The best 70 Creative Flow books

Creative Flow is an essential aspect of personal and professional success. Tapping into your innate creativity can lead to innovative ideas and improved problem-solving skills. Our curated list of books is here to help you unlock your creative potential.

From overcoming creative blocks to discovering new ways to express yourself, these books offer a range of insights and techniques to help you unleash your creativity. So, why not take the plunge and ignite your creative flow with one of these inspiring reads?
The best 70 Creative Flow books
How do we create content on this page?
1
Creative Flow Books: A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink

A Whole New Mind

Daniel H. Pink
Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future
4.5 (184 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's A Whole New Mind about?

In an age where computers and well-trained workers from low-paid countries are taking over even white-collar jobs, what can you do to stand out? As we move out of the Information Age and into a new Conceptual Age, the answer is to start embracing the aptitudes associated with the right side of your brain, which were previously thought of as less valuable than analytical left-brain skills.

Who should read A Whole New Mind?

  • Anyone who wants to discover the difference between 20th-century work and 21st-century work
  • Anyone interested in the concept of “right-brain” thinking
  • Anyone who wants to develop the right skills to succeed at work in the modern age

2
Creative Flow Books: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Flow

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The Psychology of Optimal Experience
4.4 (1,054 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Flow about?

Flow (1990) explores how we can experience enjoyment in our lives by controlling our attention and strengthening our resolve. This is achieved by being immersed in an activity or subject that makes us neither anxious (if it’s too hard), nor bored (if it’s too easy). In this “flow state” we lose our self-consciousness, selfishness and sense of time. Using goal-setting and immediate feedback, we can achieve a state of flow that improves our relationship with work, increases our self-worth and gives our lives meaning.

Who should read Flow?

  • Anyone who wants to be more engaged with their relationships, their work or the world
  • Anyone aiming to rise out of mediocrity and gain mastery over something
  • Anyone who wants to know how their health can be improved by ancient wisdom and diverse cultures

3
Creative Flow Books: Manage Your Day-To-Day by 99U and Jocelyn K. Glei

Manage Your Day-To-Day

99U and Jocelyn K. Glei
Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus and Sharpen Your Creative Mind
4.1 (227 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Manage Your Day-To-Day about?

Manage Your Day-To-Day is a collection of ideas, wisdom and tips from well-known creative people. It offers readers valuable insights on how to develop effective work routines, stay focused and unleash their creativity.

Who should read Manage Your Day-To-Day?

  • Anyone who needs to be creative every day
  • Anyone who is interested in how to be more productive at work
  • Anyone who wants to get more enjoyment out of their creative work

4
Creative Flow Books: Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley

Creative Confidence

Tom and David Kelley
Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All
4.2 (202 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Creative Confidence about?

Creative Confidence shows us the amazing value and impact that creativity has in our everyday lives. In fact, being able to think creatively can increase your happiness and success in both your professional and personal spheres. Luckily, artists and musicians don’t have a monopoly on creativity. With the right techniques and mind-set, anyone can think creatively.

Who should read Creative Confidence?

  • Anybody interested in the process of innovation
  • Anybody who wants to rekindle their own creative energy
  • Anybody who wants to change the world for the better

5
Creative Flow Books: Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod

Ignore Everybody

Hugh MacLeod
And 39 Other Keys To Creativity
3.9 (65 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Ignore Everybody about?

In Ignore Everybody, author Hugh MacLeod encourages you to unlock and embrace your inner creative spirit and live your artistic dream. Pulled from his personal and professional experience, MacLeod reminds us that inspiration can happen at any time, and to be truly successful, you can’t let criticism get you down. If you’re thinking of giving up your desk job for the artistic life, this book will help you do so while offering sage advice on how to get your work into the wider world.

Who should read Ignore Everybody?

  • Aspiring artists and other creative types
  • Anyone suffering from a creative block
  • Anyone wanting to give up their day job to become an artist

6
Creative Flow Books: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Steal Like an Artist

Austin Kleon
10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
4.4 (369 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Steal Like an Artist about?

Steal Like an Artist (2012) will help you unlock the secret to creating great art: theft. No artist creates their work in a vacuum: all art is influenced by the art that came before it. Steal Like an Artist teaches you how to “steal” from the work of your heroes, and use it to create something new and unique. It also provides important advice on using the internet to launch your career, so others can enjoy your creativity!

Who should read Steal Like an Artist?

  • Artists or other creative types
  • Anyone struggling to find inspiration
  • Any artist who needs advice on launching their career

7
Creative Flow Books: Uncertainty by Jonathan Fields

Uncertainty

Jonathan Fields
Turning Fear and Doubt into Fuel for Brilliance
4.3 (128 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Uncertainty about?

Uncertainty (2011) offers us the chance to tackle our fear of failure and the unknown, and discover the steps we can take to be focused, productive, confident and successful.

Who should read Uncertainty?

  • Creatives who want to make the most of their potential
  • Anyone who has to deal with uncertainty and stress in their profession
  • Anyone who wants to understand the secret of people who seem to have no fear

8
Creative Flow Books: The Eureka Factor by John Kounios & Mark Beeman

The Eureka Factor

John Kounios & Mark Beeman
Creative Insights and the Brain
4.3 (54 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Eureka Factor about?

The Eureka Factor (2015) looks at the remarkable phenomena of insights and creativity, and how the two are intertwined. By laying out the latest scientific research, it sheds light on how insights work, including what supports and hinders them. In addition, it provides powerful advice on how everyone can train themselves to have more eureka moments.

