Best 7 Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers Original thinkers are the individuals who inspire us and help spark great ideas. They think beyond conventional wisdom and come up with innovative solutions.
While original thinking comes naturally to some, certain habits can be acquired to help enhance creative thinking.
In this article, we will reveal the best 7 surprising habits of original thinkers so you, too, can start developing these skills to become an innovator.
Top 7 Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers
- Asking Questions
- Connecting Ideas
- Networking
- Creative Problem Solving
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Seeking Feedback
- Taking Risks
Habit 1: Asking Questions
Original thinkers are known for their ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems, but some of their best habits might surprise you.
Asking the right questions can be one of the most essential parts of being an original thinker, and it can lead to breakthroughs in understanding that would otherwise remain hidden.
Here’s a look at some surprising habits that creative and original thinkers possess when asking questions.
First, these people ask more “why?” questions than others. They don’t just accept things as they are; they want to get into the details to uncover what makes something tick.
It is especially true when faced with difficult problems or complex tasks – they’re fearless in diving deep into challenging subjects and pushing themselves toward finding solutions.
Habit 2: Connecting Ideas
As the world moves toward an increasingly technology-driven future, original thinking is becoming increasingly important.
Original thinkers can look at a problem from different angles, develop creative solutions, and think outside the box.
However, developing original ideas can be challenging; it takes practice and dedication. One of the best ways to learn how to be an original thinker is by studying the surprising habits of successful original thinkers.
By understanding their practices, you can pick up valuable tips on cultivating your creativity and critical thinking skills.
So what are some of these habits? Original thinkers recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to creative problem-solving;
rather than relying on rote memorization or standard solutions, they dig deep into each situation and draw from multiple sources for inspiration.
Habit 3: Networking
Original thinkers are the innovators of society, creating and inspiring revolutionary ideas. But what exactly sets them apart?
Some of the best surprising habits that separate original thinkers are their ability to network, to be unafraid of failure, and to accept criticism.
Networking is essential for any successful career or project. Original thinkers understand this and strive for meaningful connections with those around them.
They take advantage of opportunities to meet and talk with new people to gain inspiration from others’ perspectives and build relationships they can rely on.
These networks often help original thinkers move forward with their ideas by allowing them access to resources they might not otherwise have available.
Original thinkers also differ from other creative minds because they don’t give up when faced with failure or criticism.
Habit 4: Creative Problem Solving
Creative problem-solving requires a particular set of skills and habits that are often necessary for success.
Many of the best, most original thinkers have surprisingly effective habits that can be adopted to help develop creative problem-solving.
These habits include embracing failure, taking risks, visualizing success, working collaboratively, brainstorming ideas regularly, and having a positive outlook.
Failure is an integral part of learning and growing as an individual; it teaches us valuable lessons about ourselves and our circumstances.
The ability to cope with failure is critical to being an original thinker because it encourages risk-taking behavior, which can help lead to new ideas or solutions.
It’s essential to recognize the potential rewards associated with taking risks and understand that failure is okay.
Habit 5: Seeing the Big Picture
Original thinkers challenge the status quo and look beyond what is already known to find innovative solutions.
Consistently seeing the big picture helps them stay one step ahead of their peers and create meaningful progress in their fields.
Here are some of the best surprising habits of original thinkers that help them keep a more extensive perspective:
- First, they always continue learning. They actively seek new opportunities to learn and experience new things, as it helps them better understand how different pieces fit together.
- Second, they ask, “Why.” This allows them to go beyond surface-level answers and drill into underlying assumptions or beliefs that may no longer be valid.
- Finally, original thinkers have an intense curiosity that drives their thirst for knowledge and exploration.
They are willing to take risks to uncover hidden insights, which can lead to breakthroughs in thinking about everyday problems.
Habit 6: Taking Risks
Original thinkers often take risks to achieve their goals. Taking risks is an essential part of being an original thinker, and those who practice it regularly tend to have better success in life.
