Looking to overcome the challenges that get in the way of your creativity? You’re not alone. Whether you’re feeling stuck, doubting your ideas, or just want to find ways to boost your creative living, there’s a way out. There are tons of excellent creativity books out there that share practical tips to help break through mental blocks and reconnect with your creative side. This summary explores some of the best books on creativity that provide advice and insights to help you move past whatever might be holding you back. We’ll cover:
- What Stops You From Being Creative?
- The 7 Best Books on Creativity
- 2 Bonus Book Recommendations
Let’s get straight into it.
What Stops You From Being Creative?
Creativity requires courage to take your own path and be willing to defy the crowd. Often, when people struggle to express their creativity, it’s because they are more concerned about the risks of self-expression and how others might perceive their actions. Or they’re not putting themselves in situations that allow for genuine self-expression – which can feel like a creative block. Here are more insights into what may hinder 1) your being a creative person and 2) getting out of a creative rut.
Becoming a More Creative Person
Fear of standing out:
Many people have creative abilities but don’t showcase them often because they’re uncomfortable doing so. It can take time to move past the fear of exposure and build confidence in sharing creative work.
Lack of courage
It’s normal to doubt the execution of your ideas or worry about how others will perceive them. Sometimes, others may criticize you, or your plans might not come to fruition as expected. However, it’s essential to develop the courage to keep going and avoid giving up too quickly.
The Trap of Always Doing Things the “Right” Way
Sticking to the same old ways because they feel like the “right” thing can really hold back your creativity and keep you from seeing other options. Being curious and asking questions about different approaches doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it’s an opportunity to check out new methods that could make your work more fun and fulfilling.
Fear of opposition
If you go into a creative process already anticipating others’ thoughts towards it will be negative, this could be counterproductive. You’ll end up compromising your creative vision to align with what you think others want, which dilutes the originality of your ideas.
Getting out of a creativity rut
Repetition and Monotony
Sometimes, when you’re feeling uninspired to do creative work it’s because you’ve been doing the same things repeatedly – for instance being in the same atmosphere. This limits your ability to think outside established patterns, explore new possibilities, and experiment with alternative approaches.
Stress and Overwhelm
For the most part, stress has a negative effect on creativity. Research suggests that when you’re severely stressed your brain can be so focused on solving bigger problems that your creative cognition takes a back seat. Also, stress makes it harder to switch between different ideas or think in flexible ways, which are really important for the creative process.
Lack of Self-Care
If you’re tired, notice that it’s taking longer to get things done, and you’re just feeling hopeless, burnout might be the cause. Being burnout, which often stems from overexerting yourself, is bad for your health, and can make you lose all interest and motivation in creative work.
Mental Clutter
While having multiple ideas can spark creativity, an overly cluttered mind often makes it difficult to focus on your creative tasks and organize thoughts clearly. The mental overload can also lead to frustration or negative feelings, which can drain motivation and disrupt the creative flow.
The 7 Best Books on Creativity
Here is a list of the best books on creativity – that we’re certain will help you improve creative thinking, boost your creative abilities, unlock true inspiration, and move you forward on your creative journey.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
1-Sentence Summary
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield exposes the invisible force of Resistance that hinders creativity and shows readers how to overcome it.
What It Teaches You
This book teaches you to recognize and combat the fear-driven obstacles that prevent you from fulfilling your potential. By treating creative work like a profession, showing up daily, persisting through challenges, and focusing on long-term mastery, you can unlock your creativity and live your calling.
Key Takeaways
Pressfield stresses the role of resistance in stifling creativity. He says that resistance is a fear-powered, invisible force that manifests as procrastination, self-doubt, and distraction. A few ways to remedy this include treating your craft seriously, committing to it fully, and detaching from external validation. He reminds us that fear indicates importance: The stronger the resistance, the more meaningful the endeavor.
Best For
Perfect for artists, entrepreneurs, writers, and anyone struggling to overcome internal barriers to achieve their creative goals.
