It’s easier to think creatively, when you allow yourself the freedom to think without limitations. One limitation, which can really get in the way of your creativity, is to accept common knowledge without questioning it.
By holding untested, preconceived beliefs simply because they are commonly repeated, you give yourself fewer possible options. It’s like trying to paint freely, using a limited pallet.
Combine that, with the fact that a lot of common knowledge is factually incorrect and you can see just how limiting this can be for your creativity.
Common knowledge is often wrong
Here’s an example of what I mean. Common knowledge assures us that people do not spend money on expensive brands when the economy is bad. They tend to go for cheaper alternatives.
Really? Try telling that to Apple Inc. Apple has posted record profits each year, since the global economic downturn started. They provide a high quality, high price, range of products and people queue around the block for them. A business owner looking for creative ways to increase their profits, who believed the incorrect common knowledge about spending habits in bad economic times, would not have considered offering a more expensive, higher-quality service. That may have been exactly what they needed to do, but it wouldn’t have been an option.
Remove the limits on your thinking
To make it as easy as possible for us to think creatively, we need to work on removing unnecessary barriers and limitations on our thinking.
The more possibilities we have to play with (yes, play not work), the more options we have open to us and the greater our chances are of finding the creative idea, insight or answer we need.
In short: Question common knowledge and look for ways to expand your possibilities.
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