Who should read The Eureka Factor?

  • Anyone hoping to have more “aha moments” in their life
  • Curious thinkers interested in the origins of creativity

9
Creative Flow Books: How to Fly a Horse by Kevin Ashton

How to Fly a Horse

Kevin Ashton
The Secret History of Creation, Invention and Discovery
4.1 (19 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How to Fly a Horse about?

How to Fly a Horse (2015) delves into the process of creation and ultimately discovers that the very act itself is far more ordinary than we often think. In fact, in building upon the creative work of generations of thinkers, anyone can create, as long as they have the grit and determination to do so.

Who should read How to Fly a Horse?

  • Anyone lacking the confidence to follow through with a new idea
  • Anyone interested in the process of creation

10
Creative Flow Books: InGenius by Tina Seelig

InGenius

Tina Seelig
A Crash Course on Creativity
4.6 (28 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's InGenius about?

InGenius (2012) unlocks the secrets to the creativity we all have, whether we know it or not! From new thinking habits to motivating attitudes to environments with incentives, these blinks will guide you toward kindling your own creative spark.

Who should read InGenius?

  • Creatives from any field
  • Business leaders seeking to foster creativity in their teams
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to think outside the box!

11
Creative Flow Books: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic

Elizabeth Gilbert
Creative Living Beyond Fear
4.2 (312 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Big Magic about?

Big Magic (2015) explores what both frightens and thrills us: turning our creative ideas into reality. These blinks provide helpful strategies that’ll enable you to manage the fears, frustrations and blocks of creating, allowing you to channel the playfulness you need to express yourself freely.

Who should read Big Magic?

  • Anyone who wants to explore their creative side
  • Writers struggling with half-finished projects and creative block
  • Students seeking advice on how to chase their creative dreams

12
Creative Flow Books: Creativity by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Creativity

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The Psychology of Discovery and Invention
4.2 (184 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Creativity about?

Creativity (1996) is an exploration of how creative people produce groundbreaking ideas. It unpacks the commonalities between creatives and their backgrounds, and explains exactly what it is that makes a creative person able to give birth to unique concepts.

Who should read Creativity?

  • Artists, writers and scientists exploring human creativity
  • Creative types who dance to the beat of their own drum
  • Anyone looking for creative inspiration

13
Creative Flow Books: Daily Rituals by Mason Currey

Daily Rituals

Mason Currey
How Artists Work
3.7 (118 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Daily Rituals about?

Daily Rituals (2013) is an entertaining and illuminating collection of the daily routines of great minds and artists. Including the work habits of people such as Jane Austen, Ludwig van Beethoven and Pablo Picasso, it offers insights into the best ways to maximize efficiency and prevent writer’s block, as well as tips on how to get by in the creative world.

Who should read Daily Rituals?

  • Those interested in quirky facts about inspiring people
  • Artists, academics and freelancers
  • Anyone who wants to enrich their life with new rituals

14
Creative Flow Books: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

The Artist's Way

Julia Cameron
A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
4.2 (273 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Artist's Way about?

Everyone has the potential to create great art. The problem is, we're often held back by our doubts, past experiences and even the people around us. The Artist's Way (1994) is full of advice about connecting with your artistic side so you can realize your creative dreams.

Who should read The Artist's Way?

  • Artists and creative types of all kinds
  • People discouraged from pursuing their artistic dreams
  • Anyone struggling to motivate their creative selves

15
Creative Flow Books: Stretch by Scott Sonenshein

Stretch

Scott Sonenshein
Unlock The Power of Less and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined
4.0 (40 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Stretch about?

Stretch (2017) is your guide to discovering your true creative potential. These blinks will teach you how to identify the resources, both internal and external, that you need to unlock new possibilities, reach for the stars and excel at life.  

Who should read Stretch?

  • Entrepreneurs in search of new strategic approaches
  • People who think that more is always better
  • Business people stuck in a creative rut

16
Creative Flow Books: Let Me Out by Peter Himmelman

Let Me Out

Peter Himmelman
Unlock Your Creative Mind and Bring Your Ideas to Life
4.3 (46 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Let Me Out about?

Let Me Out (2016) offers techniques for overcoming the fears that delay or hamper new projects. The book advocates a series of useful methods designed to nurture creativity and boost the imagination. It’s about opening the floodgates to new ideas and making them a reality.

Who should read Let Me Out?

  • People who want to start new projects but are afraid to take the first step
  • Creatives who feel stuck in a rut
  • Anyone who feels past bad experiences are holding them back

17
Creative Flow Books: Too Fast to Think by Chris Lewis

Too Fast to Think

Chris Lewis
How to Reclaim Your Creativity in a Hyper-connected Work Culture
3.9 (55 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Too Fast to Think about?

Too Fast to Think (2016) serves as a handy reminder to reevaluate the way you use your mind in this rapid, ever-changing era. These blinks explain why social media has such a negative effect on people and how you can bolster your creativity by giving your brain a break.

Who should read Too Fast to Think?

  • Young people addicted to social media
  • Artists stuck for inspiration
  • People suffering from stress

18
Creative Flow Books: Messy by Tim Harford

Messy

Tim Harford
How to Be Creative and Resilient in a Tidy-Minded World
4.2 (134 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Messy about?

Messy (2016) is all about order and tidiness, or rather, why they’re overrated. These blinks explain how a preoccupation with neatness can stand between us and success, how messiness can boost creativity and why everyone should embrace a little disorder.

