In this episode of The Optimalist podcast, we delve into the topic of creativity with Rich Kirkpatrick. Throughout this conversation, Rich shares the elements of his life, experience, and research that have led him to speak and write about the “bridge” - where we find our creative process. Creativity, he believes, is a core human quality that everyone possesses, although not everyone taps into it. Throughout the conversation, we explore various perspectives on creativity in education, leadership, and personal growth. And Rich shares insights from his research on focus and flow, highlighting the importance of widening our scope of attention and embracing mind-wandering. Of course, we also discuss the connection between creativity and education, and how structure plays a part in widening our scope.
Listen as Sara and Rich discuss the core human quality of creativity and how to tap into it now that we need even high order thinking skills to flourish in the age of AI.
Chapters
(0:04:53) Three Zones of the Creative Process: Engaging with Others
(0:06:26) The Nature of Creativity: A Universal Human Ability
(0:09:03) Embracing Creativity as a Universal Aptitude
(0:11:22) The Secret to Creativity: Switching Between Convergent and Divergent Thinking
(0:12:20) Unlocking Creativity through Curiosity and Idea Flow
(0:15:34) Breaking the Stereotype of the Creative Person
(0:17:18) The Role of Collaboration in the Creative Process
(0:19:11) Embracing Constraints and Living in the Present Moment
(0:21:52) The Logic of Imagination and Listening to Our Bodies
(0:24:43) Leaders' Ability to Switch Perspectives and Frames
(0:30:46) Thriving and flourishing through creativity as human beings
------
Links Mentioned:
Rich on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rkweblog
Rich on the Web:
https://rkblog.com/
Rich’s Book: MINDBLOWN
Find us & join us:
Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9
Subscribe to The Optimalist Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your favorite podcast player - or right here, on Substack - to get each episode as soon as it’s released.
Join our Community Discord server at https://discord.gg/SWhQ76mEZD
The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Engageable, the only app that gives you the mindful pulse for doing better. Sign up for free today at getengageable.com or by downloading on any iOs or Android device.
Follow Engageable on Twitter at @getengageable
Credits:
Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.
Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)
Podcast Ep 27: Creativity as Personal Growth w/ Rich Kirkpatrick