Do you STRUGGLE with…
- Coming up with new books that will grab their audience’s attention?
- Developing books that stand out from their competition?
- Positioning your brand in a unique and engaging way?
- Deciding what direction you’ll take your business, so that it helps them achieve their dreams?
Those are just a few examples of situations where a little creativity can go a long way in finding answers and being innovative.
But, don’t worry, while creativity doesn’t come always come naturally, it’s definitely a skill that can be learned.
I’ll help you discover your hidden sources of creativity and show them how to nurture and apply your creativity using a variety of exercises. There’s something for everyone!
Here’s what I’ll teach in Exercises in Creativity and Innovation:
Introduction. In the first, introductory module, I’ll welcome you to the course and explain what you’ll be learning, so you know what to expect and can anticipate the new skills you’re going to acquire.
The 6 Key Traits of Creative People. In this module, you’ll explore the traits that creative people already demonstrate, so that you begin to recognize that you already have some of these characteristics. And, you’ll identify which ones you would like to focus on developing further.
The Perfect Environment for Your Creative Flow. Everyone needs a creative ‘space’. In this module, I’ll show you different ways to find or build an environment where you will do your best creative work – where you can always feel free to expand your thinking in new ways.
Creativity Exercise 1 – Free Writing. Now it’s time to dive into the 6 different creativity exercises in the course. That starts with Free Writing, which anyone with a pen and paper (or computer) can do. I’ll explain how to free write, and then you’ll give it a try on their own.
Creativity Exercise 2 – Randomize. The next exercise is called ‘randomize’, and I’ll explain different ways that you can use random elements, such as words or objects, to spark new ideas. The results could be nonsense, could be art, or could be innovative combinations. But no matter what you produce, you’ll have fun and flex some creative muscle.
Creativity Exercise 3 – Do the Opposite. With the next creativity exercise, I’ll encourage you to be contrarians – doing the opposite of what would be considered ‘normal’. Just by pushing you to break away from the status quo for a few minutes, you’ll see how your thinking takes new twists and turns they wouldn’t have made otherwise.
Creativity Exercise 4 – Think Like a Child. Everyone has fun when it comes to the ‘think like a child’ exercise. After all, that’s the whole point! Children are naturally creative, without trying. I’ll show you why that’s the case and how you can reconnect with that ability in yourselves through a number of questions and activities.
Creativity Exercise 5 – Mind Mapping. Mind mapping is a popular tool for encouraging all sorts of creative approaches – from brainstorming to website design to decision making. I’ll show you the basics of creating a mind map (it’s not difficult) and ways you can use one to push your creative limits further.
Creativity Exercise 6 – SCAMPER. If you haven’t felt creative enough by this point, the SCAMPER exercise will take you to a new level. I’ll show you how to use a series of questions to explore an idea or object from 7 different approaches. It’s a hugely powerful brainstorming activity that’s particularly fun to do in a group setting, but that you can easily do on your own, too.
Unlocking the Flow – Common Barriers to Creativity. Even the most creative person can find their creativity stifled by things like the people or environment around them, or their own limiting thoughts. In the second-to-last module, I’ll explore some potential barriers to creativity, so that you can recognize which ones you’ll need to tackle for yourself if you truly want to unleash their creative powers.
Conclusion – Get Started with Your Creative Flow. In the last module, I’ll send you away with some tips for building creativity into every day, including keeping an idea journal and scheduling creative time.
