Enhancing the Creative Mind-set

Key steps to a creative mind-set, courtesy of an article from Scientific American:

WONDERMENT. Try to retain a spirit of discovery, a childlike curiosity about the world. And question understandings that others consider obvious.

MOTIVATION. As soon as a spark of interest arises in something, follow it.

INTELLECTUAL COURAGE. Strive to think outside accepted principles and habitual perspectives such as “we’ve always done it that way.”

RELAXATION. Take the time to daydream and ponder, because that is often when the best ideas arise. Look for ways to relax and consciously put them into practice.

That last point is particularly important, in my opinion. After persistently attacking a creative assignment, I’ve found that I have to escape the project for a while. Creativity doesn’t prosper under pressure. The time I spend at home -- after family activities are concluded -- sitting in the recliner with a tablet of paper seems to foster the best results. A park bench also works wonders. As does a road trip , or a stroll around the nearby park.

In my next post, I'll publish a beloved list of insights from an advertising giant that describes how to "stay fresh."