This book explains how to unlock unlimited personal creativity and to create a culture that supports emotional health, inventiveness, and success through a comprehensive examination of creative thinking that integrates theoretical, scientific, psychological, and sociological perspectives.
How do we teach innovative thinking and stimulate creativity? Creative thinking is a highly desirable trait in today’s world, where creativity lends the mental fitness and flexibility necessary to switch easily between patterns of thinking and contend with the constant changes that result from ongoing technological advancements. Yet research shows that the national level of creativity in both children and adults is declining. This book showcases methods that build “outside of the box” thinking skills that can empower people to succeed not only in school or work but in life in general, resulting in greater self-esteem, reduced stress, increased productivity, improved overall health, and more satisfaction in everyday life.
Brainstorm! Practice for Unrestricted Imagination and Original Thought shows, with scientific proof, that the powerful engine of creativity has unlimited fuel and can power every sphere of life, from food preparation to personal relationships and from academia to government administration. It is a manual for leveraging creative thought in order to overcome barriers, solve difficult problems, and streamline and optimize day-to-day living.
Educators, institutional leaders, and CEOs will discover how creativity-boosting courses and trainings can promote unprecedented performance and productivity among students and employees. Based on extensive research data and more than 100 interviews with experts worldwide, this accessible and engaging book presents vivid analogies and metaphors; insights from experts in various fields ranging from education to neurology, music, and technology; and fun exercises that make it clear that creativity is indispensable in every realm of life—and that anyone can take simple, effective steps to tap into their own creative potential.
Features
- Serves as a unique resource for mental health professionals to help their patients to overcome multiple issues as well as a text for students in fields such as psychology, art, leadership and development, educational leadership, early childhood education, and structural organization
- Approaches creativity in a way that is applicable to—and important for—business leaders, who can use the principles outlined and exercises included as the foundation of creativity trainings to boost performance and productivity
- Suggests a number of principles policymakers can use to improve the education system, the health care system, and more
- Features contributions from a breadth of experts, including renowned artists, musicians, scientists, and specialists in the areas of creativity, neurology, technology, education, management, health policy, and arts and music
Olga Zbarskaya, PhD, an internationally published author, is the founder and president of the OZCREDO Corporation (www.ozcredo.com). An expert in international research on mental fitness, creative thinking, problem solving, and decision-making, Dr. Zbarskaya has developed workshops and curricula for educators, social workers, health care professionals, and administrators. She has been proclaimed a Top Ranked U.S. Executive and a Woman Who Sets the Standards, a distinguished member of The Textbook & Academic Authors Association, and National Organization for Human Services NOHS Senior Reviewer. Dr. Zbarskaya has received multiple international awards in education, human services, social work, science, and literature.
Reviews
"An overview of creative progression, with generous source references throughout, including a summary of recent psychological and neurological research that highlights several main theoretical approaches in the field. . . . Recommended."—Choice, August 1, 2017
"Creativity is rapidly becoming an important 21st-century skill. But what does it mean to be truly creative and how can you unleash your creativity? In this remarkable book, Dr. Zbarskaya teaches us how to unleash the dormant creativity in our students and in ourselves. This is a must-read for anyone in education or in the field of educational technology."—Orit Hirsh, PhD, Professor, Kingsborough Community College
"This book is a great source for anyone striving to achieve dynamic results, across spheres. It helps maximize your potential, enriches you with multiple creative ideas, and offers outstanding practical exercises to improve your thinking process!"—Yelena Doljansky, NYS Accredited Trainer, President, Shadetree Enterprises, Inc.
"Never have there been such in-depth analysis and breakdown of the core understanding of the possibilities for the human experience. To understand and tap into one’s potential, and appreciate her/his unique experience and capabilities—or that of others—this book is a must read."—Cyril Jacobs, LMSW, SIFI
"A detailed guide to understanding the different ways human creativity works, this book provides readers with fun tools for training their own creative thought, which will enhance their intelligence and their everyday life."—Elina Pales, MD, clinical neurologist
"Brainstorm! opens doors for readers to reconnect with and build their creativity, which brings an enormous energy to continue growing and evolving. Dr. Zbarskaya is an incredibly creative, talented, and sensitive individual who sees everyone’s potential, and helps them find their inner strengths."—Carmen Maria Sepúlveda, LMSW, Administrator/Trainer
"Brainstorm! empowers its readers with critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to survive the vicissitudes of contemporary society. Writing for a wide audience, the author applies cultural intelligence in ways that make the book accessible to an increasingly globalized world."—Uchenna Ekwo, PhD, President, Center for Media and Peace Initiatives, New York
"Always finding innovative paths to gain new perspective, Dr. Zbarskaya gives us in Brainstorm! 'universal' guides to overcome obstacles in practically any field of human activity. An amazing book with endless information and research, I highly recommend reading this."—Gregory Gurevich, Professor of Visual Arts, visual artist, writer, inventor, Founder of Arts on the Hudson
