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Your Creative Brain: Seven Steps to Maximize Imagination, Productivity, and Innovation in Your Life
Can sitting in front of a light box increase your creativity? [YES] How about listening to Bach's Italian Concerto in F major? [NO]. These are crucial questions to the survival of humans. We need to find ways to unlock our creativity, both as individuals and as a species, if we are to adapt to the challenges and dangers, as well as the opportunities, of the accelerated-change climate of the 21st century. Creativity is not only for artists, musicians, and mad scientists. This original and useful book presents a program to understand and increase your creativity in seven specific states of mind or brainsets. 1. The Connect Brainset: This is a defocused state of attention that allows you to see the connections between objects or concepts and to generate multiple solutions to a given problem rather than focusing on a single solution. 2. The Reason Brainset: This is a state of purposeful planning in which you consciously manipulate information in your working memory to solve a problem. 3. The Envision Brainset: This is a state in which you see possibilities and patterns. You speculate using what if as a launching pad and respond with the full force of your imagination. 4. The Absorb Brainset: This is a state in which you open your mind to new experiences and ideas. You uncritically view your world and take in knowledge. Everything fascinates you and attracts your attention. 5. The Transform Brainset: This is a state in which you are able to transform negative energy into works of art and great performances. You are also motivated to express (in creative form) the pain, the anxieties, and the hopes that we all share as part of the human experience. 6. The Evaluate Brainset: This is the state in which you consciously judge the value of ideas, concepts, products, behaviors, or individuals. This is the critical eye of mental activity. 7. The Stream Brainset: The state is associated with the actual production of creative material, such as jazz improvisation, narrative writing (as in novels or short stories), sculpting or painting, and the step-by-step revelation of scientific discovery. Readers will learn which parts of the brain are hot during each of these seven brainsets, and find quizzes, exercises, and self-tests to help them use each brainset to their advantage.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2013
84 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 15, 2014
I love the content. But I give four stars (not five) because it's overly technical/academic in it's language. I'm all about rigorous research. But the author is at Harvard and wrote this like a long academic journal article. If you can get pat the dry, over complicated language, it's a good read. Example: she calls these thinking modes "cognitive brain sets" or "brain activation patterns".
Creativity, the author argues, is not a single mental process, not a magical gift some have and others don't. Rather, it is the ability to engage in and transition between several ways of thinking.
The first thinking pattern she discusses is the "absorb" mode, where you are open, curious, and nonjudgmental about what's happening around you. The key here is to see with fresh eyes rather than filter the world though your assumptions.
The "reason" mode is a deliberate problem solving mode. You systematically analyze the gaps, look for patterns, test ideas, etc.
The "connect" mode is where you reach for associations, finding similar themes but in non-obvious ways. This is where you see how building team cohesion is like baking a cake, or how thinking of paintbrush bristles like a