It is a popular misconception that only a privileged few are able to let loose a continuous stream of creative genius. This is, of course, false. Actually, imagination and inventiveness are very much like any other talent in that they need to be made use of regularly in order that the end product remains of the highest quality. It follows therefore, if you don't practice harnessing your powers of creative thinking, this particular skill will very soon disappear from your repertoire. But, persevere and work hard and you will quickly reap the benefits.

Now you've decided to something about it, how do we go about releasing your potential by massaging your inner mindset and developing your creative thinking? The first thing to do is become a human sponge and I don't mean that you take a degree in gullibility. You need to absorb as much information and knowledge as you can. Read everything you can get your hands on whether it's good or bad, and keep an open mind to the countless opportunities that life can bring. The more new things you discover, the more you'll want to discover, and the more your sense of wonder will be exercised.

Try to focus on at least one creative activity every day, even if it seems like a bit of an effort at first. Even something as innocuous as doodling is a creative activity. Don't allow yourself to be distracted. Mindless doodling may be a creative activity, but for people who are just beginning to let loose with some creative thinking in their lives, it is heartening to have tangible evidence that what they are doing is real. Why not give it a go? Practice doing some simple drawings or sketches for 2 or 3 minutes every day. Get yourself a cheap camera and start snapping photos like your life depends on it. Start a diary and make sure you write in it unfailingly. In a very short time, whichever activity you choose will become a part of your everyday routine and one which you look forward to and enjoy.

Radical and imaginative thinking is a good quality to have but we need to look at the flip side as well - having constraints on your creative parameters can actually be constructive. Being subject to limitations will discipline you to work within your means and can help you become more resourceful.

Next thing to do is expand on the ideas given above by experiencing something new on a daily basis. Eat something you've never tried before. Go visit an exhibition that normally wouldn't interest you. Watch a movie in a foreign language. Strike up a conversation with a complete stranger (in a public place of course - or you might find yourself hauled away by the boys in blue... not a new experience to relish!). The further you remove yourself from your comfort zone, the more your natural curiosity will develop, giving you a new lust for life. If you are afraid of this idea or you doubt its' effectiveness look at it this way - when did you last do something for the very first time? If you can't answer then chances are you've become socially stagnant and need a lift out of the rut. It sounds a bit upside down but what you've actually done by not doing anything is miss out on a whole load of personally enhancing experiences. Go do something radical today... maybe a parachute jump or an off-road driving course. Think about what you will learn from this, and think about the stories you will be able to tell others.

Creativity occurs when you move out of your comfort zone and begin to look at things in a different way - in short, your inner mindset needs to be updated. It's not difficult to start the process but it does take a degree of discipline and resolve to maintain it. The only thing holding you back is your own uncertainty. Take the plunge and you'll be glad you did - the rewards are boundless.