There are two ways to get creative ideas, focus and genius. Focus is the practice of sitting down, defining the problem and churning out solutions. Genius is the creative spark that catches you off-guard, giving you great ideas when you least expect it. The question is, where does this creative spark come from? I believe […]
Stick Figure to Mona Lisa: 15 Tips for Becoming Artistic
You are an artist. Everyone is. Any act of creation is art. Software, articles and cooking are as much artistic acts as painting a landscape or composing a symphony. Even if your normal tools are a keyboard and IDE instead of a brush and canvas you can improve your artistic skills. I’ve always had a […]
21 Not-So-Quick Tips to Improve Creativity
I’ve read a lot of tips lists, articles and books on the subject of creativity. I think the ability to come up with creative solutions is important enough to warrant a lot of research. Unfortunately, a lot of the time I’ve found myself disagreeing with what experts say are the keys to creativity. I don’t […]
The Effort Delusion – Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough
It’s time to face facts. Hard work isn’t enough to succeed in today’s world. If there ever was a time when sheer force and industry would get the job done it has passed. I’d like to argue that hard work is being replaced by three other factors that will be far more important in the […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.