Let’s think about creativity, shall we? At oodle, we’ve not got the monopoly on creativity with oomph, or even creativity, it manifests itself in all aspects of life.

From thinking on your feet, whilst driving at 60mph when there is a road closure ahead, to devising a work rota that keeps an entire team happy. These thought processes both involve creativity and it’s a bit like a race between a hare and a tortoise. Sound familiar, intrigued? Let us explain…

First, let’s sprint with the hare brain. In ‘Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide’, the comedian, actor and author John Cleese shares the belief that creativity isn’t a mystical gift, but a skill we’re all able to develop. Your hare brain is characterised by bursts of energy and quick thinking. It’s behind zany ideas that are developed on the fly. If we embrace this fast-paced thinking, it gives us the freedom to be playful and spontaneous. Let your mind race through fields of wild ideas without judgment – just like a hare darting through a meadow!

However, if you want to take things a bit steadier then enter the tortoise mind. Here’s where things get interesting. Guy Claxton, a cognitive scientist and author of ‘Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind: Why Intelligence Increases When You Think Less’, suggests that sometimes, to truly unlock our creative genius, we need to slow down. Yep, that’s right, when you think less, you become smarter. The tortoise mind is all about letting ideas simmer, allowing your subconscious to do the heavy lifting. It’s like creating a stew in a slow cooker – rich, flavourful thoughts come to life over time.

So, how do these two seemingly opposite approaches work together? It’s all about balance. Imagine you’re working on a project:

1. Start with your hare brain, nothing is off the table, let ideas flow fast and free. Don’t worry if they seem a bit out there; that’s the point!
2. Once you’ve gathered a plethora of potential approaches, switch gears.
3. Slow down and let your tortoise mind take over. Give yourself time to ponder, reflect, and let those ideas marinate. You’ll be amazed at how the best solutions often surface when you’re not actively searching for them.

In a nutshell, creativity thrives on the harmony between the hare brain of quick, energetic leaps and the tortoise mind of slow, thoughtful plodding. So next time you’re stuck in a creative rut, embrace the fast and the slow. Keep creating, keep balancing, and most importantly, have fun!

If you’d find it useful to collaborate with a friendly team as you evolve your brand’s marketing and creative assets, reach out to oodle, we’ll happily apply our hare brains and tortoise minds to your brief.