I recently stumbled across a #framework written in 1936 that describes a 5-step process to develop creative ideas.

It’s built off the insight that new ideas result from a combination of old information – and that our ability to see relationships between elements defines how creative we are.

Summarized, it goes something like this:

• Step 1: Gather raw material (existing ideas) that is both specific (related to the product or task) and general (tangential or completely unrelated).
• Step 2: Mentally “chew” on the materials by looking at them from different angles and combining them in different ways.
• Step 3: Take a break. Do something completely unrelated that energizes you.
• Step 4: Allow the idea to come back to you with a flash of insight. This only happens after you stop trying.
• Step 5: Slowly reveal the idea to others and begin collecting criticism. Expect to be frustrated as the idea goes through cycles of iteration and improvement.

This creative framework surprisingly mirrors my own, except for one key difference: It highlights the importance of spaciousness and time.

Rather than turning away, I often force the process, leading to unnecessary frustration and a probable decrease in long-term performance.

Patience is a part of the creative process, whether we like it or not.

#Creativity

ht: James Webb Young – https://amzn.to/33EOPrg