Have you been told there’s nothing new under the sun? Of course, there are new things under the sun.

Creativity is not some magic, mystery talent we either have or don’t have. Creativity is simply making the common uncommon by doing the opposite of the always.

All we have to do is Think Outside the Boring.

For example, Steve Jobs said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect the dots looking backwards.”

He was brilliant, and I disagree. We can absolutely connect the dots forward. Here’s an example.

When I spoke at the Conscious Capitalism Summit, I turned my book signings into live POP! Seats. Instead of just autographing books, I asked people in line what they wanted to POP! – a pitch, proposal, book, talk, title, or brand – and then I connected their dots forward.

One man told me he was a leadership consultant and wanted to speak and write about his lessons learned.

I asked, “What do you do when you’re not working?”

He said, “I host Shakespeare salons where we act out the different parts of a play.”

Bingo.

I drafted his book cover on the spot, and the group gasped as I showed them the title… To Lead or Not to Lead?

He got a million-dollar brand for $12 and three minutes of my time and mind.

So, the next time someone tells you, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” you say… Hold my beer.