Climbing Bubbles: How To Increase Your "Creative IQ"

by Patrick Sanaghan

Unlock Your Creative Potential with - Climbing How To Increase Your "Creative IQ"

In his book 'Climbing How To Increase Your "Creative IQ" Dr. Patrick Sanaghan explores the universal aspect of creativity, emphasizing its learnable and improvable nature. While he once believed creativity was the domain of "creative types" such as dancers, poets, and artists, Dr. Sanaghan now asserts that most of us are "practical" creatives.

This book illuminates our daily problem-solving activities, rooted in creative thinking and imagination, which often go unnoticed. Drawing on more than two decades of research in leadership creativity, Dr. Sanaghan delivers a concise and engaging guide on how to elevate your Creativity IQ.

Within these pages, you'll discover an arsenal of over 50 practical strategies and exercises meticulously designed to cultivate your personal creativity and equip you with the tools to conquer life's challenges. Much like a muscle demanding regular exercise, creativity must be nurtured, or it risks withering into an untapped resource. 'Climbing Bubbles' is your gateway to unlocking and harnessing your creative potential.

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2023

Reviews

[Bill Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded Climbing Bubbles by Patrick Sanaghan to help boost my creativity. With tangible examples and a positive tone, the book is perfect for writers, artists, and all aspiring creatives. The author’s authentic writing style makes complex ideas accessible, and the inclusion of an “idea-catching system” is particularly noteworthy. Drawing on over 20 years of research, the book offers valuable techniques and activities to foster creativity. It’s an easy read with strategies to overcome creative obstacles and unlock your full potential. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their creative abilities.

[Rozsa Gaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good suggestions to revitalize a company

This book offers interesting suggestions to change things up when organizations need improvement. The author follows up each suggestion with real-life examples of how to do it. The book's formatting could be more polished and the author overuses exclamation marks, but otherwise a good read.

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Streams of CREATIVITY

I have enjoyed this book as it has been an easy read about sparking our creativity for everyday living. The author shares very good habits that will change our perspective in life & leads us to a happier way of living

[Elisabeth Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful resource

Sanaghan delves into all things practical creative and gives very straightforward advice on how to get the juices flowing. Highly recommend!

[Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this on a whim because the title intrigued me and I am so glad I did. It is a really honest, refreshing look at how our brains work when we try to solve problems. I loved reading about the different routines of famous creative people, it made me realise I need to find my own rhythm instead of forcing it. The author has a very comforting tone, it feels like he genuinely wants to help people unlock their potential. There are a few extra commas here and there, but it just makes it feel more like a real person talking to you. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to bring a bit more innovation into their life.

[Shrishti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare to find a book about ideas that actually tells you how to get them, usually they just talk in circles. I found the section on creating a supportive space incredibly helpful, I realised my workspace was completely draining my energy and making it impossible to focus. Just adding a few plants and changing where my desk faces has made a massive difference to my daily output. Climbing Bubbles is full of these small, practical changes that anyone can actually do. The author has a really warm style, it is not preachy at all which I appreciate. Sometimes the text repeats a point or two, but it actually helps it stick in your mind. I am really glad I picked this one up.

[Manuj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to think creativity was just something you were either born with or not, to be honest. This book completely changed my perspective on that because it gives you actual, real-world tools to change how you think. The bit about making your thinking visible really struck a chord with me, I have started using flip charts at home to map out my ideas and it genuinely works. It helps to clear the mental clutter when you can actually see it all laid out in front of you. Patrick Sanaghan writes in a way that is just so accessible and down to earth, there is no confusing jargon. It feels like a wise friend giving you some great advice over a cup of coffee. Definitely worth a read if you feel a bit stuck.

[Manu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always struggled with capturing my ideas before they just sort of float away and disappear. The suggestion in here about having an idea-catching system was a proper game-changer for me, now I keep a notebook by the bed and use an app on my phone constantly. It is reassuring to read that even famous authors like Stephen King have strict routines to get their creative juices flowing. It makes you realise that inspiration is more about habit than magic. Patrick Sanaghan Ed.D. has put together something really valuable here, it is simple but very effective. The book has some quirky moments, like the bit about having a drink, which made me laugh but also made a lot of sense.

[Shubh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit sceptical at first because these types of books can often sound a bit too academic or detached from reality. However, this one really surprised me with how down-to-earth it is. The suggestions are all things you can easily integrate into a busy life, like taking five minutes to mind map an issue. Climbing Bubbles really highlights how much our physical surroundings affect our mental clarity, which is something I had totally ignored before. It has changed the way I organise my study, and I feel much more focused now. A truly practical and insightful read for anyone.

[Kalash · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are feeling a bit stuck in a rut with your work or hobby, this book is exactly what you need to shake things up. The section detailing the daily rituals of prolific creators was absolutely fascinating to read, it shows that consistency is key. I have started creating my own little morning ritual before I start writing, and it has helped immensely. The author, Patrick Sanaghan, has a great way of breaking down complex ideas into simple steps that do not feel overwhelming. It is an honest, helpful book that does not promise miracles but gives you real tools.

[Divyanshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful guide for anyone wanting to boost their cognitive skills and find new ways of thinking. The concept of an idea-catching system is something I have started implementing every single day, I use sticky notes all over my desk now and it really helps. It is quite comforting to know that even great minds like Maya Angelou had to find specific spaces to get their work done. Patrick Sanaghan writes with a lot of warmth and insight, making the whole process feel achievable. It is a great book to keep on your desk and dip into whenever you need a quick burst of inspiration.

[Ellen Edmondson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for ways to expand your creativity IQ, then this is the book for you. It has simple practices and tools to help readers unlock boundless creativity and innovation and expand their imagination. This book will appeal to anyone seeking to enhance their innovative thinking.

I especially like the author's recommendation to have an idea-catching system. This helpful tip and technique will enhance anyone's creativity and is one I highlighted to use myself. This book is well-written, easy to follow, and engaging. I appreciate the helpful creative tools and techniques the author shares throughout the book. This simple yet impactful resource will help boost anyone's creativity IQ. I'm glad I added this resource to my personal library. I'll refer to it whenever I need a boost in my creativity.

[Karen Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very necessary read for entrepreneurs and all organization leaders

Author Patrick Sanaghan presents a brilliant, thorough, and concise discussion on the subject of productive teamwork.
Examples of the real-life case studies and projects the author has been hired to problem-solve is mind opening.
My favorite paragrapgh in "Climbing Bubbles" is "...two important things about meeting critics: it is easy to be a critic and it takes very little real thinking- a sixth grader can be a critic." This is coupled with real-time solutions to shut down the negative thinkers in a group before they ruin morale amongst the entire team.
I highly recommend this book for educators/creative professionals/all team-oriented work environments seeking to solve a broad spectrum of challenges.

[Ed Gehres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the constant stream of idea creating ideas in this book!

So many of the ideas in this book are fantastic ways to conduct group activities to solve problems and come up with novel solutions. I could totally see these being used by a coach or consultant. Many others are individual ideas for getting past being “stuck”. A book that I will likely reference many times over.

[NC Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great walk and talk through creativity expert field

I'm an extremely open person. I can attest this book is written by the real deal and gives a great refresher of state of the art creativity practices, art and science. It's one of those books that wants reading 2-3 times at least. Great fun.

[Eric Porterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

many concrete techniques to improve creativity

This book gives you a lot of practical advice for how to increase creative output. Everything from how to open yourself to creativity through things like what color to look at (blue) to how to set your mind and all the way to keeping material to record your creative impulses and playing games to help generate ideas.

[Neal Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Definitive Source to Help Generate Creative Ideas!

This book was a short but fun read filled with LOTS of ideas on how to develop one’s creativity. Filled with tons of quotes, sources, case studies, and advice from the author, there are a ton of strategies and tactics covered to help you get out of any creative rut you might be in.

[Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Must Read for Creativity Slumps

This book is a must read, especially if you are in a creative slump! The sections on reverse thinking are practical and actionable. You can also start the book anywhere so reading it doesn’t feel tedious. My only suggestion is to swap the 1990s leadership examples and refresh it with AI/human case studies relevant for 2026 and beyond.

[Karin Surber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actionable ideas for becoming a creative genius

This book has excellent ideas for individuals, leaders, and groups to increase creativity. Each chapter has practical steps and unique ways to increase creative thinking and idea generation.

[debra Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multi strategy book on developing creativity

This book demonstrates how we can learn to be even more creative in our lives with knowledge, practice, tools, and our own interest in the topic.

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Good Takeaways!

I loved how the book starts with creativity killers. That drew me in right away and the rest of the book took off from there! Good read!!

[Savannah Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books about creativity make you feel like you were born without the right gene. They celebrate the genius of artists, poets, and inventors while the rest of us sit on the sidelines, quietly convinced that we just do not have it.

Patrick Sanaghan disagrees. And after reading Climbing Bubbles, I disagree too.

Sanaghan introduces the concept of "practical creatives." These are not people who paint masterpieces or write symphonies. They are people who solve problems. Who navigate unexpected challenges. Who find a way when there is no obvious path. In other words, most of us.

The book is built around more than 50 practical strategies and exercises. Each one is designed to strengthen creative thinking the way a gym workout strengthens a muscle. Consistency matters. Practice matters. The exercises are not theoretical. They are actionable.

What makes this book different is the voice behind it. Sanaghan is not a creativity guru who read a few books. He is a leadership consultant with more than twenty years of research. He has worked with leaders and teams navigating real complexity. He knows that creativity is not about inspiration. It is about discipline.

The chapters are short. The language is clear. There is no fluff. Just a steady, practical guide to becoming more creative, one small step at a time.

If you have ever told yourself that you are just not a creative person, read this book. You will learn that you have been creative all along. You just did not know how to name it.

