There’s a big vessel owner whose ship was broken. He couldn’t find the problem with his vessel and had already tried many contractors and consultants to fix it. Many months went by, and the owner still couldn’t figure out what was causing his vessel to be unable to sail.
One day, one of his crew members told him about a mechanic who could repair almost anything. With a lot of doubt but a sense of urgency to repair his vessel, the owner told his crew to invite the mechanic to take a look at the vessel. The crew called the mechanic, and when he came, he walked around the vessel and inspecting the equipment. Later, he took out a hammer and knocked on a specific pipe inside the machine room. The vessel's engine started running, shocking the owner. Overjoyed, the owner asked the mechanic what he did and what the problem was. The mechanic said something about a pipe and mentioned that knocking on it was all he did.
Later that month, the mechanic came again to the vessel owner with an invoice for his service. Shocked by the amount on the invoice, the owner asked why it was so expensive since all the mechanic did was knock on a pipe. With a smile, the mechanic said the knock on the pipe was cheap, but knowing where to knock was expensive.
This story illustrates how valuable experience is and how important it is to appreciate a service without judging it solely on how it was performed.
Dr. Kapoor is a neurologist at New Amsterdam Hospital (yes, this is a story from New Amsterdam TV series). One day, he had a stubborn patient who complained about her dizziness. He asked her what kind of dizziness she was experiencing and asked her to explain it. The old woman couldn’t explain and kept on complaining, saying it was just dizziness. Dr. Kapoor decided to let the woman think about it and explain her dizziness later. Every time Dr. Kapoor returned to see the woman, her answer was still the same. She became angry, continually saying it was just dizziness. In her anger, she finally described what it felt like. Just after she explained, Dr. Kapoor knew exactly what was causing the dizziness and prescribed the appropriate treatment.
This simple yet insightful action of Dr. Kapoor reminds me of how similar he is to the mechanic. They both solved a problem right after understanding its cause.
Creativity is Problem-Solving
These stories highlight that creativity isn't just about art or innovation in the traditional sense. It’s fundamentally about problem-solving. To solve a problem effectively, you must first understand it deeply, just as the mechanic and Dr. Kapoor did.
Creativity involves gathering a wide range of knowledge and experiences. The most creative individuals are those who have a vast "vocabulary of answers," built from continuous learning and diverse experiences. In a world where technology and information evolve rapidly, staying creative means constantly expanding your knowledge base.
Being creative is not about thinking outside the box. it is actually about thinking inside the box.
Contrary to popular belief, being creative isn’t about thinking outside the box. It’s about expanding the box—your mind—to include more tools, knowledge, and experiences. This expansion allows you to see solutions that others might overlook.
To keep growing creatively, you need to keep learning and practicing. Whether through reading, courses, or hands-on experiences, each bit of knowledge adds to your "box," making you more adept at solving problems.
Expanding Your Creative Box
The simple yet powerful lesson here is to make your box bigger. Embrace every opportunity to learn something new. Practice different skills. Delve into various fields. The broader your knowledge, the more equipped you’ll be to face challenges creatively.
Here’s How to Expand Your Creative Box
Keep on Curious: Curiosity is the foundation of creativity. Always ask questions and seek out new information. Don't be afraid to explore topics that are outside your usual areas of interest. Curiosity will lead you to new insights and perspectives that can fuel your creativity.
Keep on Learning: Never stop learning. Take courses, read books, attend workshops, and engage with educational content regularly. The more you learn, the more tools you add to your creative toolbox. This continuous learning process ensures that your knowledge base is always expanding, making you more capable of finding innovative solutions.
Keep on Journaling: Journaling is a powerful way to reflect on your experiences and thoughts. It helps you process information and can spark new ideas. By writing down your thoughts, you create a record of your creative process, which can be invaluable for future problem-solving. Journaling also helps you track your progress and see how your thinking evolves over time.
By maintaining a sense of curiosity, continuously learning, and regularly journaling, you can ensure that your creative box is always expanding. These practices will help you approach problems with a fresh perspective and find solutions that others might miss. Remember, creativity is not a static trait but a dynamic process that can be nurtured and developed throughout your life.
Until next time, happy creative.