THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CREATIVITY || How to Train Your Brain to Think in a More Creative Way
Have you ever wondered what lies behind those bursts of inspiration that fuel artistic masterpieces, groundbreaking inventions, or innovative problem-solving?
Creativity, the magical spark that sets our minds ablaze with fresh ideas and imaginative possibilities, is a fascinating aspect of human cognition. And while some might believe that creativity is an innate talent reserved for a select few, the truth is that it's a skill that can be nurtured and honed by anyone willing to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Be open-minded and ask yourself questions and just let your thoughts roam.
Let’s dive into the psychology of creativity and explore strategies to train your brain to think in a more creative way. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to unlock the boundless potential of your own imagination.
Cultivate Curiosity: Embrace a mindset of curiosity and open-mindedness. Ask questions, explore new topics, and challenge your assumptions. Feed your mind with diverse information and experiences to broaden your perspective. For example, branch outside the genres you would usually gravitate towards. Take some time in the morning to tap into news channels you paid no attention to before. When others around you have a difference in opinions, pause and try to see the situation in their shoes.
Engage in Stimulating Activities: Read fiction, watch thought-provoking films, visit art galleries, or spend time in nature. Allow yourself moments of daydreaming and unstructured thinking to stimulate your imagination and make unexpected connections.
Practice Divergent Thinking: Break free from conventional thinking patterns. When faced with a problem, generate multiple alternative solutions. Draw a web diagram to weigh your options. Come up with a table with the outcome each path will take you. Think about the different solutions in front of you and the different processes each solution would take you. Push beyond the obvious and embrace unconventional ideas. Don't be afraid to take risks and explore uncharted territories.
Create an Inspiring Environment: Surround yourself with stimuli that ignite your creativity. Decorate your workspace with colours that inspire you, display artwork or objects that evoke emotions, and curate a playlist of music that enhances your focus and imagination.
Remember to take note of your thought processes and learn from them as you expand your creativity.
Embrace Setbacks and Failures: View setbacks as learning opportunities. Embrace the lessons they offer, adapt your approach, and persevere. Understand that failure is a natural part of the creative process and a stepping stone towards success. With this, give yourself the opportunity to experience everything multiple times to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Do not give up the first time it doesn’t work out.
For example, when trying to paint a new watercolour piece, take note of the painting process and what you did for the outcome. Next time, experiment with a different amount of water and paint to see how you can improve and expand your creativity with different techniques.
Seek Collaborative Opportunities: Engage in discussions and brainstorming sessions with like-minded individuals or experts from different fields. Embrace diverse perspectives and leverage collective knowledge to fuel your creativity. Collaborative endeavours can lead to breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions.
Remember, nurturing your creativity is an ongoing journey. Embrace the process and enjoy the exploration of your imagination. Through curiosity, divergent thinking, an inspiring environment, resilience in the face of setbacks, and collaboration with others, you can train your brain to think in a more creative way.
Unleash the magnificent power of your imagination and let your ideas soar to new heights. The world eagerly awaits your unique creative contributions. Together, let's unlock the beauty and innovation that lies within.
