Unlocking Creativity: Where Do Your Best Ideas Come From?
Unlocking Creativity: Where Do Your Best Ideas Come From?
Have you ever wondered what the key is to unlocking creativity, ideas, and solutions in your brain? For over 35 years, we’ve asked thousands of participants this very question, and only two people have ever said “at the office.”
So, where do most people find their creativity? The top answers include: while working out (running, walking, or biking), in the shower, when waking up, just as they drift off to sleep, when driving, or walking the dogs. What do these activities have in common, and how can you harness this to be more creative?
The Science Behind Creativity
Your creativity stems from your unconscious brain when it frees itself from the confines of the prefrontal cortex and lets go of rules. This powerful tool often goes untapped. The reason those ideas come while you’re engaged in another activity is that your brain is freed from constraints, allowing it to roam, stay curious, and think in terms of connections and “what ifs.” Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen at your desk, where we are usually bound by our prefrontal cortex, keeping us within the confines of structured thinking.
Tips to Unleash Your Creativity
Here are some practical tips to help you tap into your creative potential:
- Head Out to Nature: Observe how things work and relate them to any challenge or issue you’re facing. Nature has a way of inspiring fresh perspectives.
- Take a Walk at Work: One CEO I worked with would walk around the outside of the building when tackling big projects. Movement can stimulate creative thinking.
- Think “What If” Versus “What Is Possible”: “What if” removes barriers and encourages your brain to think through, rather than about, issues. This mindset shift can open up new creative possibilities.
- Keep a Journal by Your Bed: Jot down ideas and solutions as they pop into your head. In our Outcome Thinking® Leadership Program, all participants receive a journal for this purpose. Capturing thoughts in the moment can lead to valuable insights.
- Read About Someone Who Accomplished Something Special: This can unleash the optimism in you to reach new heights. Learning from others’ successes can be incredibly motivating.
The Power of the Unconscious Brain
The world needs top thinkers, so keep stretching and tapping into your unconscious brain. By freeing your mind from constraints and allowing it to explore, you can unlock a wealth of creativity that might otherwise remain hidden.
If you want more ways to do that, connect with us to find out how. Together, we can harness the power of creativity to drive innovation and success.