Analytical thinking HELPS you to be creative

Do you think you’re too analytical or logical to be creative?

Let me show you 7 ways how your analytical thinking actually can help you to be more creative!

The definiton of creativity (and its use in business)

Before we see how, let’s explore the context.

Why would creativity even matter at work or business?

Well, creativity is actually one of the skills that can help you navigate through any unexpected change of plans.

How? Let’s see the definition.

By Cambridge dictionary, creativity is

the ability to produce original and unusual ideas, or to make something new or imaginative.

As you see, the definition doesn’t even mention “art”.

Creativity is an ability, and its use stretches far outside art, design or music.

Creativity as a skill helps you to adapt to change or innovate, while you have to create new solutions at your work or business.

(if you want to explore other skills that help you adapt, see this blog)

Now, let’s cut to the chase.

How does analytical thinking help to be creative?

Let’s explore the 7 ways that I’ve observed as I train adaptability and creativity skills to others or experienced myself (I am an analytical thinker as well).

1. Connecting the dots 

As you may know from Steve Jobs, you have to connect the dots to create something unique. Like he created Apple.

Connecting the dots, or mixing seemingly unrelated disciplines together, takes logic and analytical thinking. 

2. Noticing details that others won’t notice

Analytical people tend to be detail-oriented. If you are too, it gives you the advantage to notice the small but important details that others don’t. Those details can spark unique ideas.

3. Recognising patterns

The founders of Staples took the principles of a supermarket and used it for the office supply business. 

That’s one example of how you can recognise a pattern from other industries, and apply it to your work in a way that noone has done before. 

To do that, your analytical thinking will help, because analytical thinkers are quick to notice patterns.

4. Identifying the right problem 

It doesn’t matter if you have a super creative idea. What matters is – whether you solve a problem with it or not. A more obvious idea that understands and solves the right problem is better than a super creative idea that is made for the sake of feeling creative.

Like, Spanx. It has a very clearly defined problem, and it was truly an innovative product.

And it’s underware.

If there was a brainstorming session in corporate, some people would say something like this, considering it as “thinking out of box”: robotic-style folly glasses that illuminate, so women forget their stomach.

See – it’s unique, at the same time, not in the way that actually solves the problem.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There is a place for crazy ideas. But your analytical thinking is a true gift not to forget WHY you need that creativity at work – ant that is, because you have to solve a problem.

So, if you are an analytical thinker, use your analytical skills to identify and define the right problem. You’ll be one step ahead in your field already.

5. Observing like nobody else

While visioners love to envision the future, you have a great skill of observing what already is. Analytical people love to dig deep and observe the data thoroughly. Not only the details, but also the big picture. That can actually be the basis of a unique, creative work. For example, you can create unique training programs, methodologies, and theories. 

Darwin’s theory of evolution, for example – also a form of creativity. 

Did this give you an Aha moment? 🙂 I told you, there are SO many ways your analytical thinking helps you to adapt and innovate!

6. Implementing the idea in high quality

Attention to details and analytical skills help you to make more thoughtful decisions while you implement your creative idea. More often than not, it means the end result will be in high quality. Like Beyonce. People call her the game-changer of the music industry for decades, and all of her work is carefully observed and analysed to the tiniest detail. 

You can use it too –  if you don’t fall into creativity traps. Subscribe to the newsletter to know when blog series about the traps are published!

7. Using your grit to improve your creativity

Creativity is a skill, and it has to be trained. Analytical people are my favourite people to work with (don’t tell it to anyone), because they usually have grit, or discipline and a healthy stubbornness to continue even if things get tough. 

If you know how to take the same grit you have in other areas of life, and use it to train your creativity – you can be sure, you’ll become an innovative master of your craft.

How to train creativity?

Contact me, I’ll demonstrate you in a short video call.

Until then – subscribe to the newsletter below, or say Hi on social!