Thinking Outside the Industry: Boosting Creativity Through Non-Business Content Consumption
Consume non-business content to boost your creativity.
As business owners, we often think of creativity as something that’s directly tied to our work.
We attend conferences, read industry news, and listen to podcasts related to our industry and entrepreneurship in an effort to generate new ideas and solutions.
But what if I told you that consuming content that’s not related to your industry could actually be key to unlocking your creativity.
The benefits of non-business content consumption for creativity
When we limit ourselves to a narrow range of information, our brains can get stuck in patterns of thinking that can impede our ability to innovate. Conversely, exposing ourselves to a wider variety of information and ideas can stimulate our brains and lead to new insights and breakthroughs.
This is supported by research on cognitive flexibility, which is our brain’s ability to switch between thinking about two or more concepts. People with higher cognitive flexibility are better at problem solving and creative thinking.
By consuming non-business content, we expose ourselves to new perspectives and ideas, which can improve our cognitive flexibility and boost our creativity.
Understanding the science of creativity
Our brain is constantly rewiring itself in response to new experiences and new information, a phenomenon known as neural plasticity. According to Psychology Today, this intricate process allows our brain to link unrelated ideas and concepts and encourage new perspectives.
When we consume non-business content and expose our brains to a wider range of stimuli, we can promote neural plasticity and improve our ability to make new connections and ideas.
Practical tips for incorporating non-business content into your routine
Now that we have a better understanding of the scientific benefits of consuming non-business content, how can we incorporate it into our daily routines?
Here are a few practical tips:
Explore diverse content sources – Look for books, articles, podcasts and videos on a variety of topics. This can include anything from literate and art to science and history.
Integrate non-business content consumption into your daily routine – Set aside time each day to consume non-business content. Some people like to set aside time to read in the mornings or before bed. Personally, I like to listen to books while I’m doing other things, such as driving, working out, or even cooking dinner. You’d be amazed how quickly you can get through a book while doing other things.
Track and measure the impact of non-business content consumption – Keep a journal or log of the non-business content you consume and any insights or breakthroughs you have as a result. This will help you see the impact of diverse content consumption on your creativity over time.
There’s another benefit to consuming non-business content that few people talk about. When the majority of the content you consume is related to your business, industry and entrepreneurship, it can lead to overwhelm and/or shiny object syndrome. Consuming diverse non-business-related content can actually help you stay focused on your business objectives and minimize your risk of burnout.
Consuming non-business content might seem like an indulgence, but it can actually be a powerful tool for boosting your creativity.
By exposing yourself to a wider range of information and ideas, you enhance your cognitive flexibility and stimulate neural plasticity, leading to new insights and ideas.
So, take some time each day to explore content that’s not related to your industry or entrepreneurship. You never know what new ideas or perspectives you might discover.