The most common causes for this tend to be a lack of time, the style of learning at school and pressures in the workplace to be more productive instead of creative. At the same time though, creativity is almost universally considered important in the workplace and for personal expression. In a survey of 1,500 CEOs by IBM, 60% of them placed creativity as the most important leadership quality. Whilst it is true that our creativity tends to peak very early in life – around 5-10 years old – we don’t lose the capacity to become more creative again. The latest findings in neuroscience suggest that we can learn to be creative by experimenting, exploring, questioning assumptions and changing our physical environment. Research studies have shown that simple things such as going for a walk, sleeping and showering all have a demonstrable impact on creativity levels.Other things include creating ‘psychological distance’ from the problem, as this helps the mind detach and develop new solutions. Interestingly, many of the most recent studies have served to prove what writers, artists and poets have been saying for centuries with respect to the secrets of their creative output. Gathering together the latest findings in scientific research, interviews with thought leaders as well as historical facts, this infographic from Spirit Button shows nine ways in which you can reliably work to improve your creative output.
Featured photo credit: Spirit Button via spiritbutton.com
