Creativity and The Brain

Interesting article in the USA Today 8/27/06 on how the human brain works, especially in the area of creativity. The article is an interview with Neuroscientist Nancy Andreasen. She provides a few examples on how to give your mind a workout and build a more creative mind. For example she suggests:

• "Explore an unfamiliar area of knowledge. For example, people who use a lot of math on the job should sign up for a painting class.
• Spend time each day thinking. Don't censor your thoughts, but allow your mind to go freely to a problem and see what kinds of solutions or ideas surface.
• Practice the art of paying attention. Look for and really observe a person, an object or something in your daily commute that you hadn't really noticed before. Try describing or drawing that object in a journal or sketchbook.
• Use your imagination. Spend time each day imagining a different world. What would it look like? What would you do there?"

Don't forget to read the rest of the article and learn more about creativity and the mind.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.