Are Intelligence and Creativity Linked?

I think that the word is out – if you are creative, you are intelligent, so intelligence and creativity are definitely linked.

Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.

Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something or inventiveness.

Intelligence certainly plays a part in creative thinking, but not how you might expect.

Your IQ is generally gauged by an ability to interpret information and provide solutions, no matter what the circumstance is.

In mathematics and basic sciences, IQ is immensely important, because it demonstrates your ability to memorize concepts and repeat their results on similar problems.

If you know that two plus two equals four, you should (ideally) be able to intelligently conclude that four plus four equals twice the original answer.

This fact alone demonstrates intelligence’s relation to creativity, one that is vital for not only understanding creative thinking but also for improving it.

Another important aspect of intelligence is the ability to filter solutions efficiently.

Unfortunately, intelligence only gets you so far when it comes to creativity.

To be creative is to pull existing knowledge into a new situation and quickly sort through potential outcomes.

Being able to come up with creative ideas isn’t something you need an overly-high IQ to accomplish. Once you have a level of knowledge gathering and utilization that’s about average, you’re well on your way to being both intelligent and creative.

Mr. Steve Jobs once said “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things. And the reason they were able to do that was that they’ve had more experiences or they have thought more about their experiences than other people.”

So intelligence matters because it demonstrates your ability to gather knowledge and know-how to effectively use it. Creativity is the ability to go beyond the intelligence frame and capitalize on seemingly random connections of concepts.

What Can I Do To Improve My Intelligence and Creativity?

What with so much daily pressure and stress, isn’t it wonderful to know that there is something you can do each day to forget about your problems, chores, and responsibilities and improve on both your intelligence and creativity?

Try and introduce some relaxation into each and every day by doing something creative. Not only will you relax your mind, but you will also be stimulating the more creative side of your brain.

Intelligence and creativity are different areas of the brain, but spark one side and the other side will work too.

Nowadays, more and more people are experiencing the need to get back to basics and improve their quality of life. A creative moment here and there might be just what you need to recharge your batteries, connect with your inner self, and restore your soul. You may say, but I am too busy for this, but believe me, scheduling some time into each day or even week will be well worth your while.

For me, it is scrapbooking, knitting, or making a mosaic ornament, but maybe for you, it will be something different. There are many wonderful things to do out there, even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body.

Other ideas include: Adult coloring in, Painting, Pottery, Decoupage, Needle Work or Embroidery, Knitting, Basket Weaving, Beading, Sugar Craft, Gilding, Crochet, Candle Making, Calligraphy, Flower Arranging, Quilling, Pewter, wood carving….the list is endless, and you are guaranteed to find something that you will enjoy doing as crafts have something for everyone.

The benefits of crafting are endless, including enjoyment, social interaction – if you attend classes, stress relief, instant gratification, and self-expression. You will develop your sense of self-worth, and give some value and meaning to your day. Your mind is forced to focus on something unique and nurturing and you can bring back your childlike wonder at colors, shapes, and textures.

Best of all you can escape to a world away from everyday responsibilities. You will be amazed at your own ability to create new things from scratch.

Some days you will find it impossible to fit any extra creativity into your day and if this happens to you for whatever reason, try these things to keep your mind creative:

Write with a different color pen.
Draw a Flower.
Create A Website or Blog.
Tie a colorful ribbon around your wrist and think creative thoughts every time you look at it.
Doodle!
Play your music really loudly.
Invite a friend to bake cookies with you.
Finger Paint!
Troll the internet for pictures to inspire you.
Replace plain buttons on your favorite top with funky or vintage buttons to create a new look.
Cover an old frame with felt to give it a new look.
Do ink blotting like when you were a child.
Color in a picture.
Duct tape the ends of an old pool noodle together and make a wreath.
Go outside and observe the color combinations used in nature.
Cut some strips of paper and paper weave them.