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Generally Speaking, Research Suggests That People Typically Achieve Their Highest Creative Potential When They’re Young
Generally speaking, research suggests that people typically achieve their highest creative potential when they’re young. This is especially true when they are engaged in activities such as drawing, singing, and writing. However, there are many different types of creative talent, and you’re not necessarily limited to being a writer. You can also be an inventor, a mathematician, or a scientist.
Artists
Having a slew of talented creatives around town may prove to be an economic boon. However, the benefits of having an abundant creative supply are numerous and non-negotiable. A plethora of artistic talent may also be a boon to business startups.
A new study by economist Karol Jan Borowiecki of the University of Southern Denmark has shed light on the subject by using the US Census Bureau’s latest data set. This statistical collection contains information on a plethora of creative professions, such as actors, musicians, visual artists and writers, to name but a few.
The study uses this data to quantify the correlation between family income and the chance of pursuing an artistic career. According to the study, a family income of at least $1 million increases the odds of a creative pursuit by at least tenfold. Interestingly, a family income of less than $10,000 reduces the odds of a creative career by almost half.
Scientists
Developing creativity as a scientist begins with becoming familiar with the subject and materials. It also includes reading literature and talking with experts.
One of the best predictors of creative potential is openness to new experiences. Those who are comfortable with integrating multiple identities can combine knowledge sets productively. Creative people also have the ability to co-activate brain networks. They can focus and make critical decisions.
The cerebrocerebellar theory of creativity describes the creative process as arising from brain interactions. These interactions may involve a salience network. This network can be a key mechanism in idea evaluation. It may also play a role in problem solving.
Another way to enhance creativity is through neuromodulation. Scientists have found that stimulating the frontopolar cortex (which is located in the frontal lobes of the brain) boosts creative thinking. This area has also been linked to cognitive flexibility, one of the three core executive functions.
Inventors
Inventing a cool new product is no small feat, but to actually make your product a reality you will need to employ a team of smart and talented people. A few smart people, a dash of luck, and a dash of grit can go a long way in creating the next big thing. The process can be as simple as a brainstorming session or as involved as a full-scale design and prototyping phase.
Some inventors are lucky enough to have an epiphany while others slog through the sludge of iteration. Either way, the most rewarding part of the process is the opportunity to put your best foot forward. In fact, there are many consumers product companies that have mastered the art of establishing a small test market to validate their wares. This is not only the best way to see if your new toy is actually viable, it can also provide valuable customer feedback and suggestions, both of which will improve your product as you go along.
Writers
Having a high IQ isn’t necessarily a prerequisite to being a creative type. In fact, creative individuals tend to have less aggressive demeanors than their more analytical counterparts. This, in addition to the fact that they are more likely to be interested in daydreaming about a job than actually putting in the work, translates into greater creativity.
Creative types are able to come up with imaginative solutions to real world problems. For instance, they’re likely to recognize that a particular innovation had an impact on the previous ones. And, they can be proud of their accomplishments if the aforementioned hasn’t already been replicated by their peers.
The best way to hone your creative spark is to learn what’s on the menu. This might include attending workshops, joining writing groups, or enlisting the aid of a mentor. It’s only by doing the hard work that you will reap the benefits.
Mathematicians
Typically, mathematicians achieve their greatest creative potential while they are still young. However, as they get older, they become less creative and work less actively.
Aside from developing mathematical theories and creating interesting mathematical problems, mathematicians are also able to solve previously unsolved problems. This ability to solve problems and to solve them in new ways is what defines mathematical creativity. Unlike other sciences, mathematicians do not need to perform reams of documentation or laborious experiments in order to find solutions to problems.
Some mathematicians see mathematical creativity as the process of generating new mathematical products. Others see it as the process of generating new mathematical questions. Still others define it as mental activity or the successful creation of mathematical products.
The notions mathematicians hold about their own creative competence may be either supportive or counterproductive. These notions can help mathematicians understand how they can provide creative competence to their students, or they can hinder the process.
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