The Science of Creating Creativity

Mastering the Role of Creative

You can learn to become creative with a little curiosity.

“I’m not creative”- I hear it every day. This simply isn’t true- creativity is a muscle we flex and can build over time. Creativity is a skillset that children are naturally born with, and over time societal rules and underlying biases dictate how our brains rationalize ideas. Our brains like existing ideas because they are safe, but as they say “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for'.”

Here are 5 proven ways to be more creative.

1. Make Time and Space to Daydream

When you daydream, your mind is unconstrained. While you can’t change your physical reality, you can go wherever you please in your mind.

Research confirms that daydreaming causes measurable changes in the brain linked to greater creativity and problem-solving abilities. It allows for sparking of new ideas and in a judgement-free zone.

2. Create and Express Yourself

From doodles to paintings, to writing to building, one best learns by “doing”. Did you know that Some of the most creative and innovative people in history have left behind a trail of doodles, including Ernest Hemingway, Steve Jobs and 26 of the American president?

When people create, their brains can subconsciously solve problems or generate original ideas. Placing words to paper allows for freedom of thought and the ability to exercise ideas out loud.

3. Learn a New Language

Learning another language expands your horizons and gives you a new way of seeing the world. It has the ability to exposes you to new cultures and customs which can have a big impact on your creativity.

Mastering a foreign language has been found to enhance the four components of divergent thinking ability: fluency, elaboration, originality, and flexibility.

4. Play Video Games

Michigan State University Researchers found a link between video game playing and greater creativity.

According to the academic research book Video Games And Creativity, playing video games has the following effects:

• Better concentration

• Better neural processing and processing efficiency

• Better problem-solving skills

• Brain changes that lead to behavioral changes

• Improved performance

• Improved mood, greater inspiration, and self-esteem

5. Read Absurdist Fiction

The best way to stretch our brain’s capability is through allowing for us to challenge our rational mind. One way to do this is through reading absurdist fiction, kind of fictional narrative presents characters in situations where they are unable to find meaning or purpose in life.

Absurdist fiction allows you to question existing concepts, truths, and values, making you use your brain in different ways.

Absurdist fiction includes Alice In Wonderland and Slaughterhouse-Five.