8 Tips to Boost Creativity
When education and creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson discusses changing education paradigms, he contends we all are born with a tremendous capacity for creativity and divergent thinking.
In school, there’s one right answer in the back of the book and you’re supposed to know that answer without talking to anyone else. When we emerge in the real world, possible routes to success are nearly infinite, and those who collaborate best expand their options.
We can all ‘see lots of possible answers to a question,’ Robinson says. ‘Lots of possible ways of interpreting a question.’
On the topic of how to boost creativity, we offer you eight possible insights:
1. Embrace the unknown
Get outside your comfort zone. It doesn’t matter if the topic relates to something you know or just something catching your eye, continue to expand your knowledge set. As ideas begin to develop, the information gathered will shape and mold your ideas moving forward.
2. Build your confidence
Go beyond knowledge. As ideas form, let them snowball into an avalanche. Ridding yourself of constraints in the brainstorming stage can bring larger than life ideas. Although some ideas may be initially absurd, a small tweak can change a ‘never in a million years’ idea to ‘when do we start?!’
3. Curiosity killed the cat, not your passion
Curiosity and passion go hand in hand; love what you’re getting into. Positivity attaches your creative state to the flow state, where the mind can focus solely on the task at hand.
4. Don’t be afraid of failure
Obstacles allow further definition of an idea. The more an idea gets flushed out, the more structure takes shape. We all live a life of trial and error, but the persistent accept failure as part of the process. As Einstein said, ‘It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.’
5. More than one way to skin a cat (sorry, cats…)
Ideas often evolve in unexpected directions. Take the popsicle. When Frank Epperson left a drink outside with a stirring stick in it one cold night, the next morning he discovered one of the best summer treats we know. Sometimes ideas just come together on mere misfires.
6. Don’t sweat the negatives
Building strengths is just as important as plugging up weaknesses. Playing defense through the entire process is tiring. Turn to the attack and use the strengths of your idea to push forward. No one likes playing to a tie…
7. Experience vs. Originality
Originality matters, but it doesn’t always win. Pepsi and Coke have built experiences unique to their brand. The Pepsi Taste Challenge connected brand imagery with brand preference. The psychological experiment created a fun, interactive atmosphere that swayed consumers. Whether big or small, that experience keeps fans loyal.
8. Surround yourself with inspiration
Who in your life inspires you to work harder, think bigger and be better? More than likely, they’re who you want around you. The company you keep should inspire you to think bigger. Bring in people with different skills but a shared background. Instead of you thinking of everything, allow your support group to fill the gaps they naturally fill.
What are your tips to insight creativity?
