Creativity

Creativity is a greatly helpful quality to have when it comes to both creative endeavors and problem solving, but many feel unconfident in themselves in this aspect. Hopefully the information we've gathered can help!

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Sleep an inspire noteworthy artistic and scientific achievements (ie. dreams allowed for inspiration to invent  vaccine patch), better at spotting connections among novel pieces of info. 
Aptitude tests require convergent thinking: an ability to provide a single correct answer by narrowing the available problem solutions
Creativity tests require divergent thinking: the ability to consider many diff option and to think i
Five components of creativity based on Robert Sternberg:
Expertise: well developed knowledge furnished ideas, images, and phrases we use as mental building blocks-- more blocks=more chances to combine them in novel ways
Imaginative thinking skills: provide ability to see things in novel ways, recognize patterns, make connections-- can combine partial solutions into one
A venturesome personality: seeks new experiences, tolerates ambiguity and risk, perseveres in overcoming obstacles
Intrinsic motivation: quality of being driven by interest, satisfaction, and challenge than by external pressures/extrinsic motivators
A creative environment: sparks, supports, and redefines creative ideas; prominent scientists and inventors were mentored, challenged, and supported by colleagues; support innovation, team building, communication; minimizes anxiety and fosters contemplation
Develop expertise: follow passion by broadening knowledge base and becoming expert
Allow time for incubation: period of inattention to problem allows for automatic processing to form association
Set aside time for the mind to roam freely: creativity springs from “defocused attention”
Experience other cultures and ways of thinking: living abroad caused ppl to be more adept at working out creative solutions to problems--exposure to multicultural experience fosters flexible thinking