WHAT IS CREATIVITY? A VIEW FROM THE MAESTRO

Creativity has been defined in numerous ways, but in essence, it exists in all domains and dimensions.

I believe that we should learn how to use our senses, then incorporate them in different ways when ideating. Problem-solving and solution-finding exercises often demand that we constantly look out at challenges in new ways. By exposing ourselves to exercises and situations where we experience sensations from as many regions of our brain as possible, we improve in quantum leaps.

Remember, it is not age but usage that counts in developing our infinitely creative brain. the usage of mental gymnastics stimuli is one of many devices recommended for cultivating genius.

The world is becoming fiercely competitive. The lifespan of Fortune 500 companies has been drastically slashed. Those who survive, and thrive, are the ones who are continually creative and innovative. Societies are changing at a frightening exciting pace.

"Information anxiety" is increasingly acquiring victims in the corporate and educational ecosystems.

Can anyone learn to become more creative?

Yes, most definitely. Creative thinking techniques are designed to unlock your brain's infinite power. We have the capacity to be creative in as many fields of endeavour as we choose to be.

There are numerous ingredients that constitute our creative efforts. Imagination is essential, other than these prime elements:

NATURE: Many of our inventions, innovations, and patterns of behaviour, emerge from designs found in nature. We must learn to recognise that nature is the most logical playground for our ideas.

HUMOUR: A significant percentage of creativity arises from the world of humour. By not taking everything too seriously and remaining relaxed, we are able to accept ideas as they surface, without judgement.

KNOWLEDGE: All serendipitous discoveries involve a connection, in one way of another, with some form of prior knowledge. This does not mean that one need have knowledge specifically pertaining to a subject from which a creative idea was born. But by being generally well informed, and knowing that everything connects to everything else, we increase our capacity for generating ideas.

MEMORY: The conscious development of a good memory is invaluable for anyone. All organisations are guaranteed to benefit if the employees exhibit a memory that is well above the average expectation. You need to ask yourself, "How valuable is having a trained memory to your organisation?"

INTELLIGENCES: Research has identified several distinct types of human intelligence. Once we are aware of what these intelligences are, we can easily identify our strengths and weaknesses. The subsequent development of each intelligence will correspondingly boost our creative potential.

SKILLS: We are in the Age of Competitive Intelligence. What we know has a finite lifespan. By knowing how we know what we know, that is, by knowing how to learn, we immediately gain immensely in any domain of activity. All creative skills and techniques are designed to immediately arm you with the tools for navigating through the New Millennium. And it is vital to focus on the arts and sciences. The merging of these disciplines results in synergy, energy and power!

[Excerpted & adapted slightly from the book, 'Brain Symphony: Brain-blazing Practical Techniques in Creativity for Immediate Application', by Dilip Mukerjea]