Who should read Messy?

  • Anyone who’s afraid of messiness
  • Entrepreneurs looking for a creative spark
  • Professionals who are wary of improvisation

19
Creative Flow Books: Wired To Create by Scott Barry Kaufman & Carolyn Gregoire

Wired To Create

Scott Barry Kaufman & Carolyn Gregoire
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind
4.6 (159 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Wired To Create about?

Wired to Create (2015) attempts to make sense of that elusive human trait, creativity. It traces recent discoveries in neuroscience and psychology by exploring the habits and practices of highly creative people. The “messy minds” and contradictory traits of creative achievers reveal the importance of habits such as imaginative play and daydreaming, passion and intuition or openness and sensitivity, all of which have been central to great art and innovation throughout human history.

Who should read Wired To Create?

  • Anyone who wants to increase creative expression in their life and work
  • People curious about how creative minds function
  • Artists or innovators seeking inspiration for their own processes

20
Creative Flow Books: An Audience of One by Srinivas Rao

An Audience of One

Srinivas Rao
Reclaiming Creativity for Its Own Sake
4.3 (108 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's An Audience of One about?

An Audience of One (2018) takes readers on a deep dive into the day-to-day life of the creative mind. Author Srinivas Rao uses his own life experience, as well as plenty of wisdom from other artists and creatives, to explain why there is little happiness or satisfaction in a life spent trying to please others. Rao offers practical and scientific evidence that shows how a rewarding creative life is all about embracing the process and being true to your own vision rather than the expectations of others.

Who should read An Audience of One?

  • Artists and writers who’d like to be more productive
  • Entrepreneurs eager to get closer to their creative side
  • Anyone suffering from creative block

21
Creative Flow Books: The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin

The Icarus Deception

Seth Godin
How High Will You Fly?
4.4 (100 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Icarus Deception about?

The Icarus Deception (2012) takes aim at a myth as old as the ancient Greeks – that aiming high is bound to end in tears. Icarus might have flown too close to the sun, but we usually forget that he was also warned not to fly too low. Why does that matter? Well, we’re living in a new economy in which maintaining altitude on cruise control just won’t cut it. The new, global and connected economy is here to stay, and once “safe” jobs are being automated. Those who want to thrive better set their sights high. And that means one thing above all: living and working creatively.

Who should read The Icarus Deception?

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Dreamers
  • Artists

22
Creative Flow Books: Creative Superpowers by Laura Jordan Bambach, Mark Earls, Daniele Fiandaca and Scott Morrison

Creative Superpowers

Laura Jordan Bambach, Mark Earls, Daniele Fiandaca and Scott Morrison
Equip Yourself for the Age of Creativity
4.4 (88 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Creative Superpowers about?

Creative Superpowers (2018) is a one-stop guide to hacking your creativity, crafted by a crack team of high-flyers who’ve put their own advice into practice. Packed with useful tips and timely insights, this is the matchbox you’ve been looking for to spark those dormant creative fires.

Who should read Creative Superpowers?

  • Marketing experts
  • Digital designers
  • Entrepreneurs

23
Creative Flow Books: The Creative Thinking Handbook by Chris Griffiths & Melina Costi

The Creative Thinking Handbook

Chris Griffiths & Melina Costi
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Problem Solving in Business
4.0 (401 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Creative Thinking Handbook about?

The Creative Thinking Handbook (2019) breaks down how to successfully apply creativity to solve challenges in today’s business and professional world. Starting with confronting the habits that block effective problem-solving, Chris Griffiths and Melina Costi present a strategy for kick-starting creative thinking and sustaining it throughout your project, business, and career. 

Who should read The Creative Thinking Handbook?

  • Anyone who wants to up their creative problem-solving skills
  • Business leaders and managers who want to build a culture of creativity
  • People who want to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing world

24
Creative Flow Books: The Creativity Code by Marcus du Sautoy

The Creativity Code

Marcus du Sautoy
How AI is learning to write, paint and think
4.4 (160 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Creativity Code about?

The Creativity Code (2019) explores the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence and its recent venture into creative fields such as art, music and literature – previously thought to be exclusively human territory. Author Marcus du Sautoy takes us on a journey from the origins of our own creativity to a future of art-making algorithms in a quest to answer the existential question: Can machines be creative? 

Who should read The Creativity Code?

  • Anyone interested in artificial intelligence 
  • Lovers of art, math and music
  • Futurists who like to speculate about the coming union of human and machine

25
Creative Flow Books: Keep Going by Austin Kleon

Keep Going

Austin Kleon
10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
4.6 (205 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Keep Going about?

Full of practical tips, techniques and strategies for fostering creativity, Keep Going (2019) provides readers with a wide variety of ways to persevere in the face of difficulties with their creative work. While the text is written primarily with professional and non-professional artists in mind, the ideas are applicable to anyone whose job or pastime requires creativity. 

Who should read Keep Going?

  • Artists looking for inspiration  
  • Creative professionals and hobbyists feeling stuck in a rut 
  • Teachers, entrepreneurs, activists and anyone else whose work could use a boost of creativity

26
Creative Flow Books: The Human Edge by Greg Orme

The Human Edge

Greg Orme
How Curiosity and Creativity are Your Superpowers in the Digital Economy
4.5 (263 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Human Edge about?

