A very short guide to the most creative part of your brain
As far as your brain is concerned, “creative problem-solving” is a contradiction in terms
Want to have more “aha!” moments and free up your brain to think more creatively? Of course you do. The key is to tap into your brain’s built-in system for free-association and mind-wandering. But to do that, you need to know how that system operates. So here’s a quick primer.
Meet your mind’s “default network”
We all have the capacity for creative inspiration simply by being human. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a highly logical or a highly empathetic person (and maybe you’re both!)–there’s still a natural “seesaw” effect at work in your brain. At one end are traits and qualities like being results-driven, focused, and analytical, while at the other are your social and communication skills as well as your empathy.
The Neuroscience of Creativity: A Q&A with Anna Abraham
What is going on in our brains when we are creating? How does our brain look different when we are engaging in art versus science? How does the brain of genius creators differ from the rest of us? What are some of the limitations of studying the creative brain? The neuroscience of creativity is booming. There is now a society (with an annual conference), an edited volume, a handbook, and now an entire textbook on the topic. Bringing the latest research together from a number of scientists, Anna Abraham wrote a wonderful resource that covers some of the most hot button topics in the field. She was gracious enough to do a Q & A with me. Enjoy!
Creativity is more important than efficiency
by Zoe Humphries
Business and Government commentators have been fretting over the UK ‘productivity puzzle’ for years, as study after study has shown us languishing at the bottom of the European league tables. But why this obsessive focus on productivity? With the much-anticipated quarterly output figures failing to rise significantly for 10 years, is it time to question whether we’re fretting over the right measure in the first place?
We live in an age where innovation is the key driver of progress, as businesses face an ever-shifting business landscape along with the need for fast decision making involving incomplete, contradictory or changing information. Constant innovation is vital, with studies by the OECD and Nesta showing it accounts for 25 to 50% of labour productivity growth. But is solely focusing on productivity the best way to innovate? Or should we be focused on creativity instead?
