Broaden and build

Barbara Frederickson is arguably most famous for her Broaden and Build theory.

Which in a nutshell means that when you’re in a negative mood your thinking is likely to be narrow and constricted.

Conversely when you’re experiencing a positive state you’re much more likely to see the bigger picture.

Now the build part is how your positivity compounds as you follow positive step after positive step.

But the bit I think is most relevant to creativity is the broaden part.

I reckon Ms. Frederickson would agree with me when I say that your lateral thinking is greatly improved with positive emotions.

For example if you are an aspiring author who has just received a rejection letter from a publisher and you take it badly your thinking might be as narrow as – quit now? Or quit later?

But if you take it in a positive state of mind you might brainstorm next steps such as:

Finding ten other publishers to send your chapter to.

Taking your one chapter fleshing it out into a full book and publishing it online.

Or workshopping what you have so far with your target audience (cut out the publisher middle man for feedback).

Or maybe submit it into competitions?

Now, what if you are in a bad mood or don’t want to wait for inspiration to arrive?

Well I think in that scenario you can use this theory to your advantage and create your positive state.

Watch fails online to get into a humourous mood.

Put perspective on your mind and remind yourself of how short life is.

Write ten things you’re grateful for.

Or even flood your system with endorphins by going for a jog.

Hope that helps!