Favorite Quote
“Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.”
Book Review
Pressfield delivers a powerful, no-nonsense guide for anyone wrestling with creative blocks. His portrayal of Resistance resonates deeply, and his actionable advice empowers readers to take control of their creative lives. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned creator, The War of Art will challenge your mindset and inspire you to persevere in your journey.
You can read our detailed The War of Art summary here.
Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull
1-Sentence Summary
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull explores how to nurture creativity, overcome unseen forces like fear of failure and mental models, and build a sustainable, innovative culture in the workplace.
What It Teaches You
This breakthrough book teaches leaders and teams how to foster honesty, embrace experimentation, learn from failures, and challenge conventional thinking to unlock true creative potential. It emphasizes building a culture where creativity thrives by addressing barriers like fear, stress, and stagnation.
Key Takeaways
Ed Catmull says that creative success comes from honesty, working together, learning from mistakes, and accepting uncertainty. Furthermore, to be creatively successful, we must overcome barriers like fear of failure, rigid thinking, and mental clutter that prevent innovation.
Leaders can encourage creativity by hiring smart people, promoting open communication and experimentation in teams, and adjusting their thinking to better manage change.
Best For
Leaders seeking to build creative teams and innovative company cultures and creatives struggling with self-doubt, mental clutter, or uncertainty in their work.
Favorite Quote
“Failure isn’t a necessary evil. In fact, it isn’t evil at all. It is a necessary consequence of doing something new.”
Book Review
Creativity Inc. is an inspiring and practical guide for anyone looking to nurture creativity and overcome organizational and personal barriers. Ed Catmull draws on decades of experience at Pixar and Disney Animation to share how successful innovation arises not from perfection but from embracing imperfection, candor, and failure. With captivating behind-the-scenes stories, like Pixar’s creation of Toy Story, Catmull reveals the challenges of managing change, handling creative monotony, and combating mental clutter.
You can read our detailed Creativity, Inc. summary here.
Finding Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
1-Sentence Summary
Finding Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi reveals how to create a life of engagement, growth, and fulfillment by transforming everyday activities into opportunities for flow.
What It Teaches You
The book teaches readers how to identify and cultivate “flow experiences,” immersive moments where time disappears, focus sharpens, and activities become deeply rewarding. This concept is especially powerful for creatives, as it provides a framework for harnessing their skills, managing distractions, and turning artistic or professional challenges into opportunities for peak performance.
Key Takeaways
The book underscores that our quality of life hinges on how we invest our time, energy, and attention, resources that are often scattered or underutilized in today’s world. Flow emerges when we are fully immersed in an activity that balances challenge and skill, offers clear goals, and provides immediate feedback. To “find flow,” he encourages readers to embrace challenges, refine their focus, and commit to their craft with an attitude of amor fati, finding joy and purpose in what they must do.
Best For
Professionals looking to unlock their full potential, as well as anyone seeking deeper fulfillment and engagement in daily life.
Favorite Quote
“A person in flow is completely focused. There is no space in consciousness for distracting thoughts, irrelevant feelings. Self-consciousness disappears, yet one feels stronger than usual.”
Book Review
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi expands on his pioneering work in positive psychology to illustrate that true fulfillment comes not from passive happiness but from active, intentional engagement. Csikszentmihalyi provides practical strategies for directing focus, embracing challenges, and maximizing creative potential. He challenges conventional ideas about work and free time, encouraging us to approach every moment, whether spent creating, problem-solving, or reflecting, with intention and curiosity.
You can read our detailed Finding Flow summary here.
Think like Da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb
1-Sentence Summary
Think Like Da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb distills Leonardo da Vinci’s creative genius into seven actionable principles.
What It Teaches You
The book teaches readers how to model Leonardo da Vinci’s mindset and habits to enhance creativity, independent thinking, and problem-solving. By adopting Da Vinci’s insatiable curiosity, practical experimentation, and a holistic approach to life, you can cultivate a sharper mind, greater self-expression, and a broader perspective on the world.
