Most of us lack confidence in our ability to create. We cling to the belief that we are born creative or noncreative, and nothing can be done about it. This notion is however not true, knowing the principles of creative thinking is a big step toward developing creativity.
First: clearly define the problem.
It sounds obvious but even seemingly simple problems may not be precisely put. For example, a mother having a problem with his son for not eating eggs as a source of protein, clearly stated the problem is the son not taking enough protein. So instead of the son rebelling against eggs, the mother could find an alternative source of protein in which the boy would take.
Second: Think of all possible solutions.
Good decisions come from a choice among many alternatives. The fertile innovator approaches his problem from every point of view and lets the thoughts come tumbling.
Third: Forget the problem for a while.
Teachers encourage students after a long period of seemingly fruitless work to turn the problem over to the subconscious. Our brains work mysterious calculations and then suddenly, in a day or a week or a month an answer may pop into the mind. Other things being equal, the person with the most knowledge in his field will be the most creative in it.
Fourth: Evaluate the ideas; select the best; act upon it.
Write down all the ideas and, after a day or two select the best and act upon it.
Now that you've got all the principles,"How would you arrange four 9's add up to 100?"