Embracing the unfamiliar

I previously wrote a little about keeping your mind sharp by doing unfamiliar tasks at Keeping sharp. It may be that embracing the unfamiliar is also important for creativity. At http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2004/january21/innovate-121.html, I found this:

Looking at entrepreneurs' social networks and their career histories to see what the connection is to innovation, Ruef concluded that the most creative entrepreneurs spend less time than average networking with business colleagues who are friends and more time networking with a diverse group that includes acquaintances and strangers. "Contrary to common assumptions," says Ruef, "the evidence suggests that in many cases strong social ties do not provide significant new information, so it helps not to be as embedded in them."

Not that we don't need the comfort of friends and family, of course. Unfamiliar people and situations may stimulate us, but they also add stress. Being able to relax in predictable surroundings is important to our well being. Just don't get too comfortable if you need to be creative.

Interestingly, I found that link through an unusual search method that I sometimes use when I need a burst of creativity. Rather than reading the best matches of a search engine result, I move to the less popular results: the ones several hundred pages removed from the results I'd normally look at. This often turns up unexpected finds that are just what I need to get reinvigorated on a subject.

Be alert for ways to shake up your world and challenge your assumptions. It will pay off in increased creativity.

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