The Do It Yourself Lobotomy: Open Your Mind to Greater Creative Thinking

This book takes a down-to-earth approach to an elusive subject, with lots of real world examples of how unmysterious creativity can be in everyday life and in business. It's fun to read. Lots of inspiration. Yes, the "thinking tools" are a bit contrived, but I think that's the author's point; when you're stuck, and inspiration isn't coming, maybe a little calculated thinking is what's needed. I have already used some of these thinking methods with great success, but the guidance and motivation has been even more valuable. I'd love my boss, coworkers and clients to read Lobotomy. This is not an advertising book, as the author states and shouldn't be judged that way. It's a book about creative thinking that can be applied to anything - even advertising.

Advice.....use a "highlighter" when reading this book. There are some key ideas on pushing creative thinking that have changed the way I approach my work. I guess we all get in thinking ruts and become more and more predicable each year in our creative solutions. This book made me realize I really haven't been pushing myself creatively. This book gave me new energy and new approaches in looking for creative solutions. A must for your library!

From an agency creative's point of view, this is a terrific book, whether you're to the business or been in it a while. It's full of real-world tools and techniques, and you can start using them right away. A lof of creativity books don't give you hands-on things you can use RIGHT NOW. But this one does.Maybe you've been doing some of this stuff already and didn't really know it. Or know why. But if you're not a CA/One Show/D & AD regular (and even if you are) this is a great book to read. And Re-read.

As an advertising copywriter, I've been asked many times, "How do you come up with those ideas?" My answer's always the same. Damned if I know. But Tom Monahan does know. He is one of the few creative people I have ever known who genuinely understands where big ideas come from and how virtually anyone can tap into them. This is a rare gift. Anyone who's ever done one of Tom's very popular creative boot camps knows of what I speak. This is an eye-opening, mind-expanding book of the first magnitude. You won't be disappointed.

I have had the pleasure of working with Tom Monahan before and after he wrote "Lobotomy". Tom approaches creative thinking with energy and fun. He frames the possible and allows you to peer into a future state beyond where you are at the start. The book captures his methods for thinking creatively about everything from your personal life to the challenges of the workplace. If you can't work with Tom personally, read this book...he's on those pages doing a fiery dance to create a boundary-less world of possibility.