4 Ways to Be More Creative and Productive

Here are a few ways to separate divergent and convergent thinking in your day-to-day life—and keep yourself better focused on the type of brainpower you’re using.

1. Give Yourself Space to Explore

Take a look at your schedule each day or week. If most of your day is spent “getting things done,” that’s a good sign you need to carve out some time for divergent thinking. So do yourself a favor and schedule it.
Plan time to step away from the computer and mind-map your ideas for a new project, go for a walk outside, or read a book on an unfamiliar topic. It’s important to do this every day, for at least 20 minutes or so, to give your brain space to create new possibilities. Try to minimize distractions that might send you into get-it-done mode. Write down everything that comes to mind.

2. When it’s Time to Converge, Make it Your Mantra

Once you’ve collected a wide variety of ideas, or need to get started on a to-do list, say to yourself, “Now it’s time to converge on this assignment.” (Yes, in the same voice a preschool teacher might use to direct kids to line up for snack.) Write this message on a Post-It and put it next to my computer screen—sounds silly, but these reminders help keep you on track.

3. Separate Your Tools

You can train your brain to switch into a certain thinking mode by using different tools for each divergence and convergence—a very helpful skill as you’re training yourself to be better at separating the two modes. Try using an unlined notebook for divergent brainstorming, and then switch to the computer to polish these ideas into a cohesive article. Or write divergent ideas on Post-Its, and then converge them into an outline.

4. Beware of Distractions

Even with the best of intentions, staying in your chosen mode of thinking won’t necessarily come easily. On a recent Sunday morning, I woke up and made a long list of things I’d been meaning to do the previous week and settled into “convergent mode.”

Just as I started the first email, my friend came in and started talking about new ideas for promoting her start-up, big plans for China-Chile trade, and what to make for brunch. Since I’d just coaxed myself into a convergent flow, her divergent energy stressed me out! I listened to her ideas, but my heart began to pound at the thought of my to-do list. I explained what was going through my head, and then eventually, excused myself and headed to a café to re-enter that convergent flow.

When you’re in one frame of mind, adjust your environment to help you stay there, so that you can maximize it. In the office, this might mean wearing headphones or moving into the conference room. It could also mean going to the gym, park or library to get in the zone. With practice, you’ll figure out what works for you.

No matter what field you’re in, thinking both divergently and convergently is important. But even more important is being conscious about separating the two—it’ll help you focus your mind, reduce your stress level and get more done.