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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Creative Curve summary
Allen Gannett
How to Develop the Right Idea at the Right Time
18 mins
Brief summary
The Creative Curve by Allen Gannett debunks the myth that creativity is a talent only for a select few. It explores the science of creativity and provides practical tips for anyone to harness it.
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The Creative Curve
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Key idea 1 of 6
Creativity is fueled by purposeful practice, not intelligence.
How creative would you say you are? If you want to find out, start by trying to think of as many uncommon ways you could use a hairdryer as possible. One idea might be to use it as a leaf blower. This exercise is a test of your ability for divergent thinking – the ability to find multiple solutions to a problem. Divergent thinking is strongly associated with creativity. In other words, the more ways you thought of using that hairdryer, the more creative potential you probably have.
Looking at people’s divergent thinking abilities has helped scientists understand the relationship between creativity and intelligence.
In 2013, Austrian psychologists investigating creativity and intelligence found that once participants’ IQ scores went above 86, their score was no longer predictive of their divergent thinking abilities. A person with a genius-level IQ of 150 was no more likely to think of more solutions to a problem than someone with a more average IQ of 100. In other words, beyond a relatively low threshold, your overall intelligence makes no difference to your potential for creativity.
Around 80% of the world’s population has an IQ above this threshold of 86. Astoundingly, this means that roughly three billion people are walking around with the same creative potential as the geniuses we are taught to idolize.
So how can more of us unlock this potential?
Research indicates that it all comes down to practice. But not just any type of practice – it must enable you to expand your skills and challenge yourself.
Studies by Professor K. Anders Ericsson of Florida State University have found that to become an expert in any field, one must practice in a way that emphasizes tangible goals and continual feedback. When studying professional violinists, Ericsson found that although all the violinists spent a similar number of hours practicing, the most accomplished among them were more purposeful: The most expert performers would ensure that a teacher regularly listened to and critiqued their playing, thus providing a feedback mechanism. They also asked their teachers to assign practice exercises they weren’t yet proficient at and worked on them until they became competent. In this way, they always had clear goals to work toward.
So if you want to unleash your creative potential, don’t just practice the same skills over and over again in isolation. Make it your mission to continually develop skills and seek regular feedback.
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What is The Creative Curve about?
The Creative Curve (2018) provides valuable insights into the true nature of talent. Using examples from scientific research, as well as anecdotal evidence from the careers of certified geniuses, these blinks explore whether creative success is the result of unique inspiration or something far more predictable.
The Creative Curve Review
The Creative Curve (2018) explores the elusive concept of creativity and reveals how anyone can tap into their creative potential. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- Packed with fascinating case studies and scientific research, it uncovers the patterns and strategies behind creative success, allowing readers to unlock their own creative potential.
- By challenging the notion that creativity is innate, the book empowers readers to develop and enhance their creative abilities through deliberate practice and immersion in their chosen field.
- With its engaging storytelling and practical insights, the book manages to demystify creativity and present it as a learnable skill, making it an inspirational and informative read.
Who should read The Creative Curve?
- People looking to up their creativity
- Psychology enthusiasts looking for new insights
- Marketers seeking a fresh perspective on what consumers want
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The Creative Curve FAQs
What is the main message of The Creative Curve?
The main message of The Creative Curve is that anyone can learn to be creative and achieve success by understanding the principles of creativity and harnessing them effectively.
How long does it take to read The Creative Curve?
The reading time for The Creative Curve varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Creative Curve a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Creative Curve is a must-read for anyone interested in creativity and unlocking their full potential. It provides valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance creativity and achieve success.
Who is the author of The Creative Curve?
The author of The Creative Curve is Allen Gannett.
What to read after The Creative Curve?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Creative Curve, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Creative Superpowers by Laura Jordan Bambach
- Become What You Are by Alan Watts
- Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
- Presence by Amy Cuddy
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
- Born For This by Chris Guillebeau
- The Practice of Not Thinking by Ryunosuke Koike
- How to Lead When You're Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins
- It Begins with You by Jillian Turecki