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Synthesize to Drive Creativity

Overhead view of colleagues sharing and analyzing reports at a round table.

Center for BrainHealth

How can you make innovation a habit?

Fight the urge to act upon the first or most familiar solution to a problem. Create learning opportunities and invite uncomfortable conversations that may result in new ideas and learning.

SCIENCE SAYS:

Creativity can be learned. First, look closely to define the problem. Then, step back to gain perspective. Finally, Zoom Deep and Wide to generate many solutions. This fosters possibility thinking and strengthens brain networks responsible for decision-making and problem-solving.

WAYS TO BEGIN:

  • Listen to your curiosity – being curious requires vulnerability, and acceptance that you don't know already, but the payoff of new understanding is huge!
  • Don't be afraid to be wrong – keeping an open mind to new information helps you keep moving forward, so you can back up rather than double down when a change of direction is needed.
  • Make disciplined organization a habit – document information you gather for later review, highlighting key ideas and staying mindful and organized.
  • Take cues from feelings of inspiration – when the moment strikes, seize it by stopping other work and focusing on harnessing a natural flow of ideas.

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