Podcast: Synaptic Branding 003: A World of Inspiration
The 10,000 hour rule, dating other cultures, and creativity
I grew up drawing and painting. With my grandmother’s intervention, I even had the opportunity to have my work critiqued by Andrew Wyeth. Andy’s advice: if you want to be good, you just have to put in your time. He was so right. Studies have resulted in the 10,000-hour rule, which has been heavily promoted by Malcolm Gladwell. Researchers now tell us that regardless of innate intelligence or talent, the most critical factor to success is putting in time—10,000 hours of time to be specific.
But when it comes to boosting your creative powers, place is as important as time, and from my own experience place means living abroad. Studies have shown that living overseas—not just traveling—improves creative thinking. The truth was that my artwork waned in the few years after spending time with Andy. And then I left for the Peace Corps. I had tossed some art supplies into my duffle as an afterthought. For months they sat untouched. Then I picked up the pencil and brushes and I couldn’t stop.
What happened?
William W. Maddux, of INSEAD and Adam D. Galinsky of Northwestern University conducted the studies that showed a direct correlation between living abroad and being creative. Their lead hypothesis is that adaption is the key to sparking creativity. They write:
“Because culture is such a pervasive force, impacting and shaping every aspect of one’s life, adapting oneself to a new culture—learning how to behave and think in different way [sic]—may make individuals chronically aware of multiple perspectives and approaches when dealing with mundane and novel situations and, thus, may be associated with increased creativity.”
What is not clear is how long this creative shot-in-the-arm lasts. That will be the focus of Maddux and Galinsky’s next work. My artwork of Mali has sustained me for two decades.
Nevertheless, if you believe that creativity can help your organization, you could do well to think international. My experience has been that ANY experience that gets you out of your environment and thinking a different way is helpful. The key is that it takes time, and is not a product of a few exercises. This can include learning a language. Find a new topic to study, and take night classes. Volunteer. Imagination requires that you get out of your routine, and our culture is about the biggest routine going. You can love your culture, but when it comes to fostering creativity, it helps to date around. Investigate hiring people from outside of the US, or people who grew up in two cultures (i.e., immigrants and children of immigrants) for creative positions. Lastly, if you ever get the chance outside our culture—go for it. Take it from Maddux, Galinsky and me, you and your business will never regret it.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
Follow us on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
Subscribe
A World of Inspiration
Podcast: Synaptic Branding 003: A World of Inspiration
The 10,000 hour rule, dating other cultures, and creativity
But when it comes to boosting your creative powers, place is as important as time, and from my own experience place means living abroad. Studies have shown that living overseas—not just traveling—improves creative thinking. The truth was that my artwork waned in the few years after spending time with Andy. And then I left for the Peace Corps. I had tossed some art supplies into my duffle as an afterthought. For months they sat untouched. Then I picked up the pencil and brushes and I couldn’t stop.
What happened?
William W. Maddux, of INSEAD and Adam D. Galinsky of Northwestern University conducted the studies that showed a direct correlation between living abroad and being creative. Their lead hypothesis is that adaption is the key to sparking creativity. They write:
“Because culture is such a pervasive force, impacting and shaping every aspect of one’s life, adapting oneself to a new culture—learning how to behave and think in different way [sic]—may make individuals chronically aware of multiple perspectives and approaches when dealing with mundane and novel situations and, thus, may be associated with increased creativity.”
What is not clear is how long this creative shot-in-the-arm lasts. That will be the focus of Maddux and Galinsky’s next work. My artwork of Mali has sustained me for two decades.
Nevertheless, if you believe that creativity can help your organization, you could do well to think international. My experience has been that ANY experience that gets you out of your environment and thinking a different way is helpful. The key is that it takes time, and is not a product of a few exercises. This can include learning a language. Find a new topic to study, and take night classes. Volunteer. Imagination requires that you get out of your routine, and our culture is about the biggest routine going. You can love your culture, but when it comes to fostering creativity, it helps to date around. Investigate hiring people from outside of the US, or people who grew up in two cultures (i.e., immigrants and children of immigrants) for creative positions. Lastly, if you ever get the chance outside our culture—go for it. Take it from Maddux, Galinsky and me, you and your business will never regret it.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download