Can we become more creative by adopting the habits of creative minds ?
While some believe that creativity is an innate gift, research suggests that specific behavioral habits can significantly enhance creativity.

Key Takeaways

There are several habits you can cultivate to develop a creative mind, including curiosity, playfulness, strong observation skills, reflection, meditation, collaboration, mindfulness, a growth mindset, open-mindedness, and seeking inspiration from diverse sources.

Now, let’s examine the habits of the creative mind by analyzing real-world examples.

What are Habits of the Creative Mind

Observation and Attention to Detail 

Ability to meticulously observe and analyze the world, accurately noticing and recording even the smallest details.
This attention to detail allows identifying patterns, making connections, and developing groundbreaking inventions.

Alexander Fleming: Fleming’s keen observation skills led to his discovery of penicillin. While experimenting with bacteria, he noticed that a mold had contaminated his culture, and that the mold was inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. This led him to investigate the properties of the mold, eventually isolating penicillin, the first antibiotic. His attention to detail and curiosity enabled him to make a groundbreaking discovery that has saved countless lives worldwide.

Marie Curie carefully observed the radioactivity of pitchblende, a mineral sample, and noticed that it emitted more radiation than expected. This observation led to her discovery of the elements polonium and radium.

Charles Darwin: Darwin was known for his keen observation skills, which he developed during his travels on the HMS Beagle. He meticulously documented the plants and animals he encountered, eventually developing his theory of evolution by natural selection.

Curiosity

Creative minds are driven by an insatiable curiosity about the world around them.
They are always eager to learn and explore new things, which led them to make groundbreaking discoveries.

Leonardo da Vinci was a master of many disciplines, including painting, sculpting, architecture, and engineering. He was also a prolific inventor and scientist. His curiosity and willingness to experiment led him to make groundbreaking discoveries in many fields.

Jonas Salk was fascinated by viruses and their role in disease. His curiosity led him to develop the polio vaccine, which saved countless lives.

Marco Polo’s curiosity about Asia led him to travel extensively in China.
His groundbreaking travelogue, “The Travels of Marco Polo,” introduced Europeans to the vast and exotic cultures of Asia, profoundly shaping their understanding of the world.

Imagination

Ability to think outside the box and see the world in new ways, visualizing things in your mind.

Nikola Tesla: One of the most creative minds of all times, Nikola Tesla developed the habit of visualizing things in his mind at an early age.
He believed  intuition and imagination were crucial for scientific breakthroughs. He relied on his gut instincts and creative thinking to guide his research, often making leaps of logic that others considered unconventional.

Tesla was known for his visionary ideas and his ability to imagine new possibilities. He envisioned a world with wireless communication, flying machines, robots and other technological marvels. His imagination led him to make groundbreaking inventions that are still used today.

Salvador Dalí: Dalí was known for his surreal and dreamlike paintings, which were inspired by his vivid imagination. He used his imagination to create worlds that were strange, beautiful, and thought-provoking.

Intense Focus and Dedication

A state of hyper-concentration, blocking out all else and absorbed in the process

Nikola Tesla was known for his ability to hyperfocus on his work for extended periods, sometimes going days without sleep or breaks. He believed that deep concentration was essential for creative breakthroughs and would often work through the night to solve complex problems.

Michelangelo: Michelangelo was another Renaissance polymath who excelled as a painter, sculptor, and architect. He was known for his intense focus and dedication to his work. He was also a perfectionist who refused to compromise on quality.

Experimentation

Creative minds often experimented with new techniques. They are open to new ideas and are willing to experiment.

Picasso: Picasso was a revolutionary artist who broke down traditional artistic conventions.
He was constantly experimenting with new styles and techniques.
He is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Nikola Tesla was driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for experimentation.
He would tirelessly tinker with devices and ideas, often building prototypes from scratch in his makeshift workshops.
This hands-on approach allowed him to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of technology.

Van Gogh was constantly experimenting with different colors, palettes, and brushstrokes, seeking to convey emotion and intensity through his use of color. He was not afraid to break conventional rules and explore new ways of expressing himself through paint.

Open-mindedness

Steve Jobs: Jobs was known for his ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.
He was not afraid to challenge the status quo and create products that people didn’t even know they wanted.
This open-mindedness led him to co-found Apple Inc. and create iconic products such as the iPhone and iPad.

