Creative thinking has value beyond just artistic pursuits. Developing creative thinking skills through learning and examining one's mindset can help generate innovative ideas to solve challenges and achieve success in any field. While creativity was not strongly emphasized in education, individuals can take steps to enhance their innate creative abilities. Even a small increase in creative thinking, such as a 10-15% improvement, can make a meaningful difference in performance and help one stand out from others.

1. Creative Thinking - What's it Worth?
To begin understanding the true value of creative thinking, you may need to shift
or change your perceptions and attitude about it. The best way to begin that
process is to ask stimulating, probing or thought provoking questions. Intelligent
inquiry about this sometimes misunderstood subject may lead you to some
interesting conclusions.
Try these questions on for size. When you see or hear the words creative
thinking, what do you think? Do you believe, as many people do, that only artists,
writers, or musicians are capable of thinking creatively? Have you considered that
tapping into your creative thinking can help you get what you want? Or that
creative thinking can even help you realize your dreams?
Examining your mindset, perceptions or attitude about your creative abilities may
serve as an important first step in discovering the value of this aspect of your
intelligence.
Why Creative Thinking is Important

2. You may have heard the saying, "the only thing we can count on is change." Our
lives are changing dramatically every day and at an accelerated pace. Along with
that change comes some daunting challenges. Where will the solutions to those
changes and challenges occur? They will happen in our minds in the form of
innovative ideas.
The bottom line is this: the individuals who come up with new, fresh ideas, in any
sector of our society, will reap big rewards. And if creative thinking skills provide
the tools or mechanism for creating new ideas, then doesn't it makes sense to
develop that aspect of our minds to the fullest?
How to Ramp Up Your Creative Thinking
First, examine your all-important mindset. It is impossible to become more
creative if you think you can't. It is important to trust in your innate ability to be
creative. To move forward, you must believe you are creative. Second, begin
learning as much as you can about this side of your thinking. You'll be glad to
know that this isn't difficult. Countless books exist on the subject to help you get
started.
Unfortunately, we didn't receive a lot of clear instruction in school about why
creative thinking is important. For example, the subject is rarely presented, in a
broader sense, as a means for becoming more successful in any endeavor.
Creativity still seems to be more closely associated with the arts than with
problem solving. Therefore, it is up to you to broaden your knowledge and to take
the steps necessary to enhance the creative abilities you were born with.
A Small Increase in Creativity Can Net Big Results
Perhaps you've heard the saying, "One small thing can make a big difference." It's
true! What if you could increase your creative thinking skills by just 10 or 15
percent? That small increase might just be the margin you need to perform
significantly better at anything you choose. It can set you apart -- to win, to shine.
You don't have to be a creative thinking genius to be successful. If you decide to
change just a few aspects of your thinking, and work to become a more creative
problem solver, you will be surprised at the positive difference it can make in your
life. Of course, doing nothing will get you nothing. So, get started today by simply

3. deciding to change and realizing the worth of creative thinking. Those who are
willing to change just a few old ways of thinking will emerge as winners.