It is only in recent times that neuroscientists are starting to unravel what happens when we create. We used to leave creativity in the hands of prodigies and talented artists, but now we know that it is something that anyone can do and nurture.

Whilst there is no perfect model yet to explain the intricacies of the creative process, the three steps outlined below, offer some practical strategies into how to enhance our creative genius.

As we live in a society that’s constantly evolving, learning how to stay at the top of our game,  by creating and innovating - is becoming a highly valued skill. There’s always someone out there looking to do what you’re doing, but better.

You’ve got to go out-innovate the innovators!

Keeping the brain active, curious and continually learning can help connect different brain networks known to contribute to the creative process. It’s time to kill the myth that only the right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for our creative insights and that creativity only exists to produce great artworks, buildings or original pieces. 

1. Question Everything

Always Ask: What Could I Do Differently?

Don’t settle for the status quo, look for new knowledge. Stop your thinking and disrupt it. This will enhance innovative thinking and benefit the future prospects of your business, your team and your community.

2. Get in touch with nature

Connect With ‘the Green’ By Accessing Sunlight, Fresh Air & Touching Nature When Possible.

Don’t consign this to just the weekend walk or occasional camping trip. A fantastic example of this is the roof top garden at the Macquarie Bank building in Martin Place, Sydney, where employees now are able to interact with chickens, grow vegetables and take care of honey bees.

Slowing our brains and taking the time to mind wander can help our brains to find better solutions and strategies. Even if you don’t have the chickens and bees, a walk at lunch time, a run in the park (and not the gym) or just sitting on a park bench will allow your mind to slow down and think of new possibilities, solutions and approaches.

3. Sleep on it!

Getting Between 7 To 9 Hours Of Sleep Per Night Must Become A Non-negotiable.

If you don’t get this recharge, you’ll sap your brain of energy, be less creative, harm interpersonal relationships and make increasingly bad decisions. This has a cumulative effect the longer sleep-deprivation goes on.

Sleep must be as much of a priority as nutrition and exercise. Such is the sleep crisis in America, that Arianna Huffington has initiated the ‘Sleep Revolution Tour’ campaign throughout American University campuses. Arianna is on a crusade to re-educate students about the importance of sleep and disconnecting from technology to restore brain capability, performance and creativity.

Get into the ideas habit. Even if you feel uncertain or you fail repeatedly, get into the habit of producing ideas - independent of the outcome. The more you generate new ideas and concepts, the better you will get at mastering the process of preparation and incubation, until the ‘eureka’ moment emerges in your brain.

Originally posted on: 14 April 2016
Last updated on: 24 March 2024

You May Also Like

These Stories on Curiosity

Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

No Comments Yet

Let us know what you think