Claude Debussy: Debussy’s openness to new ideas led him to create music in a way that was completely different from what was being done at the time. He used sounds that were not typically used in music, and he arranged them in a way that was very different from traditional music.
His music was inspired by paintings, and it helped to change the way people thought about music.

Frida Kahlo: Her willingness to try new things allowed her to create art that was different from anything that had been done before.
She painted self-portraits that showed her true feelings, even if they were painful or embarrassing.
She used symbols from Mexican culture and her own life to create art that was both personal and universal.

Questioning Assumptions

Albert Einstein Since early age Einstein questioned authority. He was not afraid to challenge established theories and conventional thinking.
He recognized that scientific progress often requires questioning the status quo and exploring new possibilities. This willingness to question led him to develop his revolutionary theory of relativity.

Fyodor Dostoevsky: Dostoevsky’s novels explored the dark side of human nature, often questioning the morality and sanity of his characters.
He was not afraid to tackle difficult and controversial subjects, and his work continues to challenge readers to confront their own assumptions and beliefs.

George Orwell: Orwell’s novels “Animal Farm” and “1984” are dystopian satires that warn against the dangers of totalitarianism and the manipulation of language and power. They challenge readers to question the information they receive and to think critically about the world around them.

Persistence

Thomas Edison: Edison was an American inventor who developed the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera. He was known for his persistence and his willingness to experiment. He famously said “”Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” This quote emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.

He failed thousands of times while developing the light bulb, but he never gave up. His persistence eventually led him to success, and his invention revolutionized the world.

Walt Disney: Overcoming countless financial setbacks and market rejections, he relentlessly pursued his dream of animation.
Eventually he created a global entertainment empire that continues to bring joy to millions.

Self-Discipline

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Mozart was known for his incredible work ethic. He would often spend hours practicing and composing music, and he was always striving to improve his skills. His self-discipline allowed him to create some of the most beautiful and complex music ever written.

Marie Curie: Curie was known for her tireless dedication to her work. She would often work in her laboratory late into the night, and she was always eager to learn more about the world around her. Her self-discipline allowed her to make groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity.

Immersion in Nature

Van Gogh found inspiration in the natural world, spending countless hours sketching and painting landscapes, flowers, and trees. He believed that nature held a deep spiritual significance and sought to capture its beauty and essence in his art.

Leonhard Euler: Euler was one of the most prolific mathematicians of all time, and his work touched on almost every area of mathematics. He was also a keen observer of nature, and he often used natural phenomena to illustrate his mathematical concepts. For example, he used the concept of infinity to describe the number of leaves on a tree.

Benoit Mandelbrot: Mandelbrot was a Polish-American mathematician who developed fractal geometry, which is a branch of mathematics that studies the self-similar patterns found in nature. He was inspired by the intricate patterns he observed in clouds, snowflakes, and other natural objects.

Collaboration

Ability to work well with others to achieve common goals

Charles Darwin and John Gould‘s collaboration in “The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle” provided visual evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Wassily Kandinsky and Arnold Schönberg, representatives of abstraction in art and music, respectively, found inspiration in each other’s work, exploring the non-representational realm.

Linus Pauling and Abram Hoffer explored the potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin C, bridging the gap between chemistry and psychiatry.

How to Cultivate Creative Habits

Meditation

One of the best things you can do to improve your creativity is to take some time each day to connect with yourself.
Meditation and deep breathing exercises like alternate nostril breathing are excellent for that.
This practice enliven various parts of the brain and connects the left and right brains enhancing creativity.

A 2013 study published in the journal “Creativity Research Journal” found that TM practitioners scored higher on measures of divergent thinking and creative problem-solving than non-meditators.

A 2018 study published in the journal “Frontiers in Human Neuroscience” found that regular meditation practice can lead to an increase in divergent thinking, a key component of creativity.

Start your day with a few minutes of guided meditation or simply sit quietly and focus on your breath. This simple practice can set the tone for a more mindful and creative day.

Nature

Spending time in nature and practicing mindfulness helps you focus, reduce stress, and access your inner creativity.

Observe the repeating patterns in nature, from the intricate veins of a leaf to the spiraling arrangement of sunflower seeds.
These patterns can inspire artistic designs, mathematical concepts, or even philosophical musings.

Record Your Dreams

Your dreams can be a source of inspiration

Elias Howe: The American inventor had a dream in 1845 that inspired him to design the first practical sewing machine. In the dream, Howe was being chased by cannibals who threatened to kill him unless he invented a machine that could sew clothes quickly. Howe woke up in the middle of the night and sketched out a design for a sewing machine that he had seen in the dream.