The Human Edge (2019) is a guidebook to help you learn skills that will set you apart and safeguard your career in the digital economy. In a world where Artificial Intelligence can perform some tasks faster and more efficiently than we can, these blinks will show you how to develop your human superpowers and thrive in the workplace.

Who should read The Human Edge?

  • People who want to future-proof their careers
  • Managers who want to upskill their staff
  • HR managers interested in how AI will impact work

27
Creative Flow Books: Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol

Think Like a Rocket Scientist

Ozan Varol
Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life
4.4 (423 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Think Like a Rocket Scientist about?

Think Like a Rocket Scientist (2020) reveals the strategies that rocket scientists use to innovate, problem-solve, and bring the unimaginable into fruition. By learning the techniques that scientists use every day, you’ll gain powerful tools that will help you fulfill both your professional and personal dreams.

Who should read Think Like a Rocket Scientist?

  • Seekers of original thought
  • Business managers looking for cutting-edge solutions
  • Victims of fear who hold themselves back

28
Creative Flow Books: The Runaway Species by Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman

The Runaway Species

Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman
How Human Creativity Remakes the World
4.4 (57 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Runaway Species about?

The Runaway Species (2017) is a gripping account of human creativity. Examining the principles that underlie our inventiveness, as well as real-world examples of creative breakthroughs, it offers a novel account of the abilities that make our species unique.

Who should read The Runaway Species?

  • Artistic types wondering how creativity works
  • Entrepreneurs trying to develop the next big thing
  • Anyone who wants to become a bit more inventive

29
Creative Flow Books: Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey

Hyperfocus

Chris Bailey
How to Work Less to Achieve More
4.4 (737 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Hyperfocus about?

Hyperfocus (2018) is a straightforward guide to reclaiming your attention that lays out how you can boost both your productivity and creativity by learning to redirect your focus. Combining periods of intense concentration with spells of creative thinking sets the foundation for a brighter, more efficient version of you.

Who should read Hyperfocus?

  • Highfliers trying to become even more efficient
  • Procrastinators with shrinking attention spans
  • Creatives looking to discover exciting new ideas

30
Creative Flow Books: The Practice by Seth Godin

The Practice

Seth Godin
Shipping Creative Work
4.6 (167 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Practice about?

The Practice (2020) is a handbook for both creative professionals and creatives looking to professionalize. Author Seth Godin busts the myths that creatives are lone geniuses and creativity can’t be taught and offers practical tips and insights for bolstering creative confidence and deepening creative practice.

Who should read The Practice?

  • Creatives who want to turn their passion into their profession
  • Creative professionals who want to get to the top of their field
  • Anyone who’s struggling through a creative block

31
Creative Flow Books: The Creator Mindset by Nir Bashan

The Creator Mindset

Nir Bashan
92 Tools to Unlock the Secrets to Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability
4.1 (141 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Creator Mindset about?

The Creator Mindset (2020) is a comprehensive guide to incorporating creativity into everything you do. Far from being something that only artists possess, creativity is in fact an essential ingredient in any successful career or business. Unfortunately, most of us squander our full creative potential by not realizing we have it to begin with. Get ready to unlock the latent creative talent that’ll give you and your business an edge over the competition.

Who should read The Creator Mindset?

  • Professionals who want to improve their careers and businesses
  • Leaders who want to inspire their employees to be more creative
  • Anyone who wants to think and act more creatively

32
Creative Flow Books: Deep Creativity by Deborah Anne Quibell, Jennifer Leigh Selig and Dennis Patrick Slattery

Deep Creativity

Deborah Anne Quibell, Jennifer Leigh Selig and Dennis Patrick Slattery
Seven Ways to Spark Your Creative Spirit
3.6 (266 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Deep Creativity about?

Deep Creativity (2019) encourages you to celebrate your inner creative impulses as a means of self-expression. The three authors tell personal stories about their creative practice and offer sage advice for how to live a creatively satisfying life.

Who should read Deep Creativity?

  • Creative souls
  • Dabblers in depth psychology
  • Searchers for inner peace and fulfillment

33
Creative Flow Books: Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal

Stealing Fire

Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal
How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work
4.0 (186 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Stealing Fire about?

Stealing Fire (2017) explores the controversial and exciting pursuit of altered states of consciousness. From tech entrepreneurs to BASE jumpers, meditators to festival-goers, it takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the revolutionary nonconformists trying to change the way they experience the world.

Who should read Stealing Fire?

  • Burning Man enthusiasts
  • Entrepreneurs curious about performance hacks
  • Psychology buffs interested in alternative therapies

34
Creative Flow Books: The Hidden Habits of Genius by Craig Wright

The Hidden Habits of Genius

Craig Wright
Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit – Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness
4.4 (408 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Hidden Habits of Genius about?

The Hidden Habits of Genius (2020) is a guide to the traits that set geniuses apart from the rest of us. Drawing on the lives of extraordinary creatives, thinkers, and disruptors from ancient Greece to modern Japan, it traces the factors that make up the complex and fascinating phenomenon that we call “genius.”

Who should read The Hidden Habits of Genius?

  • Embryonic geniuses who want to reach their full potential
  • Students of human nature wondering what makes a genius tick
  • All those looking to boost their creative abilities

35
Creative Flow Books: Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon

Show Your Work!

Austin Kleon
10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
4.7 (285 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Show Your Work! about?

Show Your Work! (2014) is your guide to becoming findable. It’s about leveraging your network instead of wasting time “networking” in the traditional sense. Filled with actionable advice, it shows how to let others into your process by being productive, open, and generous – and outlines the benefits you’ll receive in return.

