We don’t really think about it, but relationships are very complex.

Even the most common, everyday relationships you have in life – with family, friends and co-workers, have an element of complexity that you may not easily recognize until conflict arises.

How do you manage those relationships and get the most out of them? More on How to Get the Most out of Your Relationships

There are moments in everyone’s life when despair crowds your mind, blinding you to everything you’ve accomplished, and all the talents you have.

Instead, your only wish is that you could become something other than the completely unique person you are. In an instant, you’d agree to throw away everything you’ve worked for, personally and spiritually, and become “just like the others.”

Keep in mind, of course, that the others are thinking exactly the same thing—we’re all plagued by self-doubt, although many people are very good at hiding it.

We’ve all been at social events and admired some so-called “social lion,” who exudes a level of confidence that we can only envy.

What confidence?! More on The Missing Link: Building Some Self Worth!

Some people have the mistaken notion that only a few lucky geniuses can unlock their creative thinking skills.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The fact of the matter is that creativity is something like an organ we’re all born with, but that may become atrophied and weakened if not used regularly.

However, like any other part of our physical bodies, creative skills are something that can be trained and strengthened with regular use. Here are a few techniques for creative thinking:

1. Absorb everything around you.

Before you can produce yourself, you need to learn how to soak in as much information as you can.

More on Creative Thinking Exercises