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How to develop creativity?
What factors do you think contribute to the development of creativity? Perhaps it is the environment we are in, or specific practices and exercises?
It is also interesting to discuss what barriers may hinder creative thinking. For example, how can the fear of failure or pressure from others affect our ability to be creative?
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Harald Frank
Walking outside in nature or the city and just mindfully taking notice of the small things in our world always inspires my creativity.
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You’ve got to train your mind to balance between focus and relaxation, as creativity lies right in between. Meditation helps (and certain kinds of shrooms lol)
I have two thought technologies for you: the first is that there are not "creative people" and uncreative people. Check out the book "Creative Confidence" by Tom & David Kelley from IDEO. It will help anyone who has ever thought "I'm just not creative." Creativity is a mindset that anyone can tap into.
The second is that creativity can be turned and off like a faucet. It's the opposite of what we've been taught! Having gone to art school and spent 10 years at IDEO, I've observed a lot of artists and designers—and trust me, they do not wait around for inspiration to strike. Look up Julian Shapiro's blog post "Creativity Faucet." The core metaphor is that your output is like a faucet that hasn't been used in a while—the pipes are full of rusty brown water, so you just need to let it out until it runs clear. (Morning Pages are a similar concept.)
Some random tactical tips: if you're generating ideas, it's easier if you can find 2-3 other people. IDEO's 7 Rules of Brainstorming really help (especially Go for Quantity). Figure out what mode you're in: creating choices (divergence), or making choices (convergence)—both are creative. And of course, any time you're stuck, go talk to a few customers and get their feedback. It will always give you an idea!
In my experience, there are people who are just naturally creative. They've just got it. However, a more practical approach is to have an experimental mindset, kick out doubt and just test things as quickly as possible. For a creative mind, there are no wrong or right just a series of experiments. The idea may sound crazy, unorthodox, unconventional but that's what being creative is.
I think creativity is about the sources you’re regularly exposed to—like the media you consume, the creators you follow, the books you read, and the places you visit. It’s also about the people you connect with and the products you interact with, which all play a part in shaping and evolving your ideas.
Being open to new experiences and staying curious keeps things fresh. On the flip side, it’s easy to feel blocked when there’s pressure to do things a certain way or worry about messing up. Giving yourself room to explore without judgment can make all the difference.
To develop my creativity, I try learning new skills or hobbies, like picking up photography or experimenting with cooking. These activities help me think outside the box. I also make an effort to connect with people from different backgrounds and industries. Their unique perspectives often inspire fresh ideas and solutions that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.