December 27th-31st : Twixtmas : five days to change your world...

1. Think flexibly 24 7 - regard everything as an opportunity, even setbacks and problems. You are never more than 12ft from an opportunity. Every person, every object is an inspiration or link to a solution.
2. Ask beautiful questions; the key to outstanding creativity is asking the right, or 'beautiful question'. Start by making a list of every possible question you can think about the challenge you face for 2011. Then group them into ideally five chunks. Give each chunk a heading. You now have created a strategy map for yourself for 2011, highlighting the key  strands of the issues you face
3. Bounce back: inevitably you will obstacles, objections to your ideas or plans for change. The outstanding creative person is more often marked not by the inherent quality of their thinking, more from their taking knocks and setbacks and coming back for more punishment.
4. Create a future magnet. Create a meaningful picture of the new world you want to create. The more vivid and coherent your vision, the more powerful it acts as a future magnet to draw you to it from your present situation. Write down 10 goals for 2011. Keep checking your list throughout the year. It's a great tool for realizing your ambitions.
5. You'll never walk alone is true in creativity as it is as a football chant. You can never realise your dreams without the help, co-operation or tacit approval of others. Ask 'what's in it for them?' in seeking their help.
6. Always give more - go the extra yard. Reflect back on anything you have done well in life, and you will recognise how you went the extra distance in some way. Always identify if the challenge has meaning for you.

"If you read the economic forecasts you hear about doom and gloom. Sure times may be hard but you will create a better future for yourself by being creative in your thinking." said Andy Green. "Those who think flexibly will be the ones to survive- and succeed."

Andy Green's 5 books for Twixtmas reading include:

1. The Geography of Bliss - Eric Weiner
2. The Creative Habit - Twyal Thar
3. Hot, flat and crowded - Thomas L. Friedman
4. The Black Swan - Nichollas Taleb
5. The Book of Gossage

About Andy Green

Andy Green is a leading expert and author on creativity, flexible thinking, opportunity spotting, creative public relations and personal brandcasting. His work has been translated into eight languages

Andy's latest book, 'The Upturn; your part in its rise' highlights how you can boost your resourcefulness through flexible thinkin. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and recipient of the Institute's Sir Stephen Tallents medal for services to the profession.

Each January he demonstrates how to turn a negative into a positive with his worldwide campaign marking 'Blue Monday', the symbollically most depressing day of the year.