But how can we identify the best surprising habits that separate successful risk-takers from the rest? Here are a few key traits that original thinkers share when it comes to taking risks:
- First, they tend to be well-informed decision-makers. Original thinkers understand that taking risks requires knowledge and research ahead of time. They know what they’re getting themselves into before committing, so they can make more informed decisions about what steps must be taken next.
- Secondly, original thinkers stay focused on their goals even while taking risks. They never forget why they started this journey in the first place and don’t let fear or hesitation stand in their way.
Habit 7: Seeking Feedback
Original thinkers who bring fresh perspectives and generate innovative ideas possess a unique approach to seeking Feedback. Rather than shying away from criticism or seeking validation, they actively embrace Feedback as a valuable tool for growth and improvement. Let’s explore the surprising habits of original thinkers when it comes to seeking Feedback.
1. Embracing Constructive Criticism: Original thinkers understand that constructive criticism is an opportunity for growth. They view Feedback as a means to refine their ideas, challenge their assumptions, and uncover blind spots. Instead of becoming defensive, they welcome diverse viewpoints and actively seek Feedback from others.
2. Actively Seeking Different Perspectives: Original thinkers understand the value of diverse perspectives. They actively seek Feedback from a wide range of individuals, including peers, mentors, experts, and even those with opposing views. By gathering insights from diverse sources, they gain a deeper understanding of their ideas and can refine them accordingly.
3. Remaining Open to New Ideas: Original thinkers are open-minded and receptive to new ideas. They understand that Feedback can come in various forms, and they actively listen to different perspectives without dismissing them. They are willing to consider alternative viewpoints, recognizing that they can lead to breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions.
4. Asking Specific and Targeted Questions: Original thinkers intentionally seek Feedback. Rather than asking for general opinions, they ask specific, targeted questions to gather meaningful insights. They focus on areas where they need input, allowing them to gather actionable Feedback to propel their thinking forward.
5. Actively Engaging in Dialogue: Instead of passively receiving Feedback, original thinkers engage in active dialogue with those providing Feedback. They ask follow-up questions, seek clarification, and delve deeper into shared perspectives. This interactive exchange helps them extract valuable insights and challenge their thinking.
6. Reflecting on Feedback: Original thinkers understand the importance of reflection. They take the time to consider the Feedback they receive carefully. They analyze the Feedback, identify patterns or recurring themes, and reflect on how it aligns with their goals and vision. This reflection enables them to make informed decisions about how to incorporate or respond to the Feedback they have received.
7. Balancing Confidence and Humility: Original thinkers balance confidence in their ideas and humility in seeking Feedback. They are secure enough in their capabilities and ideas to seek input actively, recognizing that collaboration and diverse perspectives can elevate their thinking.
By adopting these surprising habits, original thinkers leverage Feedback as a powerful tool to refine their ideas, challenge their assumptions, and propel their creativity. They recognize that seeking Feedback is not a sign of weakness but rather a pathway to growth, innovation, and developing genuinely original ideas.
FAQs related to Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers
Q1. Can our thoughts affect others?
Ans: Yes, our thoughts can have an impact on others. Our thoughts can influence our behavior, actions, and communication, which can influence the thoughts and emotions of those around us.
Q2. Can we control our thoughts?
Ans: While we cannot control every single thought that arises in our minds, we can influence and redirect our thoughts through practices like mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral techniques.
Q3. Can we learn without thinking?
Ans: Thinking is an integral part of the learning process. It involves processing information, making connections, and applying knowledge. While some learning may happen instinctively or through repetition, conscious thinking enhances comprehension and retention.
Q4. Do all thoughts come from the brain?
Ans: Thoughts are a product of the brain’s complex neural processes. They arise from the interactions of neurons and the transmission of electrical signals and chemical messengers within the brain.
Q5. Do negative thoughts become a reality?