Who should read Show Your Work!?

  • Creatives who want to get noticed – but hate self-promotion
  • Artists who’d like to build an audience but don’t know where to start
  • Anyone trying to cultivate a like-minded creative community

36
Creative Flow Books: How to Think More Effectively by The School of Life

How to Think More Effectively

The School of Life
A guide to greater productivity, insight and creativity
4.4 (1,018 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How to Think More Effectively about?

How to Think More Effectively (2020) is a simple guide to improving the way you think. Drawing lessons from sources as diverse as the feeling of envy and the prose of Proust, it lays out the characteristics of effective thoughts – and shows how you can start cultivating them.

Who should read How to Think More Effectively?

  • Reflective types who want to up their cognitive game
  • Creatives trying to release their inner potential
  • Anyone who’d like to feel a little bit smarter

37
Creative Flow Books: Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono

Lateral Thinking

Edward de Bono
Creativity Step by Step
4.3 (424 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Lateral Thinking about?

Lateral Thinking (1970) explains the important differences between vertical and lateral thinking. It offers techniques on how to strengthen your ability to think creatively – and spark important changes and innovations along the way. It also provides lessons that teachers can use to help young students develop a talent for lateral thinking.

Who should read Lateral Thinking?

  • People who want to improve at thinking outside the box
  • Teachers looking for lessons to inspire creative thinking
  • Executives eager for more productive brainstorming sessions

38
Creative Flow Books: A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt

A Minute to Think

Juliet Funt
Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work
4.4 (775 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's A Minute to Think about?

A Minute to Think (2021) explores how busyness is harming our productivity – and why it's so important to take regular pauses. It reveals the mental and economic costs associated with our hectic modern working environments and explains how we can reclaim our time. 

Who should read A Minute to Think?

  • Busy professionals hoping to claw back some me-time
  • Leaders seeking to build a more creative working environment
  • Managers wanting to improve their team’s well-being

39
Creative Flow Books: Smarter Tomorrow by Elizabeth R. Ricker

Smarter Tomorrow

Elizabeth R. Ricker
How 15 Minutes of Neurohacking a Day Can Help You Work Better, Think Faster, and Get More Done
4.1 (818 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Smarter Tomorrow about?

Smarter Tomorrow (2021) shows you how to upgrade your brain using a technique called neurohacking. You’ll learn how to improve your memory, creativity, emotional regulation, and what’s known as “executive functioning” through self-testing and experimentation – all backed up with insights from neuroscience.

Who should read Smarter Tomorrow?

  • Thinkers looking to improve their cognitive skills
  • Budding neuroscientists and brain nerds
  • Anyone looking to keep up with modern science

40
Creative Flow Books: A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

A Room of One’s Own

Virginia Woolf
4.5 (246 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's A Room of One’s Own about?

A Room of One's Own (1929) is a perceptive rumination on gender and self-expression. This extended essay explores the social and structural barriers women face when creating art.

Who should read A Room of One’s Own?

  • Artists looking for inspiring words
  • Women exploring the history of feminism 
  • Those struggling to understand social injustice

41
Creative Flow Books: The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

The Art of Possibility

Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
Transforming Professional and Personal Life
4.4 (160 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Art of Possibility about?

The Art of Possibility (2000) provides a series of strategies that will invite possibility into every aspect of your life. By putting these strategies into practice, you can fuel your creativity, enhance your problem-solving skills, and deepen your relationships with others.

Who should read The Art of Possibility?

  • Modern thinkers looking for new solutions to old problems
  • Seekers hoping for more abundance in their lives
  • Anyone interested in learning how to transcend their limitations

42
Creative Flow Books: Creative Acts for Curious People by Sarah Stein Greenberg

Creative Acts for Curious People

Sarah Stein Greenberg
How to Think, Create, and Lead in Unconventional Ways
4.3 (244 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Creative Acts for Curious People about?

Creative Acts for Curious People (2021) collects insights about creativity and design taught in the classrooms of Stanford’s renowned Hasso Plattner School of Design, also known as the d.school. In addition to essays about the mindset and skills required for creative action, it offers over 80 practical exercises used by instructors from dozens of fields including medicine, education, and nonprofit to help improve your ability to solve problems, whether personal or on a global scale.

Who should read Creative Acts for Curious People?

  • Anyone who wants to boost problem-solving skills
  • Leaders seeking to improve teamwork
  • Creative practitioners from any field

43
Creative Flow Books: Seeking Wisdom by Julia Cameron

Seeking Wisdom

Julia Cameron
A Spiritual Path to Creative Connection (A Six-Week Artist's Way Program)
3.9 (196 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Seeking Wisdom about?

Seeking Wisdom (2021) is a six week program for learning the power of creative prayer. Whether you are a blocked artist or an aspiring screenwriter, in these blinks, you’ll learn how one’s spiritual life can unlock creativity and create a meaningful artistic life.

Who should read Seeking Wisdom?

  • Blocked creatives
  • Fans of The Artist’s Way
  • People with a history of addiction

44
Creative Flow Books: Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

Building a Second Brain

Tiago Forte
A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential
4.5 (1,159 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Building a Second Brain about?

Building a Second Brain (2022) by productivity expert Tiago Forte offers simple, effective, and workable solutions to one of the biggest challenges we face today: information overload. Using four key organizational principles, Forte shows how you can leverage digital tools to create a knowledge storage system as intuitive and efficient as a second brain. 

