not teaching,
still THINKING …
Creativity is one of those traits that can excite or agitate. Why is that?
- It is liberating to be creative — our ideas, our innovations, our ways.
- But freedom can also induce fear — which ideas are best, how will I innovate, will my way be accepted? Do I even have an idea?
It’s OK and it’s human to feel this way. Just don’t let fear get in the way. Move ahead.
The highest compliment you can be paid is to have someone say to you: “That’s a great idea.”
The worst thing you can say about yourself: “I can’t think of anything.”
The power of good ideas remains the key to your success. In today’s world, this is increasingly important.
Here are some tips about generating ideas that might help, especially for journalists. But these tips can apply to anyone.
- Be an avid reader and consumer of information
- Model others
- Demand creative thinking of yourself
- Take time to let your mind wander
- Don’t be afraid to fail
Every day, we should ask ourselves: How have I been creative?
Every day, we should make an effort to generate at least one idea, however small. And let’s agree that our one idea will be a source of excitement for us, not fear.
(These two profs are no longer teaching at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, but we are still thinking.)