Ans: Negative thoughts alone do not necessarily become a reality, but they can influence our perception, emotions, and actions, which in turn can shape our experiences. It is essential to challenge and reframe negative thoughts to promote positive outcomes.
Q6. Do thoughts create emotions?
Ans: Thoughts and emotions are closely interconnected. Our thoughts can trigger emotional responses, and emotions can influence the nature and content of our thoughts. They have a reciprocal relationship.
Q7. How does Adam Grant describe original thinkers?
Ans: Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, and author, describes original thinkers as individuals who challenge the status quo, think creatively, and generate new ideas. They are open-minded, curious, and willing to take risks.
Q8. How does our brain form creative and original ideas?
Ans: The brain forms creative and original ideas through associative thinking, divergent thinking, and integrating existing knowledge with new perspectives. It involves making novel connections and exploring alternative possibilities.
Q9. Is a critical thinker open-minded?
Ans: Yes, critical thinkers are open-minded. They are willing to consider different viewpoints, evaluate evidence objectively, and challenge their assumptions. Open-mindedness is a crucial component of critical thinking.
Q10. Is thinking a part of memory?
Ans: Thinking and memory are interconnected processes. Thinking involves:
- They are recalling and manipulating stored information from memory.
- We are applying logical reasoning.
- They are generating new insights and ideas.
Q11. Is thinking born or learned?
Ans: While the capacity for thinking is innate, developing practical thinking skills is a learned process. Thinking skills can be nurtured, honed, and refined through education, practice, and exposure to diverse experiences.
Q12. Is thinking part of intelligence?
Ans: Yes, thinking is an essential aspect of intelligence. Intelligence involves processing information, solving problems, making decisions, and engaging in critical and creative thinking.
Q13. What age do you start thinking?
Ans: Thinking begins at an early age, but the nature and complexity of thinking evolve as cognitive abilities develop.
From infancy, individuals demonstrate initial forms of thinking, which then progress and mature as they grow from childhood into adulthood.
Q14. What are the main points of the surprising habits of original thinkers?
Ans: The main points of the surprising habits of original thinkers include embracing curiosity, challenging conventional wisdom, tolerating ambiguity, taking risks, fostering diverse perspectives, and maintaining resilience in the face of failure.
Q15. What controls thoughts?
Ans: Thoughts are controlled by various brain cognitive processes and neural networks. The regulation and shaping of thoughts are significantly influenced by areas such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala.
Q16. What does original thinker mean?
Ans: An original thinker thinks independently, creatively, and innovatively. They bring fresh perspectives, challenge existing norms, and generate novel ideas or solutions.
Q17. What is learning by thinking called?
Ans: Learning through thinking is known as reflective thinking or metacognition. It involves active self-reflection, analyzing experiences, and making connections to deepen understanding and enhance future learning.
Q18. What is the significance of original thinking?
Ans: Original thinking is significant as it drives innovation, problem-solving, and progress in various domains. It fosters creativity, encourages critical thinking, and develops new ideas, products, and solutions.
Q19. What makes an original thinker?
Ans: Original thinkers possess curiosity, creativity, open-mindedness, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge established norms. They value diverse perspectives, embrace ambiguity, and are driven to make a beneficial influence.
Q20. Why do people avoid thinking?
Ans: People may avoid thinking due to fear of failure, a preference for conformity, cognitive biases, lack of motivation, or reliance on habitual patterns. Avoiding thinking can provide comfort and familiarity but may hinder personal growth and innovative thinking.
Conclusion Points:
Original thinkers have the potential to bring about immense change and progress. They possess unique habits that can be cultivated by anyone willing to put in the effort.
Original thinkers can develop innovative ideas that revolutionize our world by developing a curious mindset, taking risks, embracing failure, and challenging the status quo.
Moreover, practices such as being open-minded and willing to learn from others are essential traits for any individual who wishes to think outside the box.
Read more:
