The Art of Creative Thinking by Rod Judkins Book Review

Friends, we often think of creativity as a rare talent, as if it's only possessed by artists, writers, inventors, investors, or geniuses. But the key point of The Art of Creative Thinking is that creativity is actually present in every human being. The only difference is that some people know how to use this skill, while others suppress it due to routine and fear.

Creative thinking doesn't mean coming up with fancy ideas. It means looking at the world from a slightly different angle, questioning situations, and always being open to possibilities. Judkins says that our creativity shines when we challenge assumptions, step out of our comfort zone, and notice interesting patterns even in small things. Creativity works like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Creative thinking gives you a unique advantage in every area of life—business, relationships, problem-solving, communication, career—through practical habits and simple examples.

This book explains how everyone can make their mind free, flowing, curious, and fresh. In the following 10 parts, we'll break down the book's most important lessons in easy, relatable language. If you're new to the channel, subscribe, as we post summaries of the best books daily. Let's start with part one—breaking the comfort zone.

The first principle of creative thinking is to shake your comfort zone. The comfort zone is a place where everything is predictable, safe, and easy. But the problem is that creativity never thrives in a predictable environment. When we continue to follow the same routine, the same method, the same thinking pattern, the brain goes into repetitive mode. Jutkins says that creativity begins when we allow ourselves a little discomfort, such as new experiences, new people, new places, or new skills.

When we face unfamiliar situations, the brain naturally becomes alert and begins to form new connections. These connections lead to new ideas. Let's understand this with a small example: if we follow the same path every day, we won't notice anything new. But choosing a new path forces our mind to observe its surroundings. Colors, sounds, traffic, people—all of these fuel creativity.

Creative people intentionally take a little risk in their lives—trying a new hobby, having uncomfortable conversations, reading about a random topic, or facing a small fear. These small discomforts are what refresh your thinking. Stepping out of your comfort zone isn't a big step. Small daily activities are enough. When your mind gets variety, ideas flow naturally.

Part Number Two: Thinking from a Different Angle.

There's a strong rule of creative thinking: See things the same way everyone else is seeing, but think differently. Our thinking often follows a fixed pattern. We view problems from one perspective and expect similar solutions. Judkins says that creative people view the world by changing camera angles. Just as moving a camera up, down, or sideways can create a completely different picture, changing the angle of the mind generates ideas.

In a real-world example, the microwave was invented by chocolate accidentally melting in a scientist's jeans. A normal person might have thought, "Oh, the pocket was hot, so it must have melted." But creative thinking asks: Wait, what's the source of the heat? How can we use it? This is the basic formula for creativity—question + curiosity = new idea.

You can adopt a few simple habits—reverse thinking, reframing, and combining ideas—to change your thinking. When you consciously explore new angles, your thinking becomes flexible, creative, and surprising.

Part Number Three: Keeping Curiosity Alive.

Curiosity is the heart of creative thinking. As children, we were interested in everything—why? How? When? Where? As we grow older, we become more practical and ask fewer questions. Jutgins says that creativity comes to those who don't get bored with the world but instead look for newness in everything. The simple rule of curiosity is: don't stop when you get answers, but ask more questions.

A curious mind finds depth in even the smallest things. For example, a normal person would simply consider raindrops as rain, but a creative mind might ask: how are these drops falling? What is the pattern? What can this sound be used for? The way to develop curiosity is simple—noticing your surroundings, reading, traveling, random conversations, and hobbies.

As your information and exposure increase, the pool of ideas also widens. Creative minds never make assumptions, they explore. Curiosity keeps the mind alive, and an alive mind is a creative mind.

Part Number Four: Handling Fear.

The biggest blocker to creativity isn't a lack of talent, but rather fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of "what will people say?" Jutgins says that creative people never wait for the perfect idea. They even try imperfect ideas because they know that ideas evolve in execution.

Fear puts the brain in safe mode. When we avoid risk, we also avoid learning, growth, and creativity. Creative people use fear as a signal. When the brain says, "Don't do this," they think, "Maybe I should try this." They treat failure as feedback.

Techniques for handling fear include acknowledging fear, breaking down work into small steps, thinking about worst-case scenarios, and making action a habit. Action breaks fear.

Part Number Five: Challenging the Rules.

Every field has accepted rules that people follow without thinking. Zitkins says creative breakthroughs happen when someone challenges the rules. The Wright Brothers, Picasso, Netflix—all broke existing rules. Rule-breaking doesn't mean disrespect, but rather finding better alternatives. A creative mind first understands the system and then asks, "How can we make it better?"

Part Number Six: Sharpening Observation Skills.

Great ideas often stem from something we've seen or noticed somewhere. Like artists, creative people observe details—expressions, shadows, colors, movements. The way to increase observation is to slow down and notice three new things every day. This raw material is what later becomes ideas.

Part Number Seven: Embracing Simplicity.

Creative ideas don't have to be complicated. Apple, Google Search, Post-it Notes—all are examples of simplicity. Simplicity means clarity. Creative people break down complex problems into simple forms and ask, "What's the actual issue?"

Part Eight: Turn Boredom into Creativity Fuel.

Jatkins says, "Boredom is not the enemy of creativity, but its friend. Phones and noise don't allow the mind to think. Boredom moments give the mind space to wonder, and that's where creative connections are formed. Therefore, it's beneficial to turn bored time into thoughtful time.

Part Nine: Experiment.

Creative people don't just think, they also test. Experimentation means trial and error. Every experiment teaches something and makes the mind bold and flexible.

Part Ten: Prioritize Action.

The rarest thing in the world of ideas is action. People keep thinking, and ideas die. Action provides clarity and creates momentum. Creative people prefer small steps because they keep ideas alive.

The Art of Creative Thinking explains that creativity is not a magical gift but an everyday lifestyle. When we step out of our comfort zone, cultivate curiosity, observe, challenge the rules, and take action—creativity becomes natural.

Rod Judkins explains that creative thinking is a combination of bravery, simplicity, curiosity, experimentation, and observation. In life, creative thinking makes our decisions smarter, simplifies problems, and makes our identity unique. Creativity brings energy, freshness, and confidence not only to our careers but also to our personal lives.

If you add a little experimentation, a little curiosity, and a little observation to your daily life, you'll naturally start thinking more innovatively. The final message of this book is simple—creativity isn't something to be found, it's something to be developed. The more you explore, the more you question, and the more you take action, the more creative you'll become.

Also read: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown Book Review

Also read: The Between by Ryan Leslie Book Review

Also read: Museum of Magic by Beth Revis Book Review

Also read: Memento Monstrum by Jochen Till Book Review

Also read: The Case of the Damaged Detective by Drew Hayes Book Review