Have you ever wondered why children are so creative and imaginative? It’s because they lack a trait that many adults have, unfortunately, grown into. It’s known as fixedness. If you’re a victim of fixedness, you have lost the ability to realize that something you know has a particular use, can also be used for other things. Fixedness creates limitations and roadblocks to creativity. It prevents you from using familiar tools in novel ways.
Functional Fixedness
There is a classic test for functional fixedness. It involves giving subjects a candle and a box of tasks. Their assigned task is to come up with a way to attach the candle to the wall so it will not drip on the wall or floor. Although the subjects may devise many elaborate solutions, the true solution relies on being able to put a familiar idea to a new use, and attach the box to the wall and place the candle in it. It requires literally, thinking outside the box.
Releasing Yourself From Fixedness
You can overcome static thinking, it just takes a little time and effort. Here are some ideas to help you unleash your inner creativity.
Bring Art Into Your Life in a New Way
Coloring is not just for children. Studies have shown it can be just as beneficial for adults. Now you can boost your creativity with this coloring book app for Android comprised of loads of coloring pages with unique mandalas and designs in various shapes, sizes and a wide range of categories including food, places, animals, and flowers. Release your inner inspiration as you transform these designs into a wealth of color using the 25+ palettes. It’s a great way to turn your mobile device into a great way to break away from fixedness and get your creative juices flowing.
Break the Routine
If you’re struggling to tap into your inner creativity, you need to break out of your rut and do something different. Stop staring at the blank page or easel or keyboard and walk away from it for a while. It’s pointless to beat your head against a wall hoping ideas will come. In this instance, what you need is a distraction. Put on some music, sing along to your favorite song, break free of your restraints and let the inspiration flow.
Tune Into Your Creative Moods
Know your creative moods. Some people are very creative during the twilight hours, others get their best ideas just as they’re falling asleep. Fine tune your creativity so you know exactly when your most creative times are, and make the most of them.
If you want to break away from fixedness, use these activities to unlock your door to creative thinking. You will soon find you have a wealth of new ideas. Don’t forget, some of the best ideas will arise spontaneously, so always have a notebook and pen on hand so that you don’t let those bursts of creativity slip away unheeded.
Photo Credits
Photo is pixabay public domain
Guest Author Bio
Tilly Bishop
Tilly Bishop is an artist and all round creator who runs adult classes in painting and sketching. She writes about creativity and how to re-find that as an adult.
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