| Training Your Creative Brain (Part One) |
| Written by Todd |
Thursday, 03 April 2008 20:42
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Can creativity be taught? There are several schools of thought regarding creative learning, but according to Dr. Robert Epstein out of Harvard, the answer is a resounding yes. Historically it's been tough to overcome the obstacles and make creative learning happen, though. From an early age, the "man" has beaten us down by telling us that the rules are more important than self-expression. You remember how it went: "Little Jimmy, stop drawing outside the lines. You want your mom to hang your picture on the fridge, don't you?" Gosh, I get the sweats just thinking about that pressure. The good news is that there is hope for us all. It's possible to train yourself to stay in peak creative shape. So, stop waiting around for those moments of serendipity to hit you on the head like Newton's apple, and take advantage of these steps to creative growth.
According to Epstein's Generativity Theory, the first step you need to take on the road to creative genius involves catching those "aha" moments before they escape your memory. As ideas occur in your brain, write 'em down for Pete's sake. J.K. Rowling wrote her initial notes for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on napkins in her local diner. Look at her now. She is richer than the Queen!
Capture those fleeting moments of brilliance before they are Lost like Flight 815:
- Keep an idea journal by your bed to write creative thoughts from your dreams and other stages of sleep. Artists like Dali found inspiration from overnight imagination.
- Carry a sketch book to jot down notes or sketches throughout the day.
- Remember your witty repertoire with a digital voice recorder.
- Utilize mind mapping software online like FreeMind to record your ideas.
- Get a tattoo. Permanent but effective.
Tattoos aside, use tools to capture moments that might help your creative psyche. They will help you make your ideas more real, and help form important connections later on (more to come on connections in Part 3 of this series). Stay tuned for more tips on how to train your brain to be more creative. If you are like me, you need all the help you can get.
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