For a Genius Brain, Focus on How to Think, Instead of What to Think

It means producing something novel or original, evaluating, solving problems, whether on paper, on stage, in a laboratory or even in the shower.

Geniuses know “how” to think, instead of “what” to think.

People who are more creative can simultaneously engage brain networks that don’t typically work together.

• The default mode network involved in memory and mental simulation
• The salience network which detects important information
• The executive control network which plays key roles in creative thought

It can take years to perfect a piece of art, or build something unique. 

Cultivate patience. And learn to enjoy the process. It’s part of the discovery.

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.”

They are autodidacts and have an inner motivation to solve problems that fascinate them. They preferred figuring things out, rather than waiting to be taught.

They also choose their subjects, materials, rhythm and time.

"To truly create something amazing, or contribute to the world, you have to be able to connect countless dots and cross-pollinate existing ideas from a wealth of unrelated disciplines."

We tend to reproduce what we are thought or what we learn when confronted with issues or things to solve.

In order to creatively solve a problem, you must leave aside the initial obvious approach that comes from past experience and re-conceptualize the problem.

“On average, creative geniuses aren’t qualitatively better in their fields than their peers, they simply produce a greater volume of work which gives them more variation and a higher chance of originality.”