How to Develop Creativity

Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request and everything your heart desires must come to you. ~ Mahatma Gandhi (Tweet this)

To develop creativity is to develop an innovative idea and then give it a shape. In other words, it involves two aspects: Thinking and Producing. Creativity is synonymous with originality, imagination, inspiration, inventiveness and vision. The way to develop creativity is to “look at things from a different perspective.”

A friend of mine once said an interesting thing about how to develop creativity. He said, “You don’t have to do things well! Indeed it’s okay to do them poorly; otherwise you’ll never let yourself be a beginner at a new activity.”

Creativity stimulates thinking which further triggers execution of the idea. Some people have the habit of seeing things differently but most of us prefer to walk on a defined path. Deviation brings problems for most of us, but creative thinkers love challenges. They have an urge to do things differently. The outcome pumps up the adrenaline and brings satisfaction to them.

Simple steps to develop creativity

If you thought that people are simply blessed with creative minds, you are mistaken. It can be enhanced with just a little patience and dedication. Here are a few simple steps to develop creativity:

Group Brainstorming

Brainstorming is one of the best methods to develop creativity. Sit with a group of people to allow the free-flow of ideas. Judgement and criticism hinder effective outcomes. Motivate each member to give at least one idea even if it is simple. Our brain is programmed to look at problems in the most complex way but in reality simple ideas work best.

Individual Brainstorming

Individual brainstorming is very helpful in activating your brain’s creativity. Sit in a corner where you won’t be disturbed for at least half an hour. Take a paper and pen, start writing whatever comes to your mind. Don’t think of it as silly or stupid. Writing each and every aspect will make your mind clutter-free and give you a sense of clarity in thoughts and feelings.

Whole-Brain Thinking

Whole-Brain Thinking means using both sides of the brain to bring out the best results. Our brain is divided into two parts: left and right. The left signifies logic and the right controls emotions. Research shows that men mainly use the left part and women the right side. To significantly develop creativity or to bring out the best creative results, Whole-Brain Thinking theory suggests using brainstorming and concentrating on an idea from all directions. Contemplate things from both the emotional and the logical aspects. Write down each and every aspect to reach your best idea. As indicated earlier, writing helps in clearing the thought process. So divide your page into two parts (one logical, the other emotional). Keep writing under each heading without considering whether it’s small or big, simple or difficult, silly or smart.

Conclusion

It’s true that creativity can be developed by brainstorming especially by using Whole-Brain Thinking. Picasso, an artist whose activity was primarily associated with the right brain, made many margin notes about the specific compilation of colors—showing left brain thinking—too. Einstein, a scientist whose activities were normally associated with left-brain, was nearly thrown out of school for daydreaming. His theory of relativity was born out of daydreaming about riding sunbeams through space. It has worked for the best of the world—our greatest minds. Will it also work for you?