Our creative imaginations distinguish us as people with unique talents. Creativity allows us to connect the apparently unconnected and see uniqueness in events and situations that otherwise appear ordinary.

Mary Lou Cook defined creativity as "inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun." Creative effort uncovers new possibilities and options.

Each person is gifted with creativity; it lives just below the surface of our conscious thoughts. Yet we can nurture this divine gift to blossom and grow. How can we access our natural creativity to solve problems and feel the happiness and satisfaction it brings?

First, realize that you are always creating with your imagination. Every action and creation begins first in the mind. Stop for a moment and visualize the perfect outcome to an objective or problem. Then ask yourself, "What actions could lead to this outcome?" Challenge yourself to list 20 actions you could take, no matter how impractical they might initially seem.

Here is another technique that my clients have loved using to generate ideas. Imagine new endeavors or actions by associating them with a list of words that describe the feeling behind what you would like to create.

For example. In developing my new project or taking my next action, what would be picturesque, bold, inspiring, colorful, animated, compelling, original, compassionate, adventurous, artistic, brief, time-saving, or powerful.

Construct your descriptive list to reflect your point of view about what you would like to achieve. Then try matching several new ideas with each word. Most importantly, do not judge your initial ideas. Write down whatever comes to mind.

This is a process you can return to from time to time as new ideas occur. It is a fun and effective way to experiment and generate many ideas more quickly than otherwise. Best of all, awakening your creative imagination will bring authentic joy and fulfillment in the achievement of your goals.