Creativity and connecting ideas in new ways is important for problem solving and innovation. Three examples are provided: 1) Connecting the dots with four straight lines without lifting the pen shows identifying patterns. 2) Identifying patterns in crime rate data over time in the USA demonstrates connecting ideas. 3) Toyota was able to close the gap with US automakers in the 1960s and outperform through affordable, fuel-efficient cars when oil prices rose in 1973 by connecting ideas around quality and efficiency.