THE STORY
When you are unable to find a creative solution to a tricky problem, it’s often because your brain’s neurons are stuck on a neural pathway that leads you to think in the same predictable way.
Combinatorial creativity was a concept first coined by Albert Einstein. He realised that the brain needed to be stimulated by a range of different and often disconnected activities which would allow it to combine the various dots and find unusual patterns between apparently dissimilar things. Einstein was known to play the violin whenever he was stuck on a tough problem and he firmly believed that it was music that positively influenced the way he thought about maths and science, unlocking potential solutions. His sister, Maja, said that sometimes after playing a musical instrument, he would get up and say, “There, now I’ve got it!” The dots had been connected!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Give yourself the luxury of time to solve a problem creatively. The brain does not operate to a strict timetable and needs space to allow thoughts to connect, collide, ‘fester’ and ferment.
Make sure you are practicing at least one other daily hobby which is completely disconnected to your work. This will allow your brain to ‘cross-train’ creatively.
Ensure you make time every day for doing something 'automatic' or mundane, like going for a walk or taking a long shower. This gives your subconscious the time and space it needs to make the connections and deliver the good stuff!
YOUR CHALLENGE
Set yourself a challenge to solve and give yourself a week to crack it.
Commit yourself fully to a hobby which you can practise every day.
Carry out at least one mundane activity during the day to allow your brain to combine and create.
Capture ideas whenever they pop into your head.
