The Science of Creativity: How to Train Your Brain to Think More Innovatively

Ever feel like creativity is something you either have or you don’t? The truth is, creativity isn’t just a talent—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be trained and strengthened.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur tackling business challenges, a designer crafting fresh concepts, or a writer looking for that next great idea, creativity is what fuels innovation. But how do you actually get better at thinking creatively?

Science has some answers. Research shows that creativity isn’t about a sudden “Eureka!” moment—it’s about how our brains process information, make connections, and break free from routine thinking. Let’s dive into how creativity works and how you can train your brain to think more innovatively.

1. How Creativity Works in the Brain

Your brain doesn’t generate ideas from thin air. Instead, it operates in three key networks:

• The Default Mode Network (DMN): This kicks in when your mind wanders—like when you’re in the shower or on a walk. It’s where spontaneous, unexpected ideas come from.

• The Executive Control Network (ECN): This helps you evaluate ideas, make decisions, and refine raw creative thoughts into something useful.

• The Salience Network: This acts as the switchboard between the two, helping you jump between free-thinking and focused problem-solving.

The more these networks work together, the better your creative thinking becomes. The good news? You can train your brain to engage them more effectively.

2. Simple Ways to Boost Creativity

Want to think more innovatively? Here are a few science-backed ways to make creativity a daily habit:

Switch Between Big-Picture and Detail-Oriented Thinking

Great ideas don’t just appear fully formed. They start as rough, messy concepts that need refining. Use divergent thinking to brainstorm as many ideas as possible without judgment. Then, shift to convergent thinking to narrow them down and refine the best ones.

Embrace Constraints

Oddly enough, creativity thrives under limitations. When resources, time, or options are limited, your brain is forced to think outside the box. Try setting challenges for yourself—like coming up with three solutions to a problem using only a single tool or method.

Let Your Mind Wander

Some of the best ideas come when you’re not actively thinking about the problem. That’s because the brain continues working in the background, making unexpected connections. Engaging in activities like walking, showering, or even doodling can spark fresh insights.

3. Daily Habits That Strengthen Creativity

Creativity isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about practice. Here are a few ways to keep your brain primed for innovation:

• Read outside your industry. Exposing yourself to different fields can lead to fresh perspectives and unexpected connections.

• Try free writing or sketching. Spend 10 minutes a day jotting down random thoughts or doodling—no pressure, just pure creative flow.

• Change your environment. Working in the same space every day can lead to stale thinking. Try switching up your surroundings to spark fresh ideas.

4. The Role of Environment in Creativity

Your surroundings have a huge impact on your ability to think creatively. While some people thrive in organized workspaces, research suggests that a little bit of messiness can actually encourage innovation—it prevents rigid thinking and invites curiosity.

That said, overstimulation can backfire. The key is to design your space intentionally—whether that means adding soft lighting, background music, or even keeping a notepad handy for random ideas.

Taking breaks also matters. A simple walk can increase creative problem-solving by 60%, according to studies. So, if you’re feeling stuck, step away from your desk for a bit.

5. Creativity in the Age of AI

AI tools like ChatGPT and design software have made creative work easier, but true innovation still requires human intuition, emotion, and unpredictability.

To stay creative in an AI-driven world:

• Use AI as an idea generator, not a replacement for original thinking.

• Set aside time for offline creativity—writing by hand, sketching, or brainstorming without digital distractions.

• Keep challenging yourself with new problems, instead of relying on past creative habits.

Creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about making a habit of thinking differently. By training your brain, changing your environment, and embracing both structure and spontaneity, you can unlock deeper levels of innovation.

So, what’s one small change you can make today to boost your creativity?