How creative are you? If you think of creativity as only being artistic, musical, or such, then you would probably would say you are not. However, creativity can be defined as doing something different than previously done. Now, how creative are you? Everyone is creative because everyone has done something different than previously done…

Whether that is reformatting a report to be easier to read or solving a project management challenge or discovering a new way to sell your product or service. In addition to redefining what being creative means, consider what is your creative mindset. Are you willing to think differently? Are you asking questions that go beyond the surface answers? Are you exploring options that have not been tried before?

One method of expanding creativity is called the 20 Idea Method. It is a brainstorming process that can be done individually or in a group. The simplicity will surprise you!

Step 1: Write a single question at the top of the page focused with the goal to be reached or the  problem to be solved (i.e. ‘How can I increase monthly sales revenue by 20%?’ or ‘How can we pay off the credit card/Line of Credit within 6 months?’)

Step 2: As quickly as possible, write down all the ideas that pop into your head as possible answers to the question. (You will find that the first 5 or 10 come quickly and then nothing…)

Step 3: Stay calm and focused with the question. After a minute or so, additional answers will pop into your mind, write those down. (NOTE: even if a crazy idea pops in, write it down. Main rule is to allow any idea to be written down… no judgement at this stage of the process.)

Step 4: Continue writing your answers until you have at least 20 of them.

Step 5: Now, take a break of a few minutes or hours. When you come back, review the ideas. You may find brilliance in your answers. And you may get a new idea when reviewing the list.

Step 6: Select one or two of the ideas and take action. And you still have up to 18 more to continue to use!

One limitation to creativity is often thinking that there is only one answer. The 20 Idea Method pushes you to think beyond the first couple of answers. And when you stay focused, you discover the wisdom hidden within you… within your subconscious that is illuminated when you relax and ask a directly focused question with the mindset of listening openly for answers.

Use this every week or every day and you will be amazed at how creative you are! And it works for business focus as well as personal.