Literally think outside the box

February 2, 2012

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xjka07o1-0]

 

Next time you’re experiencing a creative block, literally think outside of the box — ie. get out of your office or cubicle.

Or, literally, consider things on the one hand, and then on the other hand (by physically motioning with one hand, and then the other).

A study conducted at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business put these common metaphors to the test literally (another one was “putting two and two together”) and found that acting them out does indeed help us think more creatively, by assisting in triggering cognitive processes that allow us to come up with more creative solutions or ideas.

(And I literally can’t use the word “literally” without thinking of Rob Lowe on Parks & Rec. And OK, sure, maybe I just wanted an excuse to post Rob Lowe).

 

Filed under: Swellbeing

Tags: creative block, creativity, Parks & Rec, problem solving, Rob Lowe, solution, think outside the box, writer's block