How to be Creative: a Scientific Breakdown
Are people born creative, does it come from growing up in unusual surroundings, or can you force it? Turns out, all of these things can be true! There is no need to be down on yourself if you don’t feel creative.
Let’s dive into the science behind creativity and a process you can use to be more creative overall.
Recognize traits of creativity
According to Berkley.edu, creativity involves your brain’s default, subconscious habits:
“The default network enables us to construct personal meaning from our experiences, imagine other perspectives and scenarios, comprehend stories, and reflect on mental and emotional states—both our own and those of others… The activity of this network—as we like to call it, the ‘imagination network’—also informs our most creative ideas.”
To no surprise, the article also mentions the traits of creative people include:
Imaginative play and daydreaming
Solitude to encourage time and focus for these thoughts
Openness to new experience without fear of traditional construct
Others feel that relaxation is the key component of creativity. When your mind is at rest, you feel more comfortable inwardly reflecting and connecting thoughts in an unusual way.
3 types of creativity that you can employ
Lucky for you, creativity goes beyond a group of genetic traits - there are clear-cut processes that result in creative outcomes.
Research demonstrates there are three types of creativity: combinational, exploratory, and transformational. Understanding each is the first step to try for yourself.
Combinational creativity: Combining existing ideas in unique ways. For example, grouping a camera, phone, and internet resulted in the smartphone.
Exploratory creativity: Experimenting with new methods, with no clear destination in mind. For example, an artist might play with uncommon materials.
Transformational creativity: Fundamentally changing or redefining existing concepts, systems, or paradigms. For instance, the internet transformed communication, information access, and daily life.
Lifestyle changes to be more creative
The best way to encourage creativity is to leverage everything mentioned above. Tackle it from all angles and mimic the habits of creative people.
Take time to meditate and reflect in solitude
Question the status quo frequently
Take note of your problems and frustrations, and practice brainstorming solutions with unique combinations
Play with unique thoughts and materials, with no end goal in mind
You’re on your way to being a creative superstar!
Why you should care about creativity
The obvious benefit to being creative is career growth. Whether you’re starting a small business, creating a new product, or innovating within your company; creativity carves core competencies that generate revenue.
But it’s not all about work. According to an Arts and Minds study, creative outlets create a 71% decrease in anxious feeling, 73% decrease in depression, and 69% boost in feelings of social inclusion.
Creative play is the perfect way to recharge, have some fun, and potentially earn more.
Key takeaways on creativity
Some people are inherently creative, born with imaginative thought processes that connect the dots in unusual ways. Traits like being relaxed, unafraid of questioning norms, and spending time alone can foster these thought patterns.
If creativity doesn’t come naturally to you, adopting new habits can unlock this part of your brain. Finding a creative outlet (or simply time to reflect and meditate) can drastically improve your happiness and earning potential.
