Creative Thinking: Characteristics And Ways To Enhance It
Creative thinking consists of the ability to break away from conventional patterns of ideation and to invent new ways of solving problems or creating something using novel techniques.
In this article we are going to examine what exactly this type of thinking consists of, in addition to reviewing its main differences from conventional thinking. Finally, we will give a list of tips on how to enhance it in everyday life.
As we mentioned before, creative thinking refers to the way of processing information to find original solutions to new challenges that occur in life. Everyone has the ability to use the potential of creative thinking, but in some individuals, these kinds of psychological processes are more hegemonic than in others.
People with this type of highly developed thinking do not limit themselves to conventional alternatives, they are explorers. Furthermore, creative thinking is put to the test every time we have the need to solve a situation we have not previously experienced.
Generally, we tend to use conventional lines of reasoning, which anyone would resort to in a similar situation, which is known as the protocol to follow. On the other hand, there is an unimaginable range of new alternatives that we rarely explore, perhaps because we are too tied to conventional solutions, possibly because they work for us and involve less mental effort.
But The reality is that the solutions we know well and use over and over again are not always advantageous and that is when people find themselves trapped in problems that apparently have no solution, solely because they are not used to using creative thinking on a daily basis.
For example: what do we do if our vehicle has an accident halfway along the road and we do not have what is necessary to repair the breakdown? Do we then let hours pass without doing anything, just because we don’t have the necessary tools? Or are we capable of finding a creative solution to the problem?
Another way to express creative thinking is through artistic expression; People who have the ability to create art have a type of skills that promote the ability to think creatively.
The relationship between creative thinking and brain plasticity
Brain plasticity is one of the most characteristic properties of the brain, and has to do with the ability of this set of organs to adapt morphologically and functionally to new situations. That is to say, the human brain is constantly changing depending, among other things, on the experiences to which we are exposed.
What does this have to do with creativity? Brain plasticity makes it possible for our thinking to quickly adapt to new problems, even taking mental routes never taken before, because the neurons modify their modes of interconnection depending on what is around us, the memories we are evoking at that moment, etc. Therefore, if we must look for a neurological basis that explains creative thinking, it is the plasticity of the brain.
How is it different from conventional thinking?
In the following lines we are going to see how exactly creative thinking differs from conventional or pragmatic thinking.
1. It does not depend on the relationship between one thing and another
The main difference between creative thinking and logical-pragmatic thinking is that the former does not depend on the linear relationships that exist between two or more objects to be able to establish a comparison or idea.
When thinking is creative, it is based more on abstract principles, which at first glance would not make much sense but which, despite not following the conventional patterns of logic, generate new meanings.
2. It implies greater visualization
One of the main characteristics of creative thinking is that requires a visualization capacity greater than that of structured thinking
When we look for new alternatives to a situation (creative) we imagine the possible scenarios that we will obtain, while with logical and structured thinking this is generally not so necessary, taking into account that the subject is already aware of what is going to happen. happen if you do things the classic way.
3. Psychological exhaustion
Using creative resources constantly results in significant wear and tear, unlike conventional or usual resources, which are based on custom. Therefore, it is very common for inspiration to come to us “in spurts.”
4. Constant learning process
creative thinking involves staying in a constant learning process Creativity comes from the knowledge that the person has acquired and internalized, it is from them that the original ideas focused on the needs of the moment are born. That is, it does not appear from nowhere, but is nourished by what is already available in memory in combination with what we think and/or perceive in the here and now.
Tips to enhance this type of cognitive processes
Creative thinking begins to appear in the early stages of development; thus The little ones should be stimulated to encourage them to be creative from childhood The ideal is to provide them with alternatives so that they can freely express their individual abilities without feeling inhibited or ashamed.
It is important that the education of young people is always balanced between academic and extracurricular, giving equal relevance to all the activities that students carry out, inside and outside the classroom. In this way, the young person grows with greater confidence in their personal abilities.
The following list contains some useful tips to further develop creative thinking in young people and adults.
1. Promote the habit of reading
Reading is a source of knowledge and new ideas that are incorporated into the reader’s mind. Whoever reads will always have something to draw from to get creative solutions or to create their own content based on what they have previously read.
2. Live new experiences
Getting out of the comfort zone is essential ; Those who remain locked in routine do not fully reach their creative potential. The mind works like a parachute, for it to work you have to open it. The best way is by discovering new experiences.
3. Write down your ideas
Creativity sometimes happens when we least imagine it ; In line at the bank or supermarket some great ideas usually come to mind. It is advisable to write them down on your cell phone or on a sheet of paper so you can study them better later.
4. Find things you are passionate about
When we find activities that generate enjoyment for us, we can be sure that our creative resources will come to light during the execution of these practices. Passion and creativity go hand in hand, and they come together so that we achieve unique things when we enjoy doing something we like.
5. Participate in group or collective creative processes
Writing a story in four hands, making a mural, composing a song for a rock band… are examples of creative processes in which the ideas of some are supported by those of others in a dynamic process. It is a very good way to get used to adopting other points of view
