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Creativity Thrives In The Unexpected

Have you surprised yourself today?

Boo! Nah, I don't mean like that. What creative ideas have occurred to you? What brand new actions emerged today?

Creativity benefits from frequent encounters with the unexpected.

It's that painting that distorts the way we see faces. It's that bridge that goes nowhere. It's that snowman in Miami.

People surprise me, sometimes. When a friend says something unexpected and kind, it generates a burst of creative energy that propels me forward. Suddenly my goals seem more achievable.

When a collaborator suggests an idea that surprises me completely I get a sense of confusion followed by profound delight. It's a possibility! It's creative! And, there's no way in the world I would have thought of it without this surprise.

Surprise yourself, often. Expose yourself to people and ideas that would not normally come your way. Find the connections. Creativity thrives on the unexpected.

It's hard to plan to surprise yourself. You just have to explore without judging.

But you can surprise someone else easily enough. What creative surprise can you spring on your team today?

-- Doug Smith


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