6+ Favorite Books on Creative Problem-Solving (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on creative problem-solving (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
$9.99

In Six Thinking Hats, Edward de Bono presents a straightforward technique for improving meetings and decision-making through the use of six different thinking modes, each represented by a colored hat. I was pleasantly surprised by how practical and effective the framework turned out to be, far exceeding my initial skepticism about typical business jargon. However, I couldn't help but notice that de Bono can come off a bit self-important, which might be a turn-off for some. Still, the useful ideas make it worth pushing past that hype. Overall, it’s a solid read for anyone looking to enhance their thinking processes.
Pros:
Simple and powerful technique for meetings and decision-making
Encourages parallel thinking to avoid conflicts
Explores issues from diverse perspectives
Practical guidance for effective use of the method
Exceeds expectations with a solid framework
Cons:
Author comes across as overly self-assured
There's some hype around the ideas
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08/14/2025 01:00 pm GMT
Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You Got by Jay Abraham
$16.16

In Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You Got, Jay Abraham shares 21 strategies for businesses to outsmart their competition and find success. He emphasizes maximizing existing assets and spotting opportunities where others see problems. I found the insights around creating win-win relationships and reducing customer risk particularly valuable. The book is a great read for anyone in consulting or services, packed with actionable tips. Sure, it can feel a bit exaggerated at times, but it genuinely delivers useful advice that stands out in the crowded business genre.
Pros:
Provides 21 effective strategies for business success
Focuses on maximizing existing assets and seeing opportunities
Applicable to various areas of life beyond business
Cons:
A bit over the top, like many books in this genre
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08/14/2025 02:00 pm GMT
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg
$14.99

In How Big Things Get Done, Bent Flyvbjerg explores the often frustrating world of projects—why they can drag on and cost so much, and how we can improve that. Personally, I've felt the pain watching local projects stall, and this book really hit home. It's engaging and insightful, packed with relatable stories that make complex topics clear. I appreciated the practical advice and the author's real-world expertise over academic jargon. While I would have liked a few visuals, the content is solid. Overall, it’s a must-read for anyone involved in planning or executing projects.
Pros:
The book is engaging and entertaining.
It provides practical insights applicable to various projects.
The author's expertise and data-driven approach enhance credibility.
The structure and stories make it memorable and useful.
The last chapter effectively summarizes key takeaways.
Cons:
I would have liked a few photos or illustrations.
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08/14/2025 03:03 pm GMT
The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham
$15.51

In The Road Less Stupid, Keith Cunningham focuses on practical tools for better thinking and decision-making in business. He emphasizes the importance of planning and minimizing risks to achieve lasting success. I appreciated how the book is packed with actionable advice rather than just theories. Cunningham outlines key concepts like identifying risks, creating effective systems, and setting aside time for thoughtful reflection. However, he does come off a bit self-important, which can be distracting. Overall, it’s a solid read for anyone looking to sharpen their decision-making skills.
Pros:
The book provides practical tools for effective decision-making.
It emphasizes the importance of thinking, planning, and minimizing risk.
The structure of Thinking Time helps reduce emotional reactions in decision-making.
Cons:
The author has a strong personality, which may detract from the reading experience.
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08/14/2025 04:05 pm GMT
Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett
$15.40

In Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett, the focus is on using design thinking to create a fulfilling and joyful life. The authors, both Stanford professors, share practical tools like the Odyssey Plan for mapping out your desired future and the Wayfinding Journal for reflecting on your daily experiences. I really appreciate how this book encourages you to define your goals and make thoughtful trade-offs to achieve them. Honestly, I wish every counselor would read it! It’s a straightforward approach that feels empowering, and I only wish I had discovered it earlier in life.
Pros:
Teaches design thinking for a meaningful life
Encourages creating a five-year Odyssey Plan
Empowering with useful exercises and empathetic tone
Cons:
Not a whole lot!
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08/14/2025 04:05 pm GMT
How To Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
$34.00

In How To Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Scott Adams shares his journey from failure to success, offering some surprising insights along the way. He challenges conventional wisdom, suggesting that goals can be counterproductive and that embracing failure is key to growth. I appreciated his focus on building systems rather than chasing goals, managing energy instead of time, and the importance of self-care. This book is both inspiring and funny, packed with practical advice that feels refreshing. Honestly, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like—it’s a great read!
Pros:
Engaging and humorous writing style
Inspiring message about embracing failure
Offers unconventional but practical advice
Cons:
Nothing - great read.
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08/14/2025 05:03 pm GMT
The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
$14.89

In The Magic of Thinking Big, David Schwartz dives into the importance of positive thinking and self-belief as keys to success, regardless of your natural talents. He lays out practical advice for improving your job, relationships, and overall life by focusing on big dreams and positive language. I found the book to be a mix of timeless wisdom and some outdated views, especially with its 1950s perspective on gender roles. While it can feel a bit tedious at times, the solid advice and relatable anecdotes make it worth a read if you’re looking to boost your mindset.
Pros:
The book provides practical advice on success through positive thinking and self-belief.
It contains useful anecdotes and is not overly fluffy compared to other business books.
The writing is humorous and embodies a generous, pragmatic approach to self-improvement.
Cons:
The author reflects a 1950s perspective, including elements of benevolent sexism in many examples.
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08/13/2025 08:01 pm GMT