It seems that truly creative people have certain characteristics which we can all put to work and use for ourselves, our careers and our home business.

After a friend and I spent a leisurely afternoon at Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, New Jersey, I am a confirmed Edison groupie. The main building is amazing, not only are there glorious cubicles for his key engineers, there is a small corner with a single bed–Edison often slept there while working on projects. He held more than 1000 patents. OK, the man was a genius and he was creative, but you can sharpen your creative skills by strenthening a few traits.

• Curiosity. It should be obvious, however, it is often forgotten in the rush of daily routine. Stop and ask “Why?” about the issues and problems (and solutions) you encounter.

• Energy. Not running around in circles energy. Just put real effort into collecting facts and thinking about the problem you’re trying to solve.

• Focus and concentration. Take time to stop and focus on what’s in front of you, tune out distractions, annoyances and other actions and activities that are not relevant to the problem at hand.

• Make the connection. Look for links between elements; often ties that bind don’t appear related at first glance. Seek the connection by finding some order in the havoc. Break down ideas to discover what they have in common. Talk to a person to brainstorm. Anyone who has seen actor’s Rock Hudson and Thelma Ritter in the bar scene of the movie Pillow Talk will understand how a small connection can help.

• Playfulness. You work is serious, but you need to be able to stand back and adopt a naïve, even childlike attitude toward the world around you. This helps you ask questions and find connections in things everyone else takes for granted.

• Persistence. Even the great geniuses of our time don’t expect success overnight. Practice self-discipline, so you can stick to your idea until it’s successful. “I never did anything by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.” Thomas A. Edison. If your persistence does not create gold, think positive; “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas A. Edison.

For more information on Thomas Alva Edison visit Save Americas Treasures Organization Keep in mind that this project has been completed, the Edison site and his home are open for visitors.