Who should read Building a Second Brain?

  • Knowledge workers whose professional success hinges on information management;
  • Students struggling to synthesize vast amounts of new information;
  • Anyone who wants to boost their calm, creativity, and productivity.

45
Creative Flow Books: Tracking Wonder by Jeffrey Davis

Tracking Wonder

Jeffrey Davis
The Surprising Path to Purpose, Connection, and Fulfillment
4.3 (173 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Tracking Wonder about?

Tracking Wonder (2021) is an inspiring and practical exploration of wonder. Through reclaiming that childlike state of amazement with the world, Davis shows how we can become happier, healthier, and more creative.

Who should read Tracking Wonder?

  • Dreamers
  • Those experiencing burnout
  • Anyone fed up with toxic productivity

46
Creative Flow Books: The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Hobbit

J. R. R. Tolkien
4.6 (75 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Hobbit about?

The Hobbit (1937) is the classic fantasy adventure story of an unsuspecting hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Ripped unexpectedly from his idle epicurean life by the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo finds himself on a journey to help a group of dwarves take back their stolen treasure from the jealous dragon Smaug. Along the way, he encounters trolls, elves, goblins, and spiders –⁠ plus a certain magic ring –⁠ and eventually finds that he had what it took to be a hero all along.

Who should read The Hobbit?

  • Fantasy lovers
  • Fans of the Lord of the Rings or Hobbit movies
  • Adventure seekers

47
Creative Flow Books: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

The Creative Act

Rick Rubin
A Way of Being
4.6 (471 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Creative Act about?

The Creative Act (2023) is a meditative manifesto about what it really means to be an artist. It contends that artists don’t have a monopoly on creativity – everyone is inherently creative. To access that creativity you just need to commit to a creative practice. By cultivating an awareness of the world around you and allowing yourself to make lots of mistakes, you’ll be able to revel in the creative process, instead of fearing it.

Who should read The Creative Act?

  • Music lovers looking for inspiration from a world-famous producer
  • Blocked creatives who want to get over their fears and start making cool stuff
  • Spiritual seekers who want to learn how to delight in the world around them

48
Creative Flow Books: Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross

Your Brain on Art

Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
How the Arts Transform Us
4.5 (339 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Your Brain on Art about?

Your Brain on Art (2023) offers remarkable insights into how artistic endeavors and aesthetics – from music and dance to drawing and interior design – can rewire our brains and improve our lives.

Who should read Your Brain on Art?

  • Art and science enthusiasts
  • Anxious or stressed-out people looking for solutions
  • People curious about the benefits of art therapy

49
Creative Flow Books: Living in Flow by Sky Nelson-Isaacs

Living in Flow

Sky Nelson-Isaacs
The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World
4.2 (331 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Living in Flow about?

Living in Flow (2019) invites you on a transformative journey to discover the power of synchronicity – and, through it, to create a life filled with ease, joy, and fulfillment. Unveiling the science behind meaningful coincidences, it provides practical guidance for aligning yourself with life's natural rhythms and unlocking your full potential.

Who should read Living in Flow?

  • Personal development enthusiasts
  • Science-minded individuals
  • Fans of Carl Jung

50
Creative Flow Books: The Comfort Zone by Kristen Butler

The Comfort Zone

Kristen Butler
Create a Life You Really Love with Less Stress and More Flow
4.3 (570 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Comfort Zone about?

The Comfort Zone (2023) busts the age-old myth that growth only happens outside the comfort zone, and offers an alternative vision for achieving goals with ease and flow instead of stress and burnout.

Who should read The Comfort Zone?

  • Exhausted achievers looking for better results from less effort
  • Burnt-out workaholics seeking balance and joy
  • Anyone looking for more flow in pursuing their goals

51
Creative Flow Books: The Bold Ones by Shawn Kanungo

The Bold Ones

Shawn Kanungo
Innovate and Disrupt to Become Truly Indispensable
4.4 (119 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Bold Ones about?

The Bold Ones (2023) is an exploration of how individuals and organizations can thrive in an era of rapid change and disruption. With anecdotes and actionable insights, it shares strategies for embracing boldness, adaptability, and innovation in the evolving landscape of business and technology.

Who should read The Bold Ones?

  • Executives trying to establish a culture of disruption
  • People in creative or artistic fields seeking inspiration
  • Innovation managers and strategists

52
Creative Flow Books: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

To the Lighthouse

Virginia Woolf
4.2 (22 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's To the Lighthouse about?

To the Lighthouse (1927) places you squarely in the heart of the Ramsay family’s summer home, providing intimate insights into their complex dynamics. It weaves an intricate web of familial relationships, artistic inspiration, and philosophical musings, while contemplating the concept of time and death.

Who should read To the Lighthouse?

  • Fans of stream-of-consciousness
  • Readers exploring feminist literature
  • Enthusiasts of modernist novels

53
Creative Flow Books: The Birth of Tragedy by Friedrich Nietzsche

The Birth of Tragedy

Friedrich Nietzsche
4.0 (43 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Birth of Tragedy about?

The Birth of Tragedy (1872) interprets Greek tragedy’s birth and death. The narrative advocates the re-emergence of tragic arts and rejects the societal shift towards rationality and science during the time when it was written.

Who should read The Birth of Tragedy?

  • Philosophy enthusiasts
  • Greek culture aficionados
  • Tragedy genre lovers

54
Creative Flow Books: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

James Joyce
4.3 (100 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man about?

