10 amazing ideas to make your brain more creative

Creativity is a precious asset in any organization, helping companies to be more innovative in their markets and stand out from the crowd.

Approaches to building a culture where creativity thrives have varied, from hiring “creative people” and letting them do their thing, hoping it will rub off on others, to Google’s kind of approach, in which that people are allowed the freedom and flexibility to be who they are. in the work environment.

But what if you are totally and utterly disorganized? Does that make it impossible to create? Among all the clutter, is there enough space for great ideas to come up?

Neuroscience suggests that disorganization can be good for creativity, so don’t get too desperate if you can’t find last week’s timesheet. It’s probably hidden under a pile of fantastic ideas that will change the world!

Here are ten ideas that can help you throw a monkey wrench and get more creative (thanks to Steven Johnson and his book Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation for most of these):

1. numbers matter

Cities are much more creative than small towns. The sheer volume of ideas generated means that they ‘feed’ off each other and can develop a creative life of their own.

2. develop many interests

Developing multiple hobbies and interests helps you make new “connections” that a single view doesn’t always allow. The brain compares and contrasts more if you look at things from various angles automatically.

3. Continue reading diverse clothing

Reading multiple books on different topics at the same time instead of sequentially can help your brain form new connections and spark ideas you might not otherwise see.

4. let your mind wander

Let your mind wander to become more creative. It’s probably not in your best interest to do that when you need to deliver that report to the boss, but if you can find the right moments, a free mind can be creative.

5. never stop learning

The most creative minds never stop learning in their field; even those considered experts who “know it all” continue to study and make new connections.

6. Discussion – not brainstorming

Numbers may matter, but neuroscience suggests that accepting everything isn’t necessarily a good approach to creativity. Allowing ideas to collide with each other through discussion can be more effective.

7. embrace exhaustion

Some people can be more creative when their brain is exhausted and not working at its best. Don’t throw the notepad next to the bed!

8. variety is key

Having a variety of talents, interests, and experience is an asset in promoting creative teamwork, so be sure to mix it up. Don’t let your team members get too comfortable and familiar with each other.

9. take a walk or run

While a walk is traditionally considered a good way to “clear your head,” it can also be a way to be creative. Get your heart rate up and see what happens!

10 Listen to your gut!

Often instinct or “belly barometer” can be a good guide to a creative outcome. Follow the connections even if they don’t make much sense. It can steer you away from logic towards a more creative solution.

You will have seen the word ‘connections’ used many times above. The connections your brain makes are at the heart of your creativity. It is a complex process that requires the participation of the whole brain; but neuroscience shows that this can sometimes be most effectively achieved not by calm concentration, but by disorganization and disorder!