What Is Creativity?

What is creativity? Creative thinking leads to new ideas or the expansion on old ideas that result in a new product, procedure, solution or approach. Using the imagination as a springboard provides the catalyst for taking ideas and concepts from a thought, molding them into a plan and then putting them into action. Creativity, then, is thinking and then producing.

Creative Thinking
The difference between imagination and creative thinking is simple: imagination taps into the creative thinking process but only thinks about an idea, while creative thinking takes it to the next step. Creative thinking moves past mulling over an idea to the act of finding one or multiple ways to implement the idea. To have an idea is an active imagination, to bring the idea to life is creative thinking.
A key to creativity is being able to see things from more than one point of view or perspective and be open to new possibilities or alternatives.

Things to Keep in Mind
Creative thinking:

• Takes old ideas and renovates them into fresh concepts.
• Selects old or already used ideas and creates something completely new.
• Can take a multiple ideas and merge them into one feasible idea or solution.
• Relies heavily on an exchange of ideas.
• Is achieved by people who can see the big picture and multiple ways of achieving the end result.

Characteristics of Creative Personalities

• Creative thinkers are full of energy but also quiet and restful.
• Individuals tend to be smart yet naïve.
• Are passionate in their work.
• Can be objective about their work.
• Creative individuals are open and sensitive.
• Individuals can easily fluctuate between fantasy and reality.
• Creative thinkers are independent and rebellious.