The creative power of a stumble
Posted on April 2, 2009 by Tom
Nobody likes to waste time, we’re busy as it is. Even if we have to find a creative solution to a problem, we’d like to find that solution as quickly as possible, so we can get back to work. So we organize, to use the time we have as efficient as possible.
Fact is, if you can’t find a creative solution to a problem, it’s probably because your brain can’t find a way to get out of its (over)organized habitat. To be creative is by definition always to think outside of the box, to find something that’s not an obvious answer. How can you put that into something organized? Hold brainstormsessions with a hundred rules? It takes the fun out of it and that’s just the point, find a solution by letting your mind go, without any restrictions whatsoever.
When you over-organize to find that creative solution, your brain won’t leave that box it’s contained in. I’m not an over organized person, I like a clean desk, I like folders where I can put my papers, neatly sorted for each project, but inside those folders it’s a mess. I put it into folders because I wouldn’t lose anything, I keep it a mess because I love browsing through old stuff, it gives me ideas, even when I’m not actively looking for one. You probably remember some teacher telling you about short-term and long-term memories? That’s just what this is, forcing something from your long-term to your short-term because it might be usefull.
My spacing out time consists of browsing through old Moleskines. I write everything down in them, from idea’s to silly ‘to do’-lists, even if I have to pick up some groceries. I write in every possible direction to make it as chaotic as I can, it helps me visualize the pages without actually having to read them. What often happens is I stumble upon something I once wrote down and forgot, but that I can use. Sure it seems like a waste of time, you don’t know what you’re looking for and maybe you won’t find anything, and that may be true, but you’ll sure learn something each time you browse through your old stuff, and that’s always time well spent.
You may want to read:
- John Cleese says: “Get absorbed by problems”
- How social media thrives in times of crisis
- 9 ways to get that creative spark
