How To Come Up With Good Ideas | Mark Rober | Tedxyouth@Columbiasc

Creativity – a term often misunderstood and mystified. How many times have we marveled at the ingenuity of individuals who seem to have an innate knack for conjuring up ideas out of thin air? You've probably asked yourself, "How do they come up with these ideas?" Well, my friends, I stand before you to tell you that creativity is not some magical gift bestowed upon the chosen few. It's not a rare and elusive butterfly that flutters away when you try to grasp it. No, my dear readers, creativity is a muscle, and like any muscle, it can be developed and strengthened.

The Viral Halloween Costume That Launched a Journey

Allow me to illustrate this concept with a story. Our journey begins with a question that plagues many creative minds: "How do you come up with your ideas?" This question has plagued some of the greatest thinkers throughout history, from Aristotle to Steve Jobs, but it's one that every creative soul can relate to.

I, too, pondered this query until the day I crafted a unique Halloween costume, a costume so unconventional that it went viral on the internet. People from all corners of the world were sharing, liking, and commenting on my creation. But, there was a catch – the costume was expensive. And like any creator passionate about their craft, I listened to feedback.

In response to the cost concerns, I decided to embark on a new mission. I wanted to make creativity accessible to all, just as Socrates wanted to make knowledge accessible through dialogue. I founded a company called Digital Duds. What's the idea? Imagine being able to play videos on your phone and slide them into a shirt, instantly turning it into a mesmerizing costume, all at an affordable price. This innovation wasn't just about making costumes; it was about making creativity attainable, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.

The experience with Digital Duds ignited a fire in me, a passion for creating and sharing creative ideas with the world. It was a journey that paralleled the intellectual explorations of luminaries like Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci. I started a YouTube channel, and before I knew it, I had millions of views and subscribers. I realized that creativity wasn't something that belonged to the elite or the gifted; it belonged to all of us. I was living proof that anyone could tap into their creative potential and make waves in the world.

The Three Steps to Cultivating Creativity

Now that we've established that creativity isn't an exclusive club, let me share the roadmap to cultivating your creative muscle. It's a process that involves observing the world around you, much like the scholars of ancient Alexandria who diligently copied books to acquire knowledge.

Step 1: Observe and Wonder - The first step in nurturing your creative genius is to observe the world around you. Be a keen observer, soak in the beauty and intricacies of life. It's the way Aristotle contemplated the natural world, pondering the heavens and the Earth. Curiosity and observation are the twin engines of creativity. Remember, even the invention of the microwave oven was a result of someone observing, wondering, and asking, "What if?"

Step 2: Think and Reflect - The second step is to let your mind wander. Reflect on the observations, wonder about the possibilities, and let your thoughts meander down uncharted paths. Like Galileo Galilei peering through his telescope at the cosmos, let your thoughts explore the vastness of your imagination. Creative ideas often emerge when you allow your mind the freedom to roam.

Step 3: Experiment and Create - Lastly, experiment. Take action. Try things out. It's akin to how Marie Curie experimented with radioactive materials in her quest for discovery. Creativity is not just about thinking; it's about doing. It's about bringing your ideas to life. The process involves trial and error, and sometimes, you might fail. But remember, even the greatest inventors like Thomas Edison faced countless failures before they illuminated the world with their inventions.

The Essence of Creativity: Observe, Think, Experiment

In conclusion, creativity is not a mythical gift; it's a muscle that anyone can develop. It's about observing the world around you, thinking deeply about what you see, and having the courage to experiment and create. Remember, creativity is not the exclusive domain of a select few; it's a playground where everyone is welcome.

So, as you embark on your creative journey, think of it as an adventure, a treasure hunt filled with discoveries waiting to be made. It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike like a lightning bolt; it's about actively pursuing it, one observation, one thought, and one experiment at a time. And who knows, you might just become the next Galileo, Curie, or Jobs, shaping the world with your creative brilliance. So go forth, my friends, and let your creative muscles flex with excitement and positive energy. The world is waiting for your unique ideas and creations!