Though we are surrounded by a world full of information, it is hard to get new, fresh ideas for our creative work.
Maybe it’s a direct result of having so much information available to us. Or perhaps it’s a direct byproduct of our tense work environments and tight schedules on deliverables.
No matter who you are or what background you have in the creative industry, the key in spurning your creativity lies with your knowledge of how ideas are formed and how these ideas are linked in our brain.
A Cognitive Behavioral Response
In the book, Creativity: A Handbook for Teachers, creativity was defined as “the capacity to create a solution that is both novel and appropriate”. The cognitive behavior system within our brains affects the process of new ideas being produced. When information is collected and filtered in our brains, either real or imagined, the resulted efforts can in fact, push our thinking down new pathways.
For all you daydreamers out there, it might actually serve you well because according to Creativity and the Brain, “Imagination should be constrained by probabilities of composition of elementary operations, corresponding to activations of specific brain subnetworks.” The resulting filtering we do of the real versus imagined results in increased creative thought.
Its interesting to note, recent studies have shown this creative process often peaks whilst we are performing everyday, common rather mundane activity. Our brain is triggered in a remote response to our body’s patterned movements, causing a positive affirmation in the brain.
The result? AN IDEA.
Mimic Top Creatives in Your Field
Would you like to know exactly how the most successful creatives in your industry are obtaining new ideas? Its really no secret. They are just deliberately seeking for them! Learn the top things they do to succeed with their ideas.
Creatives record their thoughts.
Successful creatives know that ideas come at different times throughout the day. Thus, they are known for recording their ideas on a regular basis. They also always keep a writing journal or sketchbook with them for easy access. Some creatives have seen benefits in keeping a running list of notes in an app or an audio recording of their idea on their phones.
Creatives mentally try to solve existing problems.
The greatest creatives in history began with an idea to create a better existing service or product. They subsequent work spurned from there. Coming up with possible solutions for challenges they have or others have around them have has helped many a creative to open their thinking and bring out an effective answer which results in a practical idea.
Creatives spend a lot of time thinking.
Steve Jobs said “Creativity is just connecting things.”
Everything around us has the potential to spurn inspiration. By being observant people, creatives can connect realities with their work in an effective way.
One thing creatives focus on is what people want and need. This helps them form conclusions for what is essential in their work, whether in the underlying message or resulting product.
Creatives take time to relax and rejuvenate.
Spending time to relax their minds and unwind with activities that release of neurotransmitters in the brain leads to increased mental sharpness resulting in increased connections accessing subconscious information from the past and using it to form something new.
The truth is you won’t get your best ideas at work, but instead while you’re away from your work.
(So, see point 1 again.)
Creatives ain’t quitters.
No sir! Perseverance and patience is among the top qualities of a successful creative. They know nothing great will come about overnight, time is required.
Also, they know that at times, an idea can start one place and grow to a new height. They are also adaptable in their ability to readjust and renovate when necessary.
Creatives seek out new experience.
To have new ideas, you have to have new experience. Creatives know this and often seek out exposure to new perspective. Activities that get you out and away from your workspace like a walk in the park, a festival in the city, day at the museum – these can kindle new flames of ideas for you. Stay Creative Infographic
Always remember, like the creatives before you: