The Magic of Thinking Big - Chapter 05

Dr. Schwartz argues that creative thinking has been unnecesarily elevated to such an unreachable status that sometimes we overlook true creativity because it doesn't match the elevated status that we've been told is the measure of creativity. He believes that creative thinking is simply finding new, improved ways to do anything.

He then helps us explore how we can develop creative thinking in our own lives. Step one is believing it can be done. Truth is, you can never accomplish anything that you believe is impossible. If it's impossible, why even bother trying? Begin by asking yourself, assuming it's possible to achieve this result, how could we begin? And then let your mind go to work to come up with creative solutions for whatever challenge you're facing.

He says, "When you believe something is impossible, your mind goes to work to prove why. But when you believe, really believe, something can be done, your mind goes to work for you and helps you find ways to do it."

Then my question is, how do we make ourselves truly believe?

First, the doctor says, make a decision that you are committed to doing the thing you want done. Let that thought dominate your mind. And then think, really think, about how you can do it. Write your ideas down.

Next, eliminate the word impossible from your vocabulary. If it's really important to you, think about HOW to do it.

Most people reject progress because they're afraid of uncertainty. Change is always risky, therefore we won't even make the effort.

The goal is not to accept every new idea on face value. The goal is to examine each idea and question it on its merits. Think about the idea in its full context and then make up your mind.

Another idea to think creatively is to experiment with new things. Break your routine. Do different things. Do things differently. Always be thinking, how can I do this better?

Dr. Schwartz shares a story about one of his most successful

students who succeeded in business by creating a weekly improvement program. She's divided this program into four focus areas: customers, employees, merchandise, and promotion. She just continues to write new ideas to improve her business under these headings. As a result, she's been able to outstrip the competition and leave them in her dust. Every week she makes time to think about these ideas and figure out which ones to implement, as well as the best way to implement the chosen ideas.

She proactively asks herself these questions: how can I attract more customers? How can I develop regular, loyal customers?

You need to continuously be a student. Your learning is never complete. There's always room to improve. Keep raising the bar. Keep raising your standards.

Ask for input from your partners, colleagues, etc. The more input you have to work with, the more creative you can be.

The author recommends that you join a mastermind group of successful, forward moving people in your community. Meet regularly with these people to discuss ideas, challenges, etc. He also recommends joining a group outside the work environment so you can stimulate the full creativity of your brain. Broaden your horizon.

The author suggests you write down your ideas, store them in some filing system, and regularly review them. Think about them and combine the to solve challenges you're facing or capture opportunities in front of you.