We are all imaginative since childhood. But as adults, when we tackle problems that require innovation, it can sometimes feel like the spark of creativity has faded.
I have been studying creativity for over 40 years as an educator, author, and consultant. I have written over 180 books. Two of the books are about how to overcome obstacles that make creative thinking more difficult.
I’ve noticed that in casual conversations, meetings, and even conversations with family and friends, there are some common phrases that hold back our potential. We often don’t realize we’re using them.
If you find yourself saying any of these four phrases, here’s what to do instead to boost your brain.
1. “I’m not very creative.”
Much of our education, especially in elementary school, focuses on getting the “correct” answers to simple questions like “What is the chemical symbol for salt?” or “Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?” These are called convergent questions.
Divergent questions have a wider range of possible answers and are not usually taught in this context.
As adults, we can close our minds when faced with situations that could have many valid responses. Because for a long time we haven’t been encouraged to think more broadly.
Please do this instead: Next time you’re struggling with a project or problem, start by asking more diverse questions. Instead of thinking, “What is one solution to this challenge?” ask, “How could I look at this differently?” or “Are there several ways to solve this problem?”
This takes the pressure off and allows you to explore more freely. If you encounter a creative block, this is a useful way to help fill it.
2. “I can’t do that.”
When something new or unusual appears before our eyes, we tend to view it as harmful or scary. This is often our brain’s default position. As a result, we either defend ourselves or run away.
This instinct once helped early humans survive uncertainty. Now, that can work against us because our brains see new ideas as dangerous and try to silence them.
Run this instead. If you’re stuck, this is a simple exercise to refresh your mind.
Think of basic items and think of different uses for them. For example, what are some other uses for socks? They can be used as golf club covers, hand warmers, art supplies, bags, etc. Try this out for the next 10 minutes using a few different household items.
Then go back to your project and see how far you’ve come. When you get out of logical thinking and the “I can’t do that” mindset, new possibilities open up. Starting small allows you to work your way up to bigger, scarier ideas.
3. “I’ve always done it this way.”
There are so many people who are stuck in a fixed mindset. They have a hard time accepting change because they fear it.
Their idea is, why venture into the unknown when the known is so comfortable as it is?
Run this instead. One of the best ways to deal with this problem is to always be open to new experiences. Read books outside of training and education, travel to places you’ve never been before, explore new cultures, eat different foods, and listen to different genres of music.
“The same old, same old” is safe, but new perspectives rarely emerge.
4. “What will people think?”
Many people believe that creative ideas require validation. However, when we seek the support and approval of others, our creative minds are severely limited, as we focus more on acceptance than on generating ideas.
Giving yourself the freedom to express new ideas, regardless of criticism or recognition, is an important step in a more creative life.
Run this instead. Creativity is maintained through continuously generated open-ended questions. The image that always comes to mind for me is of a child sitting and finger painting. They happily ask questions like, “What would happen if we put a purple circle here?” “What would happen if we drew a yellow wavy line there?”
This approach alerts children to the power of their own minds without worrying about what others think. If you want to feel creatively refreshed, channel your inner child and start asking “What if?” on a regular basis.
Edited by Anthony D. Fredericks, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Education at York University, Pennsylvania. He is the author of the Psychology Today blog Creative Insights. He has written more than 180 nonfiction books, including 2-Minute Habits: Small Habits, Dynamic Creativity. His latest book is The Healing Wisdom of the Forest: Timeless Lessons in Renewal, Tranquility, and Joy.
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