This are 5 Steps In Creative Thinking.Read them here: http://www.ajetomsblog.com/2016/07/5-steps-in-creative-thinking.html?m=1

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5 Steps In Creative Thinking Studies have shown that certain steps are necessary in creative thinking. These can be summarized below: (1) Problem Identification (2) Investigation (3) Incubation (4) Illumination (5) Verification Problem Identification The first step in creative thinking is the presentation that a problem exists. This could be in production, sales, customer relations or advertising. The discovery of this problem launches the creative individual immediately to seek for suitable solution. No creative work has been achieved without dissatisfaction with the existing situation which forces the “genius” to seek new ways. Investigation Investigation is the second step in creative thinking. In this step, the individual examines the problem and analyzes old ways of performing the task. This could call for intensive research into existing knowledge on the subject. There could be an exploration into all the possible avenues that will lead to the discovery of such things as the interrelationships, and associations. This step involves the accumulation of facts and figures that bear on the subject. A thorough examination which helps the individual to saturate himself with facts and figures on the problem will help to develop a creative thinking. Incubation This is a very important stage in the process. Here, the entire mind reflects on the problem. Sometimes, a creative solution is not easily available and the individual leaves the subject for more reflection. Creative thinking is not a choice of alternatives as in decision making. It is a process of mulling the problem over. It may involve the use of the unconscious mind. The creative person is at this time in a special state of mental “stress”, and detaches himself from things around him. He could go around the circles with a real solution arising and he could at this stage leave the problems for a while to avoid mental fatigue. This period is characterized by frustration and helplessness. This is often referred to as the gestation period. Rest is recommended. The rest period would refresh the mind. Illumination An ideal brainstorming session highlights the importance of new ideas. The rules for successful brainstorming session include: (1) Criticism of ideas must be withheld until after the session; (2) The group must welcome free-wheeling and encourage the wildest of ideas; (3) Developing a greater quality of ideas increases the likelihood of having one really useful idea; (4) Each member of the group should improve and relate his own ideas to the ideas of others. Verification Some of the major criticisms of brainstorming are that it is time consuming and many man-hours are spent in generating ideas and also in crystallizing them. It also produces many superficial ideas. Nevertheless, its usefulness in creative thinking can hardly be over stated. In many organizations, it is indispensable in determining the name of a new product and determining a new advertising slogan. Political parties in Nigeria use it very extensively.