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916) explores the maturation of Stephen Dedalus, an introspective and artistically inclined young man grappling with personal and national identity, religion, and aesthetic philosophy. It frames the universally relatable struggle of growing up and self-discovery.

Who should read A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man?

  • Aspiring writers
  • Fans of modernist literature
  • Anyone studying Irish history

55
Creative Flow Books: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl
4.3 (14 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory about?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) revolves around a poor boy, Charlie, who, despite his dire circumstances, maintains his moral compass in a world riddled with materialism as he embarks on a magical adventure inside an opulent chocolate factory.

Who should read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

  • Young readers interested in fantasy
  • Adults with a taste for satire
  • Fans of moral allegories

56
Creative Flow Books: Ideaflow by Jeremy Utley & Perry Klebahn

Ideaflow

Jeremy Utley & Perry Klebahn
The Only Business Metric That Matters
4.1 (72 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Ideaflow about?

Ideaflow (2022) introduces the concept of ideaflow – the rate at which original ideas can be generated – as a key business metric. It also shares practical strategies for optimizing ideaflow at the personal and professional level.

Who should read Ideaflow?

  • Frustrated creatives who can’t seem to get their ideas flowing
  • Busy professionals who just don’t have time to be creative
  • Founders and CEOs seeking tools to drive corporate innovation

57
Creative Flow Books: Visual Thinking by Temple Grandin

Visual Thinking

Temple Grandin
The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions
4.1 (251 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Visual Thinking about?

Visual Thinking (2022) offers an authoritative view on different ways of thinking, and how those differences have been crucial to many of our biggest creative advancements. It shows how society tends to be biased toward verbal thinkers – and how visual thinkers, albeit typically underserved in society, bring an array of crucial skills to various domains.

Who should read Visual Thinking?

  • Anyone curious about autism
  • Artists and creative minds
  • People interested in team-building

58
Creative Flow Books: LIT by Jeff Karp

LIT

Jeff Karp
Using Nature's Playbook to Spark Energy, Ideas, and Action
4.2 (116 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's LIT about?

LIT (2024) is a guidebook for anyone looking to ignite their inner potential and make a positive impact on their lives and the world around them. It’s designed to help people snap out of their rut, find inspiration, cultivate humility, and harness the transformative power of curiosity and compassion. 

Who should read LIT?

  • Anyone interested in personal growth
  • People curious about productivity and inspiration
  • Distracted minds looking for some calm and focus

59
Creative Flow Books: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Kafka on the Shore

Haruki Murakami
3.9 (61 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Kafka on the Shore about?

Kafka on the Shore (2002) is a metaphysical adventure involving two main characters: Kafka Tamura, a 15-year-old runaway, and Satoru Nakata, an elderly man with mysterious powers. As Kafka seeks refuge in a library, strange events unfold that may reveal secrets about his past. Meanwhile, Nakata embarks on a quest to find a mystical stone that may be the key to resolving Kafka’s predicament.

Who should read Kafka on the Shore?

  • Fans of postmodern literature
  • Those interested in themes of memory, identity, or fate
  • Anyone who likes a good mind-bending story

60
Creative Flow Books: The Storyteller by Dave Grohl

The Storyteller

Dave Grohl
Tales of Life and Music
4.2 (87 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Storyteller about?

The Storyteller (2021) captures Dave Grohl’s journey through the highs and lows of a life in rock music, from his formative years in the punk scene to superstardom with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. Grohl shares candid stories of fame, music, and fatherhood, offering a window into the life of one of rock’s most enduring figures. Through his personal anecdotes, Grohl reveals the passion and perseverance behind his legendary career.

Who should read The Storyteller?

  • Fans of the music, Nirvana and Foo Fighters
  • Aspiring musicians and songwriters seeking inspiration
  • Anyone interested in rock music history

61
Creative Flow Books: The Tempest by William Shakespeare

The Tempest

William Shakespeare
4.4 (26 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Tempest about?

The Tempest (1623) is the ultimate revenge story. After being exiled from Milan by his scheming brother, the sorcerer Prospero uses his magical powers to conjure a storm that shipwrecks his enemies on his island, where he uses a series of magical illusions to take his vengeance. 

Who should read The Tempest?

  • Shakespeare-lovers looking to fill the gaps in their knowledge of the bard’s repertoire
  • Fantasy enthusiasts interested in one of the earliest treatments of magic in literature
  • Anyone whose interest is piqued by shipwrecks, sorcery, and vengeance

62
Creative Flow Books: Well-Designed by Jon Kolko

Well-Designed

Jon Kolko
How to Use Empathy to Create Products People Love
3.7 (200 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Well-Designed about?

Well-Designed (2014) is about the transformative power of empathy in product design. It explains how understanding and empathizing with users can lead to innovative and beloved products. The book offers practical advice on observing user behavior, understanding their needs, and creating products that resonate deeply with them.

Who should read Well-Designed?

  • Product designers
  • User experience professionals
  • Innovative entrepreneurs

63
Creative Flow Books: Living the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Living the Artist's Way

Julia Cameron
An Intuitive Path to Greater Creativity
4.3 (167 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Living the Artist's Way about?

Living the Artist’s Way (2024) offers a six-week program designed to strengthen your connection to your intuition and the higher forces that supply us with inspiration. By looking at day-to-day concerns, it offers ways to stay calm, motivated, and optimistic about your work. 

Who should read Living the Artist's Way?

