To be Creative!

Creativity is the physical manifestation of an idea through a documented process. People who harness their creative potential and go through the process are termed as 'creatives'. But, the truth is, everyone has the creative potential but most of us don't know how to work through the process. The creative process cycles through four realms of consciousness moving back and forth through the various stages and realms of consciousness as the process continues, until the desired result is obtained. This process is attributed to Graham Wallas, who proposed that creative thinking proceeds through four phases:




Preparation :This first stage is the one in which we gather all of the information required to solve the problem. 


Incubation: The phase where the conscious and subconscious mind work on an idea to form symbols. It is at this stage where the unnecessary ideas and elements are separated . This happens only when the creative mind moves away from the problem and engages in some other activity.


Illumination: The illumination happens in a flash and is followed by certainty and exhilaration. 


Implementation: In this phase, the idea is validated by its usefulness and the final product comes out in a concrete form.

To work through the whole process, the individual needs to work in isolation and allow the ideas to flow freely through the mind. Logical and judgmental thoughts, fear of rejection and lack of courage are sure shot ways of suppressing creativity. To be Creative one needs to be curious, receptive and willing to explore unusual possibilities. As Kennedy once said -


"Some men look at things the way they are and ask why? I dream of things that are not and ask why not?"