Creative thinkers tend to be balls of energy and productivity machines. Creativity is generally perceived to be something external, out of our control, or an inherent talent for a chosen few. But consider that creativity is fundamentally about ideas (the Oxford Dictionary defines a creative state as relating to or involving imagination or original ideas). Ideas are generated by thinking, and skills for thinking can be learned.

Some people do have a greater aptitude for thinking creatively and laterally, just as some people are more logic-based, but it’s a misconception that creativity is the exclusive right of a select group. Research indicates that anyone can tap into this energy and be more productive.