[Martha Voorhees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Climbing Bubbles isn’t just a book about creativity... it’s a blueprint for rediscovering the creative spirit so many of us lose in the rush of daily life. Patrick Sanaghan invites us to see creativity not as a rare gift for the select few, but as a learnable, actionable mindset available to anyone willing to try. And that’s what makes this book so powerful.

What I loved most is how grounded it is. You won’t find vague inspiration or generic advice here... instead, Sanaghan offers over 50 proven strategies that are clear, doable, and meaningful. Whether you’re an artist, a leader, or someone simply trying to think differently in your day-to-day life, this book gives you a way forward.

As someone who had the privilege of working on this book, I watched how much heart and intention went into every page. The stories, the exercises, and the real-world applications are all designed with care... and it shows. This isn’t about flashy innovation; it’s about what Pat Sanaghan calls “practical creativity,” and it’s something we all need more of.

A must-read for educators, leaders, writers, and anyone feeling stuck in a box they didn’t build. Climbing Bubbles reminds us that creativity isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike... it’s about learning how to climb, one bubble at a time.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for increasing your creativity or assisting your team in upping their creativity.

Not a long book, less than 100 pages. I'd rather read a shorter book with great ideas, than a longer book that doesn't have a lot of substance. Additionally the author provides a lot of references and additional material and Ted talk suggestions at the end of the book.

"Creativity is the generation of novel ideas that add value." Sanaghan & Conway (2010)

The author discussed Creativity Killers and suggestions on how to avoid them. (The one I need to overcome is procrastination; hopefully by the end of 2024 I'll update this post with a link to my blog that I'd like to pursue.)

Thank you to NetGalley for introducing me (yet once again) to a new to me author. Thank you to NetGalley and Courageland Publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Publication date was 24 Sep 2023.

[Libor Jelenek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Climbing Bubbles is full of ideas to spark creativity — and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more creative inspiration in their life? I found this book to be a practical, easy-to-read guide packed with valuable advice and tools you can actually use to boost your creative flow.

What makes it stand out is the author’s personal touch. He shares plenty of real-life experiences with the techniques he recommends, which makes it feel relatable and authentic. I especially appreciated the focus on building daily creative routines and how he addresses the common “creative killers” — like self-criticism, fear of judgment, procrastination, perfectionism, and constantly comparing yourself to others.

It’s not just theory — there are ideas in here you can apply right away. Whether you’re an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to reignite your creative spark, this book is a great companion on that journey.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered how to crank up your creative mojo, Climbing Bubbles: How To Increase Your 'Creative IQ' is the bomb-diggity way to do it! Forget about the old myth that creativity is just for artsy types—Dr. Sanaghan sets the record straight and shows that we're all practical creatives.

This book is like your secret weapon against boring problem-solving. Dr. Sanaghan spills the beans on over 50 wicked strategies and exercises to boost your creativity. It's like having a creativity coach in your pocket! Think of it as a gym for your creative muscle—you gotta work it, or it'll just sit there doing nothing. So, grab Climbing Bubbles and dive into a world of creative awesomeness. You'll be tackling life's challenges like a champ and unleashing your inner genius!

[Sherry Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Climbing Bubbles: How to Increase Your Creative IQ" is an accessible and insightful book on creativity. The title and cover immediately caught my attention with their playful and imaginative appeal. The book, grounded in scientific research and the author's extensive experience, explores the nature of mental blocks and creativity killers. It offers practical strategies and hacks to overcome these obstacles, such as spending time in nature and enjoying a glass of wine to spark creativity. The author also introduces useful tools like mind mapping and SCAMPER. As a photographer, author, and entrepreneur, I found the book both interesting and practical, and I plan to incorporate many of its suggestions into my daily life.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Sanaghan brilliantly breaks down the myth that only "creative types" possess this skill, highlighting how creativity is an inherent aspect of problem-solving and daily life. This book is a concise, yet powerful guide to boosting your Creativity IQ.

With over 50 practical strategies and exercises, Dr. Sanaghan provides readers with a treasure trove of tools to nurture their creativity. Much like a coach for your creative muscle, Climbing Bubbles is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to unlock their full creative potential.

[Steve M Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like taking a refreshing stroll through the park. It was enjoyable and quite assessible content because of the author's conversational writing style. Yet, the content is packed with several tools that can help anybody boost their creative muscles. I have read dozens of books on creativity. I really liked this one and learned a few things that I have not seen before, such as the LIA technique for evaluating ideas. I'll have to try that one out the next time I am facilitating a meeting where we are brainstorming or generating ideas.

[Gary B. Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great suggestions...

Dr. Sanaghan has a great collection of suggestions here, just know that very little of the content is new. Almost everything presented has been around for decades. Dr. Sanaghan doesn't try to pass off any of these existing ideas as his own, though. In fact, he references the sources right there in his text. I also have to admit that I was a little offended by his suggestion to drink alcohol to get creative. I mean, seriously. Don't do that.

All that said, this book is still a good place to get great ideas to be more creative.