Salvador Dalí: The Spanish Surrealist painter was known for his dreamlike paintings, and he often used his dreams as a source of inspiration.

Regular Exercise and Movement: Get Moving, Get Creative

Physical activity isn’t just about getting fit; it’s also a powerful boost for your creativity.
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhances mood, and sparks new ideas.

Example: go for a walk during your lunch break., or instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs  These small bursts of movement can invigorate your mind and boost your creativity.

Be open-minded

Try new things, keep an open mind and welcome fresh perspectives.
You never know what cool discoveries or opportunities you might stumble upon.

Example: Join a new club or take a class in something you’ve always wanted to learn, like photography or coding. You might surprise yourself with hidden talents or passions.

Be Curious

Don’t just accept things at face value. Ask questions, dig deeper, and explore the world around you with a sense of wonder. Curiosity is the key to unlocking new knowledge and understanding.

Example: When you’re reading a news article or watching a documentary, go beyond the surface meaning.
Ask yourself questions about the topic, research further, and look for different perspectives.
You might uncover fascinating details or hidden connections.

Take Calculated Risks

Stepping outside your comfort zone and taking calculated risks can lead to amazing experiences and personal growth. 

Example: Try watching a foreign film or a genre you’ve never tried before.
You might discover a new favorite director or expand your cinematic horizons.

Adopt a Growth Mindset: Believe in Your Potential

Setbacks are normal in your creative journey. There is no failure as long as you learn something.
The real failure is not trying at all.
It’s far better to take risks and face setbacks than to play it safe and never pursue your dreams.

Adopt a growth mindset, believe that your abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

Example: Despite self-doubt, Maya Angelou turned personal challenges into creative fuel, inspiring others to do the same and leaving an enduring mark on literature, social justice, and human inspiration.

Use Divergent Thinking

These techniques will uncover hidden insights and generate innovative solutions

Consider alternative perspectives:
Instead of viewing a problem from your usual angle, try to see it from a different perspective, such as that of your customer, competitor, or even a stranger.

Challenge assumptions:
Question the underlying assumptions behind your ideas and beliefs.
Are there any hidden limitations or unexplored possibilities?

Play “What if?” games:
Explore hypothetical scenarios and consider the consequences of different actions.
What if you had unlimited resources or no restrictions?

Provocation (Lateral thinking technique):
Instead of relying on conventional data and analysis, introduce unexpected stimuli, such as metaphors, analogies, or even absurd ideas, to stimulate new perspectives and spark fresh ideas.

Mind Mapping

Create a mind map: Start with a central theme or problem and branch out with connected ideas, concepts, and solutions.

Visual Aids

Sketch out ideas, create diagrams, or incorporate colors to stimulate visual thinking and enhance creativity

Brainstorming

Engage in group brainstorming: Set a time limit and generate as many ideas as possible, without judgment or criticism.
Encourage wild and unconventional ideas.

Idea Generation Exercise

Every day come up with 20 ideas about the subjects you are interested in. That practice first mentioned by Earl Nightingale, strengthens your idea generation muscles and makes you more creative in every part of your life.

Visualization and Imagination Exercises

Engage in sensory visualization:
Close your eyes and imagine the details of your desired outcome.
What does it look, sound, smell, taste, and feel like?

Create a vision board:
Gather images, words, and phrases that represent your goals and aspirations.
Arrange them visually to create a powerful reminder of your vision.

Mindful Observation

Take a few minutes to observe your surroundings with intention.
Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you without labeling or judging them.
This practice can help you break free from habitual patterns of thought and perception, opening your mind to new possibilities.

Look beyond the ordinary and notice intriguing details in everyday objects. The shape of a discarded bottle can spark ideas for sculpture, the texture of a weathered rock can inspire a poem, or the functionality of a mechanical tool can lead to innovative solutions

Thought-provoking Conversations

Engage in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Their unique experiences and insights can challenge your assumptions, broaden your horizons, and inspire new ideas.

Be ready for Spontaneous Inspiration

Creative bursts can arise unexpectedly.
Carry a notebook or sketchbook to capture fleeting ideas, record interesting sounds with a voice recorder, or take photos of inspiring visuals.

Create a Stimulating Environment

Surround yourself with elements that ignite your creativity and inspire you, developing the habits of the creative mind.

