# convergent thinking Converge. Bring things together into one direction. Center in on something. Contrast convergent thought with [[divergent thinking]], where you move from center and try a variety of directions. Convergent thinking is a good and necessary mindset after you have explored a lot of different ideas and directions first. Only by having tested a variety of approaches can you intelligently converge toward correct solutions. There is danger in jumping into convergent thinking too soon in the process. If you only explore your first few ideas and preconceptions then how do you truly know those are quality options. When used properly, convergent thinking is a powerful tool. It allows you to analyze and test various potential solutions to narrow down toward the best option. Working in this mode requires a more analytic mindset where you consciously weigh pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses. This creative process is not linear. Convergent does not necessarily follow only after Divergent thinking has been exhausted. While analyzing options, you can sometimes also discover potential new ideas that are worth exploring. --- --- tags: #creativity #process home: [[! creative process]]