Creativity is intelligence having fun.~ Albert Einstein
When the word ‘creativity’ comes to mind, many people tend to associate it with artistic endeavors such as painting, DIY projects, novel writing, or music composition. However, creativity encompasses much more than just these activities. Being creative is more than just creating something new and clever. When you look up the definition of creativity you’ll discover something that suggests employing your creativity to develop a novel concept or thing.
You’ll see a mention of that creation being artistic in almost all instances.
While that may be the case, it doesn’t appear to adequately capture the breadth and depth of creativity. After all, creativity may be discovered in a lot more places than just on a canvas, in a book, or when playing the piano. Creativity drives us not only to create but to innovate. Just take a look at smartphones, hundreds of people, including programmers, marketers, and app developers, worked together to create something that was previously unthinkable.
Here are a few tips to help you be creative.
Engage in Divergent Thinking
The capacity for multiple ideas or solutions to a problem is known as divergent thinking. Research in the Journal of Creative Behavior found that people who practice divergent thinking are typically more creative (Runco & Acar, 2012). Try engaging in free-writing activities, mind mapping, or brainstorming sessions to hone your divergent thinking skills.
Take Breaks
Some of my best creative ideas came to me while taking a break by allowing the mind to rest and replenish, I was able to see my projects from a different angle. Short pauses throughout prolonged work periods have been demonstrated to increase focus and productivity, according to research (Kreiner, Hollensbe, & Sheep, 2009). In order to give your mind a break, take a break, go for a walk, or do something else instead of trying to push through a mental barrier.
Explore Different Perspectives
You can gain new insight into a situation or problem by investigating several viewpoints. According to studies in the Journal of Creative Behavior, those who take into account diverse viewpoints are generally more creative (Zhang & Baer, 2013). Try examining a topic from several aspects, soliciting opinions from others, or researching alternate solutions to practice exploring diverse views.
Practice Mindfulness
Being totally present in the moment and conscious of your surroundings is the practice of mindfulness. A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that mindfulness can boost creativity by encouraging a nonjudgmental mindset and open-mindedness (Colzato et al., 2012). Try deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or just being aware of your thoughts and feelings to cultivate mindfulness.
Accept Failure
As humans it’s normal for us to have a fear of failing but this fear can stifle innovation. Nonetheless, studies have shown that embracing failure can increase creativity because it presents chances for growth and learning (Kaufman & Gregoire, 2015). Hence, don’t be scared to take chances, fail, and then learn from your mistakes.
In conclusion, creativity is a valuable skill that can be developed through various practices, including engaging in divergent thinking, taking breaks, exploring different perspectives, practicing mindfulness, and embracing failure. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can enhance your creativity and unleash your full potential.
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References: Colzato, L. S., Ozturk, A., & Hommel, B. (2012). Meditate to create: The impact of focused-attention and open-monitoring training on convergent and divergent thinking. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 116. Kaufman, S. B., & Gregoire, C. (2015). The real neuroscience of creativity. Harvard Business Review, 93(6), 1-10. Kreiner, G. E., Hollensbe, E. C., & Sheep, M. L. (2009). Balancing borders and bridges: Negotiating the work-home interface via boundary work tactics. Academy of Management Journal, 52(4), 704-730. Runco, M. A., & Acar, S. (2012). Divergent thinking as an indicator of creative potential. Creativity Research Journal, 24(1), 66-75. Zhang, J. W., & Baer, J. (2013). The relationship between mindfulness and creativity: Middle facets, common mechanisms, and a meta-analysis. Journal of Creative Behavior, 47(2), 125-152.