Confucious’ Creative Thinking Rule in Entrepreneurship
AddVentures Business Club is currently in the process of upgrading their 7 Steps to Skyrocket your Creativity Workshop for Entrepreneurs. One of the questions that keeps popping up is: “Am I born with a certain amount of creative talent, or is it a skill that can be taught?” I believe the answer lies in the wise words of Confucius, “You are what you think you are.”
Yes, it is natural for small business owners to have the mistaken belief that creativity is an inborn skill. However, I’m here to tell you that creativity is more of a muscle, and like any muscle, it can be trained. Almost like I am currently training to run the Otter Trail Race later this year. Nothing happens overnight, but it is definitely doable!
The Buddha said, “What you think, you become.” Imagine the power that lies in this statement. If we believe we are creative, we open ourselves to the infinite possibilities of creation. On the flip side, if we dwell on the idea that we lack creativity, we become trapped in a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Henry Ford famously put it, “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you will be right.” His words resonate with small business owners and entrepreneurs who face the everyday challenge of finding innovative solutions. So, let us dive into the practical steps to rewire our brains into believing and showcasing our latent creative abilities:
- Embrace curiosity:
Just like a child marveling at the world for the first time, allow yourself to question everything. Curiosity fuels creativity, leading to new ideas and perspectives. - Practice divergent thinking:
Spend time brainstorming where all ideas are welcome. No judgment, no filters – just free-flowing thoughts. This helps break the pattern of linear thinking and fosters originality. - Seek new experiences:
Step out of your comfort zone. New experiences bring new insights, which can unexpectedly lead to creative solutions in your business endeavors. - Create a creativity journal:
Document your thoughts, sketches, and ideas, no matter how trivial they may seem. Reviewing this journal can spark innovation and help identify patterns in your creative thinking. - Surround yourself with inspiration:
Whether it’s art, nature, or insightful conversations, a stimulating environment can ignite creative sparks. - Adopt a growth mindset:
View every failure as a learning opportunity. Believing in your capacity to grow and adapt will open up your creative faculties. - Meditate and reflect:
Quieting the mind allows subconscious ideas to surface. Regular meditation aligns you with your inner creativity, often leading to breakthroughs in thought and action.
Train your Brain to Be Creative
This blog article would not be complete if I did not add the one element that works for me time and time again. There is nothing as creative-inducing as running. Whether on the road or in the mountains busy with a trailrun. The rhythmic motion of running has a meditative effect on your brain. It is almost as if the brain is going into a FLOW state, not just your legs. This is where all the new ideas pop up for me. Literally. This is what I call the ultimate ‘train your brain’ exercise. Yes, this does not disregard the Disney Model, Famous 50, or any of the other models discussed in AddVentures Business Club’s Creativity Workshop. I do believe that the rhythmic motion of running adds to all these processes.
In sum, dispelling the myth that creativity is a gift granted to the fortunate few is essential for entrepreneurs. With these steps, we transform from the inside out, as our thinking shapes our reality. By fostering a belief in our creative potential, we not only enhance our business strategies but also contribute to the innovation that moves society forward. So, let’s think, believe, and become the creative forces we are meant to be.
Are you going to join us for our workshop? Contact us today to find out what options are available to enhance your creativity.