Art:
Adorn your walls with artwork that resonates with you, whether it’s paintings, sculptures, or photographs.
These visual stimuli can spark new ideas and enhance your mood.

Books:
Fill your shelves with books that explore diverse topics, from science and history to literature and philosophy.
Reading can expand your knowledge, challenge your perspectives, and inspire your creativity.

Music:
Create playlists of music that evokes emotions, sparks imagination, or simply brings you joy.
Listening to music can enhance your focus, boost your mood, and trigger creative breakthroughs.

Nature:
Incorporate natural elements into your surroundings, such as plants, flowers, or natural textures.
Connecting with nature can promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and inspire creativity.

Designate a Creative Space:
Establish a dedicated area for your creative endeavors.
Ensure this space is organized, clutter-free, and conducive to focus and imagination.

Seek Feedback

Seek constructive feedback from others to gain fresh perspectives and identify areas for improvement.
Engage in collaboration with fellow creatives to share ideas, spark inspiration, and learn from each other’s expertise.

Example:
If you are a  painter, seek feedback from fellow artists and art critics to refine their technique and style.
Also, collaborate with a photographer to create a series of art-inspired photographs.

Network with Like-minded Individuals

Connect with individuals who share your creative passions. Engage in conversations, exchange ideas, and provide mutual support.

Example: If you are a writer, join a local writing group to connect with other writers, exchange feedback on their work, and participate in writing prompts and exercises.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Structure your creative process by establishing a consistent routine.
Dedicate specific times for creative work, break down large projects into manageable tasks, and set realistic goals for yourself.

Example:
If you are a musician, set aside two hours each day for practicing and composing.
Divide the latest composition project into smaller sections and set deadlines for completing each section.

Participate in Creative Workshops or Classes

Enroll in workshops or classes related to your creative interests. These experiences can provide valuable skills, broaden your knowledge, and introduce you to new creative approaches.

Example: If you are a photographer, attend a workshop on lighting techniques to enhance their photography skills. Also take an online course on digital editing to learn advanced editing techniques.

Engaging with Art and Culture

Immerse yourself in the world of art and culture.
Attend art exhibitions, visit museums, and explore different genres of music, literature, and performance art.
Travel to diverse destinations to nurture cultural understanding, architectural appreciation, and artistic exploration.

Example: If you are a painter, visit a contemporary art gallery to draw inspiration from the latest trends and techniques.
Also attend a theater performance to experience different storytelling methods and visual aesthetics.

Integrating Technology and Creativity

Technology has revolutionized creativity, providing a multitude of tools that empower creators to express themselves in new and groundbreaking ways. These digital tools have become indispensable for creatives, offering a vast array of possibilities.

Software like Adobe Photoshop:
A graphic designer utilizes Adobe Photoshop to create captivating visual designs for marketing campaigns, websites, and social media platforms.

Music production software like Ableton Live:
A musician employs Ableton Live to compose and produce electronic music, blending synthesizers, drum samples, and vocal recordings to create unique and engaging soundscapes.

Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are opening up new frontiers in creative expression.

VR:
Filmmakers utilize VR technology to create an immersive 360-degree documentary, transporting viewers to remote corners of the world and allowing them to experience different cultures firsthand.

AR:
Architects incorporate AR into their design process, overlaying digital models of buildings onto real-world sites to visualize and refine their designs.

Harness Social Media for Inspiration

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have become invaluable resources for inspiration, connection, and community building among creatives.

Instagram:
Photographers utilize Instagram to share their work with a global audience, gaining recognition and engagement from fellow photographers and art enthusiasts.

TikTok:
Fashion designers use TikTok to create short videos showcasing their latest designs and creative process, connecting with fashion enthusiasts and potential customers worldwide.

By embracing technology and utilizing its various tools and platforms, we can unlock the boundless potential of human creativity, expanding our creative horizons, exploring new frontiers of expression, and connecting with a global community of like-minded individuals.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the annals of human history, creativity has served as the catalyst for innovation and transformation.
This innate human ability has propelled societal advancements, artistic expressions, and scientific breakthroughs.
While creativity may seem like an elusive or innate talent, habits of the creative mind can be cultivated through conscious effort.
Introspection, meditation, divergent thinking, and open-mindedness are just a few of the techniques that can be employed to nurture creativity and unlock our boundless potential.

More articles like this:

The High Price of Multitasking

Resources

The 10 Habits of Highly Creative People by Forbes