The science of consciousness: The four step plan for creative success

Raphael: The School of Athens (Plato)

We live in a century of immense change. Yesterday's answers cannot resolve the problems we face. Creativity especially shows a close correlation between professional achievement and leadership. However, creativity is vital to improving work performance and is essential in solving everyday problems of our increasingly complex lives. Creativity is a productive lifestyle that enhances the quality of life overall. Although intelligence measures show a gradual increase due to positive social and technological environments, the trend is different for creativity.

Creativity requires alternating between divergent and convergent thinking, culminating in the aha moment and making a discovery pleasurable. Although arbitrary creative ideas happen to anybody, it takes systematic preparation to achieve mental excellence, which is essential to achieve long-term creative success. There are four crucial elements of creativity.

(1) Understand the problem. Knowing the crux of the contradiction or the problem is necessary to create or find a solution. However, too many details can be confusing and misleading. Your insight of the problem must be to the point, sharp as a needle, to puncture the perceived resistance of the difficulty.

(2) Accept the place where you are. Creativity is not linear progress. Most often, creative solutions come to those not positioned well in the organization or even those outside. The lower you find yourself compared to your expectations, the better you are set for a breakthrough.

(3) Be immersed in the problem. All creative people have a hundred percent mental commitment. They cannot be disturbed! Whereas environmental disturbances disrupt most people, creative minds thrive in stressful situations, further sharpening their resolve toward the goal.

(4) Keep a light disposition. Children do not feel inhibited by expectations or social pressure. Their genuineness allows them to see the essence of things with creative potential. Playful activities possess inner freedom, which is conducive to creativity. Eliminating shaming, criticism, and pressure will allow creative instincts to flourish.

This last point is essential. Mental commitment is not a forceful and rigid concentration; creative people do not seem to work on the problem at all! Einstein often received creative inspiration while chatting with friends or engaging in mundane activities. Mozart enjoyed light-hearted partying with friends, but he could 'see' a whole symphony in a creative moment.

Creativity visits a straightforward, playful mind: live with a clear conscience. Go for a walk; focus on a mantra or meditation to liberate your mind from a negative mindset. Mental house cleaning will often immediately create space for a creative solution. Keep going even if you receive an unworkable, faulty answer at first. If you are persistent and optimistic, innovative solutions will visit you.

Creativity cannot be planned for but can be cultivated.

My handbook, The Power of Joy, gives you the tools and advice to liberate yourself from negativity.