Don’t think that creativity is just for artists, musicians, or writers — anyone can develop it. It’s about coming up with new ideas to solve problems and discover unique solutions, and it applies to any field. Your imagination is the key that opens the door to new experiences and opportunities. The good news is that there are simple, practical ways to improve your creative thinking — and here they are:

Dedicate yourself to creativity — Purpose and intention matter a lot. According to research, there are four essential components of creativity:

• The ability to create
• The intention to bring something new into the world
• The environment where creativity happens
• The originality and usefulness of the outcome

So, don’t put it off. Set clear goals, ask others for support, and spend time developing your creative abilities. If you enjoy drawing, for example, invest time in practicing and exploring new techniques.

Become an expert in your field — The more you know about a topic that interests you, the more easily you’ll find creative and innovative solutions. It also helps to talk to creative people and engage in thoughtful conversations — it opens up new ways of thinking.

Don’t be afraid to take risks — Creativity often involves risk. Not every idea will work, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re learning and improving. Maybe writing isn’t your strength yet — but with feedback and practice, you’ll get better.

Be confident — Studies show that self-confidence and high self-esteem fuel creativity. Celebrate your progress, recognize your efforts, and reward yourself along the way.

Deal with negativity — While some studies link negative moods with persistence, positive moods are more closely tied to flexible thinking and fresh ideas. Try to let go of self-doubt and harsh self-criticism.

Fight the fear of failure — The fear of making mistakes can hold you back. Keep reminding yourself that mistakes are part of the journey, not a dead end.

Start brainstorming — Try to write down as many ideas as you can in a short time. Don’t stop at the first idea — keep exploring different options. A creative journal can also help you track your ideas and growth.

Challenge yourself — Once you’ve built your creative foundation, push further. Try new approaches, take on more complex tasks, and avoid relying on the same old solutions.

Use the 6 thinking hats technique — This method encourages looking at a problem from six different angles, which helps generate more ideas:

• Black Hat: Think critically — what might not work?
• Blue Hat: Look at the big picture — what’s the overall goal?
• Green Hat: Think creatively — what are the alternative ideas?
• Red Hat: Explore emotions — how does it make you feel?
• White Hat: Focus on facts — what do you know for sure?
• Yellow Hat: Stay positive — what’s working well?

Find inspiration to boost your creativity — Don’t wait for creativity to appear on its own. Seek it out. Read a book, visit a museum, listen to music… find whatever sparks your imagination.