  • Anyone seeking creative inspiration
  • People suffering from self-doubt
  • Artists looking for a more spiritual approach

64
Creative Flow Books: Brave Together by Chris Deaver & Ian Clawson

Brave Together

Chris Deaver & Ian Clawson
Lead by Design, Spark Creativity, and Shape the Future with the Power of Co-Creation
3.9 (59 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Brave Together about?

Brave Together (2024) explores the transformative potential of cocreation for sparking innovation and driving leadership success. Through practical advice and insights, it demonstrates how to harness collective creativity to shape a visionary future and foster a culture of collaborative achievement.

Who should read Brave Together?

  • Corporate leaders and management teams
  • Creative professionals and innovators
  • Anyone interested in enhancing creativity and collaboration

65
Creative Flow Books: Get the Picture by Bianca Bosker

Get the Picture

Bianca Bosker
A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See
4.2 (43 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Get the Picture about?

Get the Picture (2024) turns an investigative lens on the complex and often insular world of contemporary art along with its quirks and contradictions. It explores the obsessions that drive artists and collectors, sheds light on the personal and sometimes irrational reasons that art becomes meaningful, and unravels the motivations and passions of artists and collectors to uncover how deeper engagement with art can be achieved.

Who should read Get the Picture?

  • Art enthusiasts curious about the inner workings of the art world
  • Aspiring artists seeking insight into the contemporary art scene
  • Fans of deep dives into niche cultural topics

66
Creative Flow Books: Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter

Anatomy of a Breakthrough

Adam Alter
How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most
4.2 (61 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Anatomy of a Breakthrough about?

Anatomy of a Breakthrough (2024) uncovers the secrets to overcoming obstacles and creative blocks by looking at human nature and the habits of successful performers, thinkers, and creatives. It offers practical strategies that will break through barriers and transform your own habits by mastering the balance between experimentation and action.

Who should read Anatomy of a Breakthrough?

  • Anyone suffering from a creative block
  • Individuals seeking practical strategies to overcome career obstacles
  • Those interested in developing resilience and finding innovative solutions to life's greatest challenges

67
Creative Flow Books: Do Bigger Things by Dan McClure, Jennifer Wilde

Do Bigger Things

Dan McClure, Jennifer Wilde
A Practical Guide to Powerful Innovation in a Changing World
4.0 (5 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Do Bigger Things about?

Do Bigger Things (2024) explores the concept of ecosystem innovation, emphasizing the need to rethink entire systems and processes to address complex challenges in a rapidly evolving world. It provides a structured approach to achieving large-scale innovation by combining ambitious thinking with actionable strategies, helping individuals and organizations make a significant impact through systematic, disciplined efforts.

Who should read Do Bigger Things?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to scale and innovate their businesses
  • Business leaders navigating complex industry disruptions
  • Change-makers tackling global challenges like climate change

68
Creative Flow Books: The $12 Million Stuffed Shark by Don Thompson

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark

Don Thompson
The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art
4.2 (79 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The $12 Million Stuffed Shark about?

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark (2008) examines the economics and marketing strategies behind the contemporary art world, exploring how pieces like Damien Hirst’s shark sculpture and Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings command such astronomical prices. Covering auction houses, dealers, and collectors, it reveals the forces that drive art market valuations and the role of branding in an artist’s financial success.

Who should read The $12 Million Stuffed Shark?

  • Art enthusiasts wanting to build a collection
  • Aspiring artists who want a snapshot of the contemporary art market
  • Economists interested in learning more about a niche asset class

69
Creative Flow Books: The Art of the Tale by Steven James, Tom Morrisey

The Art of the Tale

Steven James, Tom Morrisey
Use Storytelling to Engage, Inspire, and Share Your Message
4.3 (95 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Art of the Tale about?

The Art of the Tale (2022) offers practical strategies to enhance storytelling for presentations, helping speakers connect with and inspire their audience. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and avoiding rote memorization to craft memorable and engaging stories, while also boosting confidence and creativity.

Who should read The Art of the Tale?

  • Corporate leaders who want to tap into the power of story
  • Professionals looking to level up their presentation skills
  • Anyone hoping to improve their public speaking

70
Creative Flow Books: How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy

How to Write One Song

Jeff Tweedy
Loving the Things We Create and How They Love Us Back
3.9 (8 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How to Write One Song about?

How to Write One Song (2020) is a practical guide to songwriting that demystifies the creative process. It includes techniques for overcoming writer’s block, finding inspiration in everyday life, and developing a consistent songwriting practice. It emphasizes that anyone can write a song with the right mindset and tools.

Who should read How to Write One Song?

  • Aspiring songwriters looking for practical advice to get started
  • Creatives interested in developing productive habits or routines
  • Anyone looking to tap into their creativity in a structured way

Related Topics

Creative Flow Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Creative Flow book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard A Whole New Mind as the ultimate read on Creative Flow.

What are the Top 10 Creative Flow books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
  • Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
  • Manage Your Day-To-Day by 99U and Jocelyn K. Glei
  • Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley
  • Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod
  • Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
  • Uncertainty by Jonathan Fields
  • The Eureka Factor by John Kounios & Mark Beeman
  • How to Fly a Horse by Kevin Ashton
  • InGenius by Tina Seelig

Who are the top Creative Flow book authors?

When it comes to Creative Flow, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Daniel H. Pink
  • Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
  • 99U and Jocelyn K. Glei
  • Tom and David Kelley
  • Hugh MacLeod