In your view, what’s the biggest myth about creative thinking?
The biggest myth is that creativity is an innate talent. People often say, “You’re creative, I’m not.” But creativity is a skill built on curiosity — something everyone naturally has. When we suppress curiosity for too long and add a fear of being judged on top of that, the brain basically shuts off the flow of ideas. Creativity needs fuel: new stimuli, experiences, and above all, a psychologically safe environment.
Brain as an Orchestra of Creativity
Neuroscience today distinguishes three main brain networks that play a key role in creative thinking:
Default Mode Network (DMN)
The “daydreaming mode” — where thoughts flow freely and unexpected connections emerge.
Executive Control Network (ECN)
The inner editor — it evaluates ideas and selects the viable ones.
Salience Network (SN)
The attention filter — it decides what’s worth focusing your energy on.
Creativity doesn’t come from one specific part of the brain. It happens when these networks connect and switch between each other. That’s essentially how a creative mind’s “muscles” work.
What do you think is the biggest blocker of creativity?
Without a doubt it’s fear. The fear of making mistakes or being judged activates our inner critic, and that kills creativity on the spot. People would rather not even start than risk getting something wrong.
How can we overcome that fear?
The key is to create a psychologically safe space where even a “bad” idea is completely okay. If something doesn’t work, we simply toss it out and try a different approach. No question is stupid, and no idea is wrong by default.
Do you feel that in today’s world of smart technologies and constant change, the definition of creativity has shifted?
The essence of creativity hasn’t changed. It’s still about inventiveness, the ability to create something new or improve what already exists in a way that brings value. What has changed is the world we’re creating in. We live in an accelerated era overflowing with inputs, data, visuals, and mental stimuli. That creates pressure, and our brains often end up overwhelmed, our attention scattered. That’s why so many people say they feel blocked or “not creative enough.” On the other hand, technology — including AI — acts as an accelerator. What once took weeks can now be done in minutes. Those who aren’t afraid of technology and learn how to use it can speed up their creative cycle. Those who resist it only prolong the wait for a good result.
Creativity According to Marv Shamma
Today, creativity rests on three pillars: curiosity, teamwork, and the courage to make mistakes.
Marv Shamma distinguishes between two core types of creative thinking:
Foundational Creativity
We all have it. It stems from curiosity and the ability to adapt to new conditions. It shows up in everyday problem-solving and small ideas.
Visionary Creativity
This one drives big visions and new concepts. It never emerges in isolation. It requires a team, collaboration, and the courage to push boundaries.
What would you tell someone whose creativity seems blocked?
Change your environment. Even something small like taking a different route to work or sitting in a different café can “disconnect” the old circuits in your head. Your environment makes up maybe 80% of the difference. When you walk into the same office the same way every day, your mind just keeps recycling the same loops. You need to knock it off its tracks.
7 Hacks to Restart and Boost Your Creativity
Creativity wakes up best when we give the brain room to switch modes — through movement, a change of scenery, or a small ritual. Try combining these simple habits:
- Change the backdrop
Switch up your environment — a different street, neighborhood, or café is often enough to reset your mind.
- Move your body
A run or a longer walk clears your head and helps connect new dots.
- Use your hands
Any hands-on activity shifts your brain into a different mode and supports the formation of new neural connections.
- Micro-ritual
Try drawing, writing, or note-taking for 20 minutes a day.
- Aimless walk
Give your mind space to make connections “in the background.”
- Association game
Say the first word that comes to mind. It trains mental flexibility and associative thinking.
- The nighttime question
Write down a problem before bed and let it “work” overnight. Solutions often show up in the morning.
Is there a simple habit that helps develop creativity?
The simplest one is writing. Sit down every day and jot down a few sentences. It doesn’t matter what they are about. It clears your head and creates space for new ideas. It’s creativity and therapy wrapped into one.
Does that mean anyone can really learn to be creative?
Yes. Creativity isn’t black magic. It’s a skill. You can develop it, practice it, and strengthen it, whether you’re an artist, a marketer, or an analyst. We all have a creative muscle; it just depends on how often we use it.
MSc. Marv Shamma, M.A., CPT
If we tried to list all of Marv’s areas of expertise, one blog post wouldn’t be enough. He studied Artificial Intelligence at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen and Change Management & Digital Transformations at Sweden’s Hyper Island. He’s a leader, business innovator, lecturer, and founder of several startups — including the learning platform Flowberry and soon the Flow Elementary Schools. He’s an expert in talent development, team dynamics, and creativity… He’s also a dad of twins, a lover of early mornings, and a fan of starting the day with exercise and meditation. He’s not big on alcohol (though he did have a couple of craft beers with us), but he loves good food and eats a vegan diet. Does he ever hit a creative block? “Oh, absolutely! When that happens, I spend a few days just eating, working out, and sleeping, basically clearing my head. And sometimes I have tons of ideas but can’t execute them because I don’t have the know-how. That’s why I surround myself with talented people who help me get ideas out of my head and into reality.”
