Recently, OpenAI announced a new AI model designed to spend more time “thinking” before responding—a concept that got me reflecting on human problem-solving. What exactly is creative thinking, and why does it seem to come so naturally to some while others struggle?
As someone who constantly deconstructs problems and maps out multiple solutions, I’ve realized that creative thinking isn’t a universal skill—it’s something you can sharpen. Some people might call it a natural talent, but the truth is, creativity can be trained. Let me walk you through how it works for me.
Why conventional thinking isn’t enough
We’re all familiar with the classic math problem: “Bob buys 100 watermelons…” And as adults, we’re left wondering—why does Bob need so many watermelons? Was there a sale? A watermelon-themed party we didn’t get invited to? This is the stuff math problems are made of, and the memes that follow make it even funnier.
But in all seriousness, the way we’re taught to think about problems often limits us. We’re trained to solve things in a straight line—here’s the issue, here’s the answer. But life’s challenges rarely fit into neat equations. Sticking to conventional thinking gets you stuck in a loop, recycling the same old methods without making any real progress.
Take something as simple as navigating traffic. Imagine hitting an unexpected jam. Instead of taking the same old route and hoping for the best, you might check an app, look for alternate roads, or even cut through side streets. That’s creative thinking in action—adjusting on the fly, taking in new information, and finding a workaround.
How I think through problems
When I face a problem, my brain starts drawing mental pictures. I visualize the entire scene—whether it’s Bob’s excessive watermelon collection or a complex business issue. I create two points: Point A, the current situation, and Point B, the desired goal. The path between these two is where the solution lies, and this is where I start sketching different routes.
One example that comes to mind is from a previous role where we managed social media for multiple brands at once. Picture running several smaller businesses under one company—it’s like juggling six or seven balls while keeping each one distinct. The challenge was to create a strong social media presence for each brand, which is hard enough for one brand, let alone seven.
Most would approach this by crafting separate strategies for each brand. But I saw it differently. Instead of treating each brand as its own silo, I looked for common ground. By identifying shared themes and assets, we built templates that could apply across multiple brands. We reduced the work from 36 separate templates (6 brands × 6 templates) to just 10 core templates, with a few variations for each brand’s unique voice.
Of course, there were moments where the team worried that using shared assets would water down the individuality of each brand. I had to step back and balance the bigger picture with the small details. We tweaked the templates to ensure each brand retained its identity while benefiting from the shared foundation. It wasn’t just more efficient—it was better. We didn’t choose between Plan A, B, or C; we merged the best parts of each into something new.
Why isn’t creative thinking universal?
The reason everyone doesn’t approach problems this way is because most of us are taught to think in safe, linear terms. Get the right answer, don’t take unnecessary risks, and stick to what works. But creativity thrives in the unknown—when you color outside the lines and try something different.
Creative thinking isn’t some rare gift. It’s not a “you either have it or you don’t” kind of deal. The good news? Anyone can develop it. It’s all about training your brain to see beyond the obvious and not being afraid to mix things up.
Sharpening your creative thinking
For me, creativity is about drawing from different sources and combining what works. Here are some ways I approach problems, and maybe they’ll resonate with you:
- Break it down
Don’t try to solve the whole thing in one go. Break the problem into smaller parts, focus on the pieces, and you’ll often find solutions lurking where you least expect them. - Run scenarios
Mentally walk through different paths. What happens if you take this route? How about another? It’s like trying out alternate endings in a movie—you never know what surprising insights you’ll uncover. - Flip your assumptions
We often stick to assumptions we don’t even realize we’re making. Try flipping them on their heads. What if the opposite is true? Sometimes this shift sparks entirely new possibilities. - Get inspired from unlikely places
Creativity often comes from connecting dots that don’t seem related. It’s like looking at Bob’s watermelon obsession and finding a solution for managing social media accounts. Seek inspiration outside your industry, and you might just discover your next big idea. - Give it time
Creativity isn’t always immediate. Sometimes you need to step away and let your mind work in the background. Give your brain time to marinate on the problem, and you might stumble upon the solution when you’re least expecting it.
Creativity is about exploration, not perfection
The best thing about creative problem-solving? It’s not about getting it perfect on the first try. It’s about exploring different paths, making mistakes, and stumbling upon the unexpected. The messiness is where the magic happens. Creativity opens up options you didn’t know existed, and it’s often in the failures and side roads that you find the most innovative solutions.
Conclusion: Embrace the creative process
The next time you face a challenge, don’t rush to the first solution that comes to mind. Take a step back, let your brain explore different angles, and embrace the creative mess. Whether you’re managing multiple brands, navigating rush-hour traffic, or trying to figure out why Bob bought 100 watermelons, creative problem-solving is the key to unlocking new possibilities.
The path to success is rarely a straight line, embrace the curves.