14th June 2025

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 Unlocking Your Everyday Creative Genius

a group of brushes

Ever feel like creativity is some spark that only strikes a privileged few? Our recent guest lecturer, Shiva, challenged that very notion, reminding us that creativity isn't just about grand gestures; it's a constant within us, shaping every decision and plan we make.

The biggest takeaway? Creativity is about the process, not just the end result. We're all wired for it, whether we're aware of it or not.

The Empathy Walk

One of the most powerful suggestions for tapping into this inherent creativity was the "empathy walk." This isn't just a stroll; it's a deliberate observation. As you walk, consciously try to see the world, and especially problems, from someone else's point of view.

Imagine a crowded bus stop, a market, or even your own office space. Instead of just seeing what's there, ask yourself: What challenges might that person be facing? What's frustrating about this situation for them?

It's astonishing how many solutions and fresh perspectives emerge when you shift your viewpoint. This act of observation, is a direct pathway to entering a state of creative flow.

The Problem-Solving Blueprint

A clear, actionable framework for problem-solving that emphasizes creative thinking at every step:



  1. Understand the Problem: Before you jump to solutions, truly grasp the nuances of the challenge. What are its underlying causes? Who does it affect?

  2. Define the Problem: Articulate the problem clearly and concisely. A well-defined problem is half-solved.

  3. Generate Ideas: This is where lateral thinking becomes your superpower. Don't settle for the obvious. 

  4. Build a Prototype: Once you have a promising idea, create a basic version of it. This could be a sketch, a simple model.

  5. Test the Prototype: Crucially, do not waste money without testing your idea! Get feedback, iterate, and refine. This step saves resources and ensures your solution is viable.

Igniting Out-of-the-Box Thinking

To illustrate how to generate truly out-of-the-box ideas

  • Define the problem: How can the restaurant make more money?

  • What you take for granted: Restaurants have food. (Seems obvious, right?)

  • Drop/cancel what you take for granted: What if a restaurant had no food?

  • Generate ideas: If a restaurant doesn't serve food, what could it offer? Maybe it becomes a co-working space, a venue for events, a pop-up shop, or a place for cooking classes.

The trick here is simple yet powerful: put a "no" in front of what you take for granted. By negating the obvious assumptions, you force your brain to explore entirely new possibilities.

This isn't just a fun exercise; it's a practical tool for innovation. Next time you're stuck on a problem, try identifying your core assumptions and then asking, "What if that wasn't true?" You might be surprised by the flood of creative solutions that follow.

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