4 phrases that stifle our creativity and how to avoid them, according to an expert.

Creativity is an essential element for expression, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to different scenarios and contexts in various fields. While it's common for children to express their ideas and try to bring their thoughts to life, this tendency can fade over time. Factors such as a lack of self-confidence and the potential opinions of others can become obstacles that ultimately stifle creativity and, consequently, potential. Dr. Anthony D. Fredericks, an expert in education and emeritus professor at York College in Pennsylvania, and author of books such as "Two-Minute Habits: Small Habits, Dynamic Creativity: An Easy and Enjoyable Way to Ignite Your Imagination and Fire Up Your Creativity" (2024), has researched creativity for over 40 years. In a column on this topic that he wrote for CNBC, he stated that he has identified a series of common phrases that we often don't realize we are using, but that can prevent our creativity from flowing. Fredericks listed four such phrases and shared his recommendations for avoiding them. Four phrases that stifle creativity and how to avoid them, according to an expert. Photo: reference. 1. "I'm not very creative." The academic from York College explained the differences between two types of questions: convergent and divergent. The former refers to questions that expect a specific, correct answer, while the latter refers to a broader spectrum of possible answers. According to Fredericks, it is common during much of formal education to ask convergent questions, such as: "What is the chemical symbol for salt?" "Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?" However, he said, divergent questions tend to be neglected. This is why, "as adults, when we face situations with multiple valid answers, we can become blocked because we were not encouraged for a long time to think more broadly." Fredericks suggested that the next time you have difficulty with a project or problem, start asking yourself more divergent questions, instead of assuming that you are not creative or that there is only one possible answer. For example, you could ask yourself: "What other ways could I approach this?" 2. "What will the others think?" The expert stated that many people believe that creative ideas need validation. However, he said, seeking the support and approval of others often substantially limits creativity. "Giving ourselves the freedom to express new ideas, regardless of criticism or recognition, is a fundamental step towards a more creative life," Fredericks said. Instead of focusing on the impressions that others might have about your ideas, he suggested "connecting with your inner child and frequently asking yourself: 'What if...?'" Four phrases that stifle creativity and how to avoid them, according to an expert. Photo: reference. 3. "It's impossible." Fredericks recommended an exercise that can help boost creativity and find solutions to different types of problems. "Think of a basic object and find different uses for it. For example, what alternative uses can be given to socks? They could be used as golf club covers, hand warmers, painting materials, or even as a bag. For the next 10 minutes, try it with some household objects." "Now return to your project and see how far you can go. By freeing yourself from logical thinking and the 'it's impossible' mindset, you open yourself up to new possibilities. Starting small, you can move towards more ambitious and potentially more intimidating ideas," the expert emphasized. 4. "I've always done it this way." Although there are cases in which a specific approach always solves the same problem, it is possible that there are also other solutions that you have not yet explored. "Many people are trapped in a rigid mindset. They find it difficult to accept change because it intimidates them," Fredericks said. To avoid falling into these situations and trying to find more than one solution to the same problem, he recommended reading books outside of your training or education, traveling to places you have never visited, exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and listening to different genres of music. "Routine is safe, but it rarely leads to new perspectives," the academic concluded.