There is something that separates the really good from the magnificent. Why did Tchaikovsky become an international classic while the vast majority of other composers remain undiscovered (yes, I recently survived my 8th Nutcracker ballet!)? Did the unknowns lack technical skill? How did Albert Einstein's theories replace Isaac Newton's as standard thinking? What was Al doing challenging the master of the planets? What about the West coast offense in football? Pablo Picasso? Thomas Edison? Perhaps closer to home court, why do some tennis players with all the talent and training in the world never break the top 50? The answer may be "creativity!" It's definitely worth your time for a closer look, perhaps in a slightly different way!

What is Creativity?

Expressions of Creativity

Fluency of Ideas - The ability to generate a large number of ideas. For example, athletes with fluency of ideas imagine many competitive scenarios and how to deal with them most effectively.

Flexibility - The ability to adjust to the situation effectively. Flexible competitors do not remain focused on solutions that do not work. Changing strategies during competition is an example of flexibility.

Originality - Behaving in ways that few others do. It's an expression of creativity to come up with a novel solution to a common problem. How many tennis players used a western forehand grip before Bjorn Borg? How about the forward pass in the 1930s? Originality does sometimes pay dividends.

Developing Creativity

Loosen Up Your Stereotypes - People often simplify reality by holding on to stereotypes and judgements that are not based in reality. Learn to identify and let go of your false assumptions more often and you'll find that greater creativity will emerge. You'll be more aware of subtleties that were previously blocked by a rigid and often unfounded perspective.

Brainstorm - Spend a regular portion of your time generating ideas without stopping to evaluate them. This creative process is best achieved in a completely non-judgmental setting where everyone is allowed to share without the benefit of criticism. Ideas that seem silly are encouraged because they often lead to other ideas that are the key to future success.

Incubate - Think of one serious problem that you want to solve before you retire for the evening. Convince your mind to work on the solution during your sleeping hours. You may be surprised when the solution presents itself in the morning! The unconscious work toward a solution is often accomplished by just leaving problems, but returning to them later.

A Creativity Contest