You hear the quote by Linus Pauling in the graphic above all the time. And yet, the myth of instant inspiration persists.
Like Isaac Newton under the apple tree, we expect that one genius idea to strike us out of the blue. Turns out that research backs up what Mr. Pauling said.
Psychologist Dean Simonton’s work focuses on creative productivity. His studies reveal that highly creative individuals don’t necessarily produce better ideas over all. They do, however, come up with more ideas.
In the book Originals by Adam Grant, we get the example of Pablo Picasso. When you look at Picasso’s entire body of work, it’s immense — 1,800 paintings, 1,200 sculptures, 12,000 drawings, 2,800 ceramics, plus countless rugs and prints. And yet he’s considered an artistic genius due to a tiny percentage of his work.
Simonton has also found that highly creative people don’t even know which of their ideas are the great ones. You’ve got to produce a lot of ideas and put them out there to discover which ones resonate.
It’s also important to realize that great ideas don’t come from staring out the window (or sitting beneath a tree). They originate from research, reading, and exposure to the ideas of others. Then an intersection between two seemingly unrelated concepts happens while you’re thinking about something else — on a walk, in the shower, even while you sleep.
Another interesting aspect of effective creativity in Originals is the benefit of procrastination. If the idea for a specific task hasn’t come together, that means you’re simply not ready to do it. But the pressure of the deadline kicks you into a state where brilliant ideas come in a rush.
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World (Amazon Associate)
Keep going-
Brian Clark
Further
further: health
Push It Real Good
Push ups may be the most primal and basic of all exercises. We all know what they are. We all try to do them and know they’re good for us. But like squats and pull-ups, 95% of the people doing push-ups do them wrong.
5 Common Push-Up Mistakes to Avoid
Making Other Plans
People start out thinking they want a meal plan. The only problem? Meal plans usually suck. Instead of considering yet another doomed eating regimen, check out these 6 ways to transform your diet in a sustainable way.
Why Meal Plans Usually Suck. Plus 6 better ways to transform your diet
Gut Check Your Head
Compelling new research has found the bacteria that resides in your gut may also be beneficial for your brain and mental health. This article explains how your brain is affected by gut bacteria and the role probiotics may play.
How Probiotics Can Be Good for Your Brain
further: wealth
Side Hustling
Sometimes you need extra income in order to meet unexpected expenses or to save for a major purchase or goal. With the rise of the sharing economy it is easier than ever to latch onto short-term gigs, especially if you have a strong Internet connection and some idle time.
Guide to Using Micro-Jobs to Boost Savings
Bossy Clients
You feel like a business owner. It’s easy to think the transition is complete. Then you realize that you’ve gotten better at simply completing tasks assigned to you than many of the other skills self-employment demands.
3 Signs You’re Still Thinking Like An Employee After Becoming Your Own Boss
Productive Advice
Kalonymous Kalman Shapira was an influential Polish Rabbi murdered by the Nazis in the Trawniki concentration camp. Before the war, Rabbi Shapira published a respected book on learning titled Chovas haTalmidim, which roughly translates to The Student’s Obligation.
A Famous Rabbi’s Advice for Getting Important Things Done
further: wisdom
Vacate or Meditate?
A vacation will give you a temporary break from stress. But the benefits of meditation persist.
Regular Meditation More Beneficial than Vacation
Flotation Meditation
A flotation tank is a human-sized bathtub with a retractable lid that’s filled with 160 gallons of body-temperature water and salted with 1,000 pounds of magnesium sulfate. The mineral, studies show, helps detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, and ease sore muscles. It is also said to trigger the release of endorphins.
Meditation Retreats? Please. Now It’s All About Floating In The Dark
Night Ranger
When the world is saying it’s time for bed, you’re not tired. When the world is saying it’s time for work, you’re sure you need more sleep. A growing number of experts believe that this phenomenon is real, common, and beyond our control—and that the health consequences are serious.
further: sharing
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