Moves Like Einstein: 15 Simple Ways to Become a Creative Genius
“Anytime new insight replaces an old assumption or a fossilized perception is the spring. New understandings sprout, new tolerances appear, and new curiosity draws you to previously dark places. Just as the sun shines earlier and longer in the spring, changes that seemed impossible appear to be possible with each new insight into your own health.” ~Gary Zukav
I don’t know about you, but I’m all about evolving and making life better. I love it when I have one of those “Eureka!” moments when everything just becomes totally clear to me. Sometimes it’s almost like being DRIVEN by a force outside of myself when I’m creating.
I always tell my kids that genius is less about WHAT YOU KNOW and more about your ability and desire to learn and retain information, and I truly believe it.
Creative inspiration feels so good, am I right? And when you can take it to that next level – the one where you are positively GENIUS, why wouldn’t you?
I mean, seriously. Isn’t it awesome when you’re about to give up hope of being able to solve a thorny dilemma, and then you experience a flash of insight that clarifies everything? Or when you’ve been working on some big concept or project and suddenly the idea that takes it to the next level hits you while you’re on the treadmill one morning?
Y’all know what I’m talking about – those moments of “creative genius.”
Despite what a lot of people think, it turns out that one doesn’t have to be born with this while “creative genius” factor in order to get those lovely strokes of inspiration that could literally change the world.
See, while these kinds of characteristics may seem like they’re ingrained and not something you can develop, scientific studies suggest otherwise.
In fact, there are entire books on this subject – such as the one written by author Roberta Ness called Genius Unmasked – focused on how you can develop genius.
And as one of the world’s most famous genius minds once quipped, genius is 99 percent perspiration, one percent inspiration. (Also? In case you wondered, it’s totally okay to step into your greatness.)
You can train yourself to enjoy more “genius” moments. These tips will help you find the answers you’ve been searching for.
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(Psst! Want more? Check out my best-selling book, How to Stay in the Right Mindset – The Genius Perspective
1. Study hard. While genius breakthroughs seem sudden, they’re often based on years of work. The more you learn, the easier it is to make connections between different facts.
2. Switch tasks. Studies have proven what many creative people have suspected. Switching your attention to another task can help you make progress with your original project, even when you’re feeling stumped.
3. Do something mundane. For strategic breaks, activities that require relatively little thought tend to work best. Try taking a shower or mopping the kitchen floor. Translating Russian poetry is likely to absorb all your mental powers.
4. Pause briefly. A short break is usually enough to help you move forward. On those days when you’re unable to leave the office, gaze out the window or walk to the mailroom.
5. Relax your mind. Looming deadlines and information overload can inhibit creativity. Clear your mind of distractions. Shut off your phone and put down your laptop. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
6. Adopt a fresh perspective. Functional fixity is a term psychologists use to describe why it’s difficult to see anything except the familiar uses of an object. When you’re at an impasse, challenge yourself to take a new approach. Imagine how you would travel to work if your usual route was blocked.
7. Daydream often. Let your mind wander. That’s when you come up with innovative solutions. Letting your imagination run free makes you more productive.
8. Move around. Physical activity loosens up your mind and body. Climb the stairs or stand up and do a few stretches by your desk.
9. Head outdoors. Contemplating nature reduces stress and raises awareness. Take a walk around the block or visit your local park.
10. Slow down. Most of all, schedule some down time each day. You’ll achieve more when you create opportunities for thoughts to incubate in your subconscious mind.
More Helpful Ideas to Finding Genius Inspiration to Create the Life You Want
1. Consider yourself an artist. Creative genius is often associated with famous painters and scientists, but we’ve each got the potential to have it. Creativity is a process that you can apply to anything from housework to jogging.
2. Write your ideas down. Hold onto your amazing discoveries. Jot down your thoughts before other events push them out of your head. (If you’re like me, this is a very serious issue! Writing stuff down can really make a huge difference.)
3. Give yourself credit. Remember that “aha” moments are something you create through your own efforts. You can manufacture more of them.
4. Look closer. The most meaningful experiences may give you a better understanding of your relationships and purpose in life. Meditation and prayer can deepen your understanding and appreciation of your loved ones and values.
5. Share your breakthroughs. Help others benefit from your genius. Most individuals share the same basic concerns, like wanting to feel connected or save money. Your neighbors may be thrilled to find out how you got rid of your crab grass. Your friends may be intrigued by how you persuaded your children to eat their vegetables.
Eureka moments come in handy whether you’re trying to remember the name of your third grade teacher or find the error in a calculus proof. Taking a break and letting your subconscious do the work may be the most effective way to resolve a tough question.