The Myths of Creativity - Part 1

I was one of those people until I realized that problem-solving is actually a form of creative expression.

Like any form of creative expression, solving problems demands looking at situations from different perspectives, generating new ideas, and constructing something novel from an assortment of possibilities.

Creativity involves more than creating something new—it’s also about finding meaningful and useful solutions.

Research even shows that problem-solving and creative activities activate similar regions in the brain, particularly those involved in divergent thinking. This cognitive link underscores that finding solutions often involves the same processes that drive artistic creation.

Problem-solving similarly requires generating original approaches that suit specific contexts, relying on intuition, experience, and insight. Just as a painter might mix colors to convey a certain feeling, a problem-solver combines skills, knowledge, and innovation to tackle challenges effectively and provide meaning in the moment.