The Britannica Encyclopedia describes creativity as the ability to produce something new through imaginative skill, whether a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form.
The term generally refers to a richness of ideas and originality of thinking. Psychological studies of highly creative people have shown that many have a strong interest in apparent disorder, contradiction, and imbalance, which seem to be perceived as challenges. Such individuals may possess an exceptionally deep, broad, and flexible awareness of themselves. Studies also show that intelligence has little correlation with creativity; thus, a highly intelligent person may not be very creative.
So how does being creative benefit us?
There are many reasons. Firstly, creativity translates itself into better solutions to problems and more efficient management of time and other resources. You will be able to 'see' problems from different angles and come up with interesting and more solutions/ideas. It is therefore important for anyone, whether you are a student, manager, teacher lawyer or clerk.
It also improves self-confidence. This is because when you are full of creative ideas, you feel more confident at solving anything that comes your way.
Research shows that everyone has creative abilities. Creativity is a skill that can be developed and a process that can be managed.
So, how to improve your creativity?
There are various methods and for today I shall talk about one of them. This technique involves creating an image in your mind involving all five senses. When you do this you are training your mind to visualize better and use both sides of your brain, your logical side(left) and your creative side(right).
Step 1- Look at an object and tremember every detail about it(size, colour, texture etc). Let us use an orange as an example.
Step 2- Close you eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Step 3- Imagine the orange directly in front of you. Imagine the orange being stretched. Hold it. Feel your index finger running across the orange. Put the orange in front of your nose and smell it. Next, imagine peeling or slicing the orange. Remember, make it as real as possible, 'see' the juices splashing, 'hear' the sound of the knife as it slices through the orange, 'feel' the skin peeling in different patterns. Next, imagine taking a slice and tasting it.
Step 4- Take a few deep breaths again and open your eyes.
Try to do this creative exercise techniques twice a day for about 5 minutes each time. Do not worry if you can't 'see' an object when you close your eyes. As you do more of such exercises, your mind gets used to it and you will improve. Just continue to practice this powerful exercise to improve your creativity. I had a few students who reported that after practising this technique for a few weeks, they tend to be able to memorize things more easily. Again, this is the result of using both sides of the brain.
Try it and enjoy!
