trying out your ideas – will lead you to finding success. When it comes to creativity you need to be fearless. You will not create something if you are afraid to try anything.

Read the entire interview right here and share your favorite points right here on Creative Something.