The power of divergent thinking

Focus and efficiency are great, but maybe they are not great for you. I found this out several times, the hard way. I am very creative within the box, but lack the audacity to look outside the box. Anna is very creative out-of-the box thinker, but lacks discipline and knowledge for effective in-the-box creativity. This way I could see pros and cons of both approaches many times and in all situations.

First of all, to be truly creative you could afford a mild ADHD or dyslexia. Recent developments in psychological research show
why people who have trouble controlling their focus are more creative. People who have trouble controlling focus get an extra sensory signal ~20 times a second, and this signal is enough to offset the brain to new solutions. This signal will cause havoc to some consistency and retention mechanism in the brain, so to remember stuff you would need shiny imaging, but the links you will create will we sufficiently meaningful to offset this mild irritation.

Then, you might be happier by thinking in more divergent way. Single-minded obsession will generate situation of lack of resources. Some of our roles will function. Slight lack of focus may provide synergy between our goals and remove illusion of “either this or that”. My personal experience of meditation shows definite psychological advantage to avoiding unnecessary choices and being able to reconcile multiple needs. This may require a lot of creative thinking, and maybe some emotional growth, but we do not have to choose one over the other, we can usually be both.

Finally, if your are in-the-box effective person you can get creative perspectives without substance abuse or extensive meditation. Just listen to what people around you have to say.

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