NASA did a study that looked at "genius" levels of creativity in 5 year olds. 98% scored in the genius level. They made it into a longitudinal study and tested them at age 10 and 15 as well. The rates dropped dramatically each time - 30% and 12% respectively. When testing adults, only 2% score in the genius level.

We can - as adults - shift back to the same thinking that those 5 year olds did by understanding how we humans creatively solve problems and innovate. There are two types of thinking:

1. Divergent Thinking - Where you imagine possibilities, look at options, broaden your thinking, and look outside the box.
2. Convergent Thinking - Like putting on the brakes. Where you make a judgement, decision, and narrow your thinking to get specific. Criticism. Evaluation.

These two ways of thinking are in relation to your imaginative problem solving. Divergent Thinking is like an accelerator, and Convergent Thinking is like putting on the brakes.

When we employ both types of thinking at the same time, it's like driving with the accelerator and brake on at the same time. We generate ideas and shut them down simultaneously. This is not productive, and is very limiting.

Instead, we should mimic nature's expansion method (Gaia’s Garden) and think divergently (only) first. Then when we've explored all the possibilities and we want to put it into action, we can slowly start to converge on applicable ideas.

Citations

• [Source]: George Land The Failure Of Success

#education #toolong