Key Takeaways
Leonardo da Vinci’s genius is accessible to all of us through Gelb’s seven Da Vincian principles. Curiosita, or continuous curiosity, drives us to ask questions and explore answers passionately. Dimostrazione urges us to test knowledge through real-life experience, learning from successes and failures. The remaining principles, Sensazione (heightening sensory awareness), Sfumato (embracing ambiguity), Arte/Scienza (balancing logic and creativity), Corporalita (achieving physical and mental balance), and Connessione (maintaining a big-picture perspective), offer a roadmap to harmonize intellectual, creative, and physical pursuits for overall mastery.
Best For
Individuals seeking to unleash their creativity, enhance their problem-solving skills, and adopt a lifelong learning mindset.
Favorite Quote
“Obstacles do not bend me. I do not depart from my furrow.”
Book Review
Michael J. Gelb’s Think Like Da Vinci is an inspiring and practical guide to tapping into our innate genius, drawing inspiration from one of history’s most brilliant minds. Gelb blends stories of Leonardo’s life with actionable exercises, making the seven Da Vincian principles accessible and achievable. From nurturing curiosity to balancing art and science, the book challenges readers to think independently and embrace ambiguity. While some exercises may feel extensive, the book’s strength lies in its ability to spark curiosity and motivate readers to experiment, reflect, and grow.
You can read our detailed Think Like Da Vinci summary here.
Inside Real Innovation by Eugene Fitzgerald & Andreas Wankerl
1-Sentence Summary
Inside Real Innovation reveals the iterative processes behind transforming ideas into impactful innovations.
What It Teaches You
While this book is not a typical guide for creatives, it offers a refreshing perspective on how innovation works beyond ideation. By breaking down the journey of translating ideas into market-ready innovations, the authors introduce practical principles that can resonate with anyone trying to make their ideas a reality. At the heart of the book lies the universal T-M-I model (Technology, Market, Implementation), which teaches that innovation is not a linear path but an iterative process that requires adapting, learning, and experimentation.
Key Takeaways
The authors emphasize that innovation isn’t limited to groundbreaking technologies or corporate processes; it’s a mindset and process that applies to any meaningful creative work. Successful innovation demands the right combination of skills (talent), resources (investment), and environments that support exploration and growth.
Best For
This book is for creatives, innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking practical guidance on transforming ideas into real results.
Favorite Quote
“Real innovation more often begins with a confluence of factors coming together in the minds of innovators.”
Book Review
Inside Real Innovation provides valuable lessons for anyone wanting to turn creative ideas into reality. Fitzgerald and Wankerl explain the innovation process clearly. They emphasize that achieving meaningful results requires trying, learning, and focusing on getting things done. This book is a helpful guide for personal creative projects or professional innovation. It encourages a more flexible, adaptable, and effective approach to your work.
You can read our detailed Inside Real Innovation summary here.
A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger
1-Sentence Summary
In A More Beautiful Question, Warren Berger highlights the transformative power of asking the right questions to unlock creativity, and solve complex problems.
What It Teaches You
This book teaches readers to embrace inquiry as a tool for innovation and problem-solving. Berger provides a framework for effective questioning,Why, What If, and How, and illustrates how powerful, open-ended questions can lead to breakthroughs, encourage reflection, and help individuals and organizations navigate challenges.
Key Takeaways
Questions are essential for innovation and problem-solving. Berger introduces the concept of “beautiful questions” ambitious yet actionable inquiries that challenge assumptions and inspire solutions.
Berger stresses the need for inquiry in education, personal growth, and business, sharing examples of innovators like Jeff Bezos and Larry Page, who benefitted from inquiry-based education.
Best For
This book is perfect for business leaders, innovators, educators, and anyone seeking to think differently, and solve problems creatively.
Favorite Quote
“We’re all hungry for better answers. But first, we need to learn how to ask the right questions.”
