Understanding Creativity - With Neuroscience

Neuroscience is shedding light on many areas of human behaviour - including the creative process. So is it the case that you are either a creative person, or you are not? Can our developing understanding of the creative process help us become more creative? How does it work?

Behind almost everything we do and say is a creative thought. From the car we drive to work to the sandwich we eat for lunch and the movie we watch in the evening - it all started with an idea.

And in the workplace, solving problems often requires creative thinking. We therefore owe it to ourselves to understand creativity better.

The creative brain

The creative process is not centred on a specific area of the brain; rather, creative thoughts are a result of neural activity in several different cerebral regions.

There are generally considered to be two stages to the creative process:

1. Experimentation and the creation of new concepts or works
2. Rehearsing, editing and assessing the final product

To further understand this, we need to consider several of the brain's networks thought to play a part in the creative process.

The 'executive attention' network

Some creative tasks involve intense concentration; this calls for the 'executive attention' network to be exercised.

This controls attention and working memory, and is often more active in the rehearsing, editing and assessing stage rather than the initial experimentation stage. It adds extra focus to the final touches.

The 'default' network

Allowing freedom of the mind to be distracted and to 'wander' is another important part of creativity, where the 'executive attention' network is less influential.

Here the 'default' or 'imagination' network might take over, where daydreaming and removal of focus on the outside world becomes key. This helps in self-reflection and recalling past events, helping us build new pictures based on previous experiences.

The 'salience' network

The 'salience' network helps the brain decide which sensory inputs to pay attention to and which to ignore.

It is thought to help us 'switch' between relevant networks of neurons, turning the most appropriate groups on or off, depending on the situation: we might need the 'executive attention' network or a freer flow of creative thoughts based on emotions and sensory inputs, depending on the task at hand.

Clearly, composing a piece of music or drawing a picture requires different creative skills to solving a complex problem in the accounting department at work.

It is therefore not surprising that we use different parts of the brain to help us achieve them, though each could be said to require a 'creative' response.

Some creative tasks require a high degree of 'latent inhibition' - the ability to filter out the surrounding world - for example when writing an important report; others thrive on the distraction that seemingly 'irrelevant' inputs provide. Similarly, some tasks require extensive self-monitoring and control of actions, while others (like performing a jazz improvisation) will actively suppress it.

Clearly, the creative process is complex and neuroscience has just started to shed light on it. There is a long way to go, but it is sure to be an interesting journey.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Understanding-Creativity---With-Neuroscience&id=9351147

It Is What It Is: A Definitive Understanding Of What To Expect From Life

What we give is what we get, the end. Oh, sure it is that simple: Indeed though, let me make an article out of that.

Ultimately, we are logically responsible for everything however illogical or unlucky it may seem at the time it does happen, and although we do not seem responsible for getting into the trouble, we are definitely responsible for inventing or creating a solution. What is life about? It is all about making things better and solving problems. From a better source of light (from candle to light bulb) to better transportation (from horse to airplane). Indeed the only "pedagogical infinity" that exists for any time is an unsolved problem until it is solved from a higher vantage point than the point that discovered or came into the problem.

Sure. we get what we perceive and expect, and we have two choices: We can let it conquer us and say "we are done" or we can work to conquer it, and say, "I will grow up and deal with this". Sure there are many choices in between those two, and beyond those two choices, but, those are the basic logical choices we have: Deal with it, or let it conquer us. Indeed, problems are never really unsolvable. I came up with this article thinking principally that I had nothing to write, but in my mind after I thought that, my thought processes were piecing together this approach to reality in which one side of it works, and one side of it does not work. Letting things conquer us without creating a genuine solution does not work while conquering things through creativity ultimately does work. Note though: I said ultimately, meaning that it takes work and steadfast growth for it to work. After all, outside of a laboratory where artificial means of growth are possible have you ever heard of an instant large natural oak tree? The reality is the reality and nothing else, and we do have to work with it ultimately.

Today, I had a small dilemma: How was I going to fulfill my obligations today without wasting too much time, and my answer was to simply deal with it minute by minute instead of actively saying impossible in any way. This answer helped me in the best way, it even ultimately helped me with this article. So, if you deal with it, it is possible, but sometimes it may take a little more creativity and time (in that order), but it is possible.

http://ezinearticles.com/?It-Is-What-It-Is:-A-Definitive-Understanding-Of-What-To-Expect-From-Life&id=9743919

How to Safeguard Your Intelligence

Everyone has intelligence because we are born with it. It's how you apply it that makes the difference. Parents help in this regard as they can easily direct a young child with chances to learn and be ahead of the pack. In this age we see young kids reading and writing before they even start school. Some are so smart they can do amazing things like Mozart, for example, who played music in concert halls in Europe at the age of 6, although he was an exception.

Intelligence is not just being smart it's about solving problems. Every animal can do that in regards to their safety, requirements, and reproduction. Some animals are much smarter than their counterparts and they become teachers for their pack. That is how they adapt to new things and even new environments.

Improving your brain power is not always the result of education. Some people can't even read and write but they know how to survive and even how to run a business. In recent years we have seen people who could not complete high school invent systems that are now household items, such as the Internet.

Reading is a big part of modern learning and it is an escape route for many who get absorbed into books that take them on mental journeys into the unknown. An appreciation of books starts when young and through an interest generated when they are read out.

Adults, however, have set minds and that means it is harder to take on new tasks and succeed, but it can be done. It has nothing to do with your intelligence but a lot to do with control and will power. Old folk are learning computer skills, for instance, and enjoying the thrills of communicating with the world at the click of a mouse.

Looking after the brain is important and something I was aware of from a very young age. It is damaged through knocks, accidents, alcohol, drugs, and other forms of abuse. Overloading it with horror stories and fiction can result in nightmares caused when it tries to expel things that it cannot relate to. Those who are addicted to television programs of that type or to movies may find they are slipping backwards on the intelligence scale.

The brain is an organ that controls and protects the entire body. If it is fed with the right food it will result in improved skills and awareness. If it is abused and impacted with non-intellectual stuff then it will not perform well. One of my favourite adages is: "what you eat today walks and talks tomorrow."

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Safeguard-Your-Intelligence&id=9439954

HOW TO REMAIN CALM UNDER PRESSURE & OVERCOME PROBLEMS IN 9 STEPS

 

Here are some tips on how to stay positive and motivated when times get tough and you face problems. If you want to learn how to overcome your problems and stay motivated, keep reading…

1) DON’T BLAME OTHERS

To be your own turnaround specialist, to take complete control over your life in a crisis, the first thing you must do is to accept 100% responsibility for yourself and for everything that happens from this minute forward.

Accept responsibility and take charge. You especially must keep yourself positive and focused. You do this by reminding yourself and repeating these words:

‘‘I am responsible! I am responsible! I am responsible!’’

Above all, refuse to blame anyone for anything. Anger and negative emotions of all kinds are dependent upon blame for their very existence. As soon as you stop blaming other people for what has happened and take responsibility for the future, your negative emotions cease, your mind becomes calm and clear, and you begin to make better decisions.

As soon as you stop blaming other people for what has happened and take responsibility for the future, your negative emotions cease, your mind becomes calm and clear, and you begin to make better decisions.

2) HOW TO REMAIN CALM UNDER PRESSURE

The starting point of staying calm under pressure is for you to refuse to react automatically and unthinkingly. Instead, take a deep breath to calm your mind and then think carefully about your next words and actions. Imagine that everyone is watching.

Imagine that everyone is watching. Imagine that this situation is a test to see what you are truly made of. Imagine that everyone is waiting to see how you will respond.

Resolve to set a good example, to be a role model for others, to demonstrate the correct way to deal with a major problem, as if you were giving a lesson.

3) GET THE FACTS

Instead of overreacting, keep yourself calm by asking questions of the other people involved. Listen patiently to the answers.

If there is a solution, your job is to find it by fully understanding what has happened before you respond.

4) ASK QUESTIONS

Ask key questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are some that will help you get at the facts: What is the situation exactly?

• What is the situation exactly?
• What has happened?
• How did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• Where did it happen?
• What are the facts?
• How do we know that these facts are accurate?
• Who was involved?
• Who is responsible for doing (or not doing) certain things?

The very act of asking questions and gathering facts keeps you calm and increases your courage and confidence.

The more facts you have, the stronger and more capable you will feel about making good decisions to solve the problem and get through the crunch.

5) WRITE IT DOWN

Begin by asking, ‘‘What, exactly, is the problem?’’ If you are working by yourself, write down a clear statement of the problem on a piece of paper.

We find that if you can get the problem down on paper it starts to solve itself. Then write down what all of the possible solutions to the problem.

You will find that when you write out your problem and solutions, you will be able to identify the best way to solve it quickly. It may not seem like a problem at all after you write it down.

6) TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

By trying something different or taking a different approach to solving a problem. You may find a new, more beneficial way to go about things.

When something fails, by taking a different approach and solving what went wrong the first time, will help you improve over the long run.

7) COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS

Sometimes, talking over the problem with a spouse or trusted friend will help immensely to keep you calm and controlled. Go for a long walk and review the situation, examining it from every angle, seeking a possible solution. Remain optimistic, no matter what is going on.

Look for something good in the problem or situation. Very often, what appears to be a major setback is an opportunity in disguise. The complete failure of a project, process, or business venture may be exactly what you need because it may compel you to channel your time and resources in another direction.

8) MAKE A DECISION

No matter what happens, seek the valuable lesson in every difficulty and setback.

Within every problem you face, there is the seed of an equal or greater benefit or advantage. When you discipline yourself to look for the good in the situation, and to seek the valuable lessons that the situation or crisis might contain, you automatically remain calm, positive, and optimistic.

As a result, all the powers of your wonderful mind remain available to you to solve the problem or resolve the crisis.

9) GET BUSY SOLVING THE PROBLEM

Get so busy taking action that and solving the problem and bringing about a solution, that you don’t have time to worry or think about the problem any more. The only real antidote to worry, is purposeful action in the direction of your goals.

Instead of becoming upset or doubting yourself and your abilities, decide to take action, any action, to resolve the difficulty and get yourself through the crunch. Remind yourself that problems come not to obstruct, but to instruct.

CONCLUSION

When times get tough and you are faced with any of life’s complicated problems, stay motivated knowing that using this technique you can recognize and develop strategies to solve any problem.

http://www.briantracy.com/blog/personal-success/how-to-remain-calm-under-pressure-overcome-problems-in-9-steps/