---
title: Creative Ideas – 5 Authors’ Perspectives for Defeating “Enemies of Invention”
description: Creative Ideas – 5 Authors’ Perspectives for Defeating “Enemies of Invention”
---

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# [Creative Ideas – 5 Authors’ Perspectives for Defeating “Enemies of Invention”](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/creative-ideas-five-authors-perspectives-for-defeating-enemies-of-invention)

 Written by [Mike Brown](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/author/mike-brown) | May 3, 2013 9:50:19 AM

<https://www.brainzooming.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Creative-Ideas-Enemies-4.jpg>The June 2013 issue of Psychology Today includes an article on [“The Enemies of Invention.” ](http://rsrc2.psychologytoday.com/articles/201304/the-enemies-invention)

It is a compilation article featuring five authors' perspectives on [factors standing in the way of creativity and innovation](https://www.brainzooming.com/26-creative-ideas-how-to-be-creative-when-creativity-is-blocked/3924/).

The article also includes creative ideas from each author on how to get around these impediments to creativity.

### Creative Ideas for Defeating “Enemies of Invention”

Here are snapshots of each of the five authors' perspectives, along with our Brainzooming point of view on these creative ideas:

#### 1. The Danger of Starting in the Same Old Place by Art Markum

*"Don't think differently. Think about different things." *

The point is when we start from the same frame of reference as the creative challenge we face, we come up with run-of-the-mill ideas. Instead, we have to begin by thinking about other things from different perspectives. **Brainzooming Article:** [What's It Like?](https://www.brainzooming.com/new-innovative-ideas-strategy-planning-with-whats-it-like/16001/)

#### 2. Fear of Failure Narrows Vision by Peter Gray

*We “work best when we are playing, not when we are striving for praise as a reward." *

To be creative, don't be so serious so much! Have some fun and play! **Brainzooming Article:** [Kids and Creativity](https://www.brainzooming.com/10-more-ways-to-be-creative-like-a-kid/7558/)

#### 3. Concentration Is Creativity’s Killer by Sian Beilock

* "Turning your attention to something that requires just a little bit of concentration is a better way to jump-start the creative process." *

Don't concentrate so much on the task at hand. To instigate your creative possibilities, free up space in your mind to let your creativity work. **Brainzooming Article:** [Finding a Huge Task to Avoid](https://www.brainzooming.com/creative-block-find-a-huge-task-to-avoid/15507/)

#### 4. The Downside of Avoiding Imitation by Christopher J. Sprigman and Kal Raustiala

*"In practice, creativity is a cumulative process, one that often involves tweaking, adapting, and melding existing creations." *

As we say so often, borrow existing ideas and twist them into new creative ideas all your own. **Brainzooming Article:** [Lessons in Borrowing Creative Ideas](https://www.brainzooming.com/7-ways-to-borrow-creative-ideas-with-a-clear-conscience/7342/)

#### 5. Battling Boredom Thwarts Serendipity by Peter Bregman

*"Wasted moments are ones in which we often unconsciously connect the dots." *

Resist the temptation to fill your head and attention with stuff that gets in the way of creativity. You'll be much better off if you pursue empty-headed creativity! **Brainzooming Article: **Perhaps not surprisingly, we [don't have an article on doing nothing](https://www.brainzooming.com/imbalanced-creativity/2430/) as a way to spur creativity. We'll have to get on that right away!  - *[Mike Brown](https://www.brainzooming.com/about-brainzooming/mike-brown/)*

[mailto:info@brainzooming.com](mailto:info@brainzooming.com)

### Learn all about [Mike Brown’s creative thinking and innovation presentations](https://www.brainzooming.com/creativity-innovation/)!

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