Book Review
“A More Beautiful Question” by Warren Berger explores how asking the right questions can lead to new ideas, creativity, and solutions to problems in all areas of life. The book has a simple structure with three key parts: Why, What If, and How. This framework helps people solve problems without making it too complicated. Berger’s inclusion of real-world examples, from businesses like Amazon to inquiry-based education models, makes his ideas relatable and actionable. Readers will gain a new appreciation for questions as tools for learning and innovation.
You can our detailed A More Beautiful Question summary here.
Originals by Adam Grant
1-Sentence Summary
Originals by Adam Grant explores how ordinary people can nurture creativity, challenge norms, and turn original ideas into meaningful change by managing risks and unleashing originality in both work and home environments.
What It Teaches You
This book demonstrates that being original doesn’t require innate genius or a fearless personality. Instead, Adam Grant shares actionable strategies for generating, refining, and championing creative ideas while managing the emotions, risks, and challenges that come with breaking away from the status quo.
Key Takeaways
One of the central messages is that originality is about rejecting default options and pursuing better possibilities, even when they defy conventional norms. Grant provides valuable insights, such as the benefits of strategic procrastination, which allows creative ideas to incubate rather than being prematurely fixed. He explains how to pitch unconventional ideas effectively, manage emotions like fear or doubt, and build coalitions for support.
Best For
Originals is ideal for leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, and individuals who want to challenge the status quo, and nurture their creativity.
Favorite Quote
“The hallmark of originality is rejecting the default and exploring whether a better option exists.”
Book Review
Adam Grant’s Originals is a masterful exploration of what it takes to innovate and make a difference in a world often resistant to change. Through engaging case studies, surprising anecdotes, and well-researched insights, Grant shatters the myth that originality belongs only to the fearless or the genius. Instead, he provides a clear roadmap for anyone who wants to think differently and act boldly without recklessness.
You can read our detailed Originals summary here.
Bonus Best Books on Creativity
The Art of Possibility By Ben & Rosa Zander
The Art of Possibility encourages us to change our mindset to unlock endless creativity and satisfaction. Authors Benjamin Zander, with his musical flair, and Rosamund Zander, who brings her therapy and coaching skills, share 12 game-changing practices aimed at transforming how we view and engage with the world. They suggest that a lot of our limits are actually self-imposed – just stories we tell ourselves about what can or can’t happen. Practices like “Everything is Invented” and “Move from Scarcity to Abundance” help us shake off narrow thinking and welcome a wealth of ideas and possibilities.
The book emphasizes teamwork and seeing the bigger picture with concepts like “Be the Chess Board” and “Focus on WE,” which motivate us to tackle challenges in fresh ways. Real-life examples and interactive exercises make these practices easy to apply, encouraging us to try new things and reach our full potential.
You can read our detailed The Art of Possibility summary here.
Start with Why By Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” looks at what makes great leaders and drives real success – and it’s all about having a purpose. He introduces the concept of the Golden Circle, which demonstrates that starting with a clear and genuine WHY builds loyalty, sparks innovation, and creates a meaningful difference. If you’re looking to boost your creativity, this book is a goldmine: reconnecting with your core purpose helps you break away from shallow, short-term thinking and dive into deeper, more genuine ideas. Whether you’re a leader, creator, or innovator, “Start with Why” gives you the clarity and motivation to make change happen and inspire others along the way.
You can read our detailed Start with why summary here.
Conclusion
One of the most important ways to increase your chances of boosting creativity, or achieving anything you set your heart on, is to keep practicing. The ability to come up with fresh ideas on the spot and the courage to share them won’t just appear overnight; you may even experience some setbacks along the way. However, creative minds often say that it is during these setbacks and periods of stagnation that insights and future successes emerge. So, keep practicing.
Consider reading as many of the suggested best-selling books to help enhance your free thinking and creative endeavors in both your personal and professional life. Check out the links above, or subscribe for the detailed text, infographic and audio summaries for all the titles above, and hundreds more.
Happy reading and learning!
