20 Tips from Psychology for Boosting Creativi...2

How to Boost Your Creativity
20 Tips from Psychology for Boosting Creativity
ByKendra Cherry, About.com Guide
See More About:
creativitycognitive psychologyapplying psychology
(Continued from Page 1)
11. Realize That Most Problems Have Multiple Solutions
The next time to approach a problem, try looking for a variety of solutions. Instead of simply going with the first idea you have, take the time to think of other possible ways to approach the situation. This simple activity is a great way to build both your problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
Sponsored Links
Lack of Self Confidence?Would you like to feel more sure of yourself? Free Ebook - Ron Hubbardwww.twth.org.uk
中华英才网-外企人才招聘500强企业最新职位免费查询； 中华英才网,权威专业招聘网站Chinahr.com
Saybrook Graduate SchoolEarn your MA or PhD at a distance Humanistic Psychology & Org Systemswww.saybrook.edu
12. Keep a Creativity Journal
Photo courtesy Aschwin Prein
Start keeping a journal to follow your creative process and track the ideas you produce. A journal is a great way to reflect back on what you have accomplished and look for other possible solutions. This journal can be used to save ideas that can later serve as future inspiration.
13. Create a Mind Map
Photo courtesy Aranya
A mind map is a great way to connect ideas and look for innovative answers to questions. Create a mind map by writing down a central topic or word. Next, link related terms or ideas around the central word. While similar to brainstorming, this technique allows for branching ideas and offers a very visual way of seeing how these ideas are linked.
14. Challenge Yourself
Once you have developed some basic creative skills, it is important to continually challenge yourself in order to further advance your abilities. Look for more difficult approaches, try out new things and avoid always using the same solutions you have used in the past.
15. Try the "Six Hats" Technique
The "six hats" technique involves looking at a problem from six differing perspectives. By doing this, you can produce more ideas than you might have had you only looked at the situation from one or two points of view. Red Hat: Look at the situation emotionally. What do your feelings tell you? White Hat: Look at the situation objectively. What are the facts? Yellow Hat: Use a positive perspective. Which elements of the solution will work? Black Hat: Use a negative perspective. Which elements of the solution won’t work? Green Hat: Think creatively. What are some alternative ideas? Blue Hat: Think broadly. What is the best overall solution?
16. Look for Sources of Inspiration
Never expect creativity to just happen. Look for new sources of inspiration that will give you fresh ideas and motivate you to generate unique answers to questions. Read a book, visit a museum, listen to your favorite music or engage in a lively debate with a friend. Utilize whatever strategy or technique works best for you.
17. Create Opportunities for Creativity
In addition to looking for inspiration, you also need to create your own opportunities for creativity. This might involve tackling a new project or finding new tools to use in your current projects.
18. Consider Alternative Scenarios
When approaching a problem, utilize "what if..." questions to consider each possible scenario. If you take a specific approach, what will the outcome be? By looking at these alternatives beforehand, you'll be better able to develop creative solutions to problems.
Sponsored Links
MINI SpaceConnect with creative people on MINI Space.www.minispace.com
Jung, Darwin of the Mindneo-Darwinism and Jung : science and the collective unconscious.www.jungdarwinbook.com
19. Create a Flow Chart
©iStockPhoto/Franziska Richter
When you are developing a new project, start by creating a flow chart to track the presentation of the project from start to finish. Look for various paths or sequences of events that might occur. A flow chart can help you visualize the final product, eliminate potential problems and create unique solutions.
20. Try the Snowball Technique
Have you ever noticed how one great idea often leads directly to another? You can take advantage of this by utilizing a "snowball technique" when you are generating ideas for your project. If the idea isn't appropriate for your current work, set it aside to work on later or implement it in a future project.