Secrets On How To Be Creative.

If there’s one thing we can learn by studying the everyday routines of history’s greatest musicians, it’s that imagination, even for the best of us, is elusive. Long periods of unproductivity, frustration, and even complete mental breakdowns are to be expected; the hope is that a glimmer of creativity will finally burst through the noise and make it all worthwhile.

But, contrary to popular belief, being imaginative does not necessitate putting in endless hours to become an expert. Consider the following conditions that the US Patent Office uses to evaluate new patent applications: An concept must be original, useful, and, most importantly, surprising in order to be considered. Any specialist in a particular field may create something unique and meaningful.

This isn’t to suggest that knowledge gained through “deliberate practise” — “considerable, precise, and continuous efforts” to master an ability — isn’t valuable. However, this isn’t the whole storey.

In Scientific American, Scott Barry Kaufman writes, “Deliberate practise is very necessary for fields like chess and instrumental performance because they rely on regularly replicable habits that must be replicated over and over again.” “However, consistent replicable behaviours are not needed in all realms of human achievement.”

Entrepreneurs face the same problem as artists in that they are constantly pressured to question the status quo. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for fostering innovation, there are tactics you can use to help it thrive.
Keep in mind that creativity is often messy.
If developing expertise is a simple process characterised by repetition, continuity, and dependability,

Keep in mind that creativity is often messy.
If developing knowledge is a simple process marked by repetition, continuity, and dependability, innovation is the polar opposite. “If only innovation was just about intentional practise,” as Kaufman put it. We may all achieve artistic renown by simply practising.”

Develop a diverse range of interests.
Appreciating the creativity of others is a perfect way to spark your own creativity. Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, recommends taking “Artist’s Dates,” which can include everything from seeing a foreign film from a country you’ve never visited to reading a short storey if you usually read nonfiction.
The aim is to stretch your mind in ways it hasn’t been stretched before.

It’s impossible to have so much experience.
Another reason to keep a diverse set of interests is that having too much experience in one field might work against you. According to research, the relationship between knowledge and creativity can be illustrated by an inverted U-shape curve: some knowledge is beneficial, but too much knowledge can stifle creativity.
Dean, a UC Davis professor, made a similar argument.