simply regard it as a trivial experimental failure as most biologists would have done. Instead he recognized it as something significant had happened even though it was not at all what he has been looking for. From his investigation of that “accident” came the discovery of penicillin.
This discovery illustrates what Robert Sternberg calls selective coding. The ability to sift important information from irrelevancies. Most of the information people get about a problem is of little or no use, while some is absolutely crucial. Detecting the relevant signal amidst the irrelevant noise is key to operating in creative wisdom on a day to day basis.
Another pathway to creative wisdom on a day today basis is what is called selective combination; that is seeing a way to combine the relevant information once you have detected it. You may be able to pick out all the right pieces. But being able to put them together is another necessary step. The ability to draw comparisons and analogies is also key in manifesting creative wisdom. Many creative breakthroughs are the results of juxtaposing elements or ideas that ordinarily do no go together or detecting a hidden pattern of connection among things. Analogies and comparisons help out things together in a new context or help you see them in a completely fresh way.
You have to turn things upside down, view the world differently. Says Peter Lissaman one of the thinkers at Aero Vironments, an innovative engineering firm that is notable for a long list of inventions. “ it is as though you have a beautiful Persian rug and you see a crimson rose in one corner and a deep red sunset in the other corner. But it is only when you turn the rug over that you notice that what you thought was the crimson and what you though was deep red are connected diagonally by the same thread and are really the same color. They just looked different because they were surrounded by different colors. In seeking a creative solution, using creative wisdom, it helps to turn a problem over and look at it from the other side. This is exactly when we saw happening in the opening story of this book. Then maybe you’ll discover the connections that have been hidden.
21 Best Ways to Stimulate CREATIVE WISDOM
I have elaborated to some extent on the closeness and interrelatedness of wisdom and creativity. I have illustrated a myriad of scenarios on how one can detect creative wisdom at work. I have broadened my definition a little bit more from creativity to include what I consider or refer to as creative wisdom. Most of us if not all are desirous in one way or the other to live life to its fullness and to exercise some creative wisdom in troubling or challenging situation that often confronts us. This list is not comprehensive or exhaustive. It is a growing, ever increasing one. I have captured just a few of the proven ways to enhance a creative wisdom lifestyle based on experiences and interactions.
1.Be keenly aware that what you see with your regular eyes is not the total picture. Evidence of limitedness or lack of sufficient resources is not an indication of a challenge. It is often an opportunity for a creative individual to find expression through creative solutions in increasing supplies or resources.
2.Dare to look at the other side of things to make the connections, comparisons and analogies that are hidden. Things often look different because they are surrounded by different things.
3.Expect an abundance of resources and solutions in non-traditional or an non-conventional places, people or sources. Avoid a dead end mentality or a throw the towel approach. The more you think about alternative ways of skinning the cat the more ways present themselves to you. It can be automatic, sudden but sometimes it does take time to mull over the challenge.
4.Dare to be naïve and make room for he ability to see things in a fresh way daily. The ability rests on the willingness to question any and all assumptions.
5.Pay attention and be an intuitive or good listener. Great leaders are great listeners. The best leaders are proactive, strategic, and intuitive listeners. They recognize knowledge and wisdom are not gained by simply talking or reading, but by listening. Often a creative wisdom experience goes hand in hand with an individual or organization who have dared to keenly listen and taken time to absorb the known facts.
6.Don’t shortcut discipline and organization. These are two key elements that trigger and facilitate creative solutions even when you don’t know where the resources will come from. In the story narrated in the chapter The Anatomy of Creative Wisdom, the man illustrated took time to organize the five thousand people who had accompanied him by asking them all to sit down in a very organized way on the grass.
7.Associate with several diverse individuals Getting to know people of different races, religions, cultures, and countries are fun and educational. The more you learn from other people the more you will be open to new ideas and concepts. Don’t be judgmental – just be open to the difference and celebrate it. Having a diverse center of influence will surely enrich your life and broaden your perspectives.
8.Spend Time with Children This is one of my favorite things to do. I have one and I always love the quality time we spend together sometimes doing nothing. If you watch young children play and play with them, you’ll find that their innocence and lack of fear in life spurs creativity. Adults hold themselves back because of “rules” and fear. Shed rules and fear, play with children like a child. You’ll have some fun!
9.Eat and Drink Different Foods and Beverages Have you ever noticed that you can get bored real fast eating the same foods day after day? Try new foods, recipes, be creative if you cook, try foods from around the world. It’s all fun. Food, smells, and tastes all stimulate the mind and can invite creativity to creep in.
10.Try a New Hobby or Start a Project Just what entrepreneurs need is a new project, right? Starting a project or researching a new hobby is exciting. Researching and visualizing a new project can jump start your creative mental juices. Give your mind something different to work on consciously so the subconscious can work on solving business issues. Take up photography, paint a picture, or build a pirate ship in your front yard (like I did last Halloween). Whatever it is – do something different.
11.Fly a Kite You will be amazed at how relaxing and calming flying a kite can be. If you haven’t flown a kite since you were a kid, try it again. Focus on the wind and the sky and the beauty of nature. This is sure to be a fun activity.
12.Exercise Yep, exercise – you knew it was coming. This is my worst disciple right now. When you exercise you stimulate endorphins which give you a sense of happiness and well-being. When you take care of your body by exercising you will have more energy all day. While exercising, your mind will work on solving problems with less effort and stress.
13.Relax and Review Mementos That Make You Smile Inside Everyone keeps memories in the form of pictures, videos, scrapbooks etc. When your energy level is low and you feel stuck, maybe even a little down, it always helps pop you out of the mood if you surround yourself with mementos of those times and things that made you happy and smile. You know the feeling. Wasn’t that a good time? Feeling happy and relaxing can regenerate the creativity you have inside.
14.Stay playful – There is a paradox. Although creativity takes hard work, the work goes more smoothly if you take it lightly. One reason is when you’re joking around, you are freer to consider any possibility.
15.Meditate Many people meditate daily. Meditation is relaxing and refreshing. Creativity is best raised to the surface through simple methods of meditation. The creator’s manual of instruction illustration on creative wisdom is a well worth and handy tool to being meditation with
16.Take risk and connect with the flow of the moment. – Be open , willing and flexible to taking risks
17.Go to a Cultural Celebration Attending an occasional arts festival, cultural celebration, a chili cook-off, whatever it is. The change in sight and textures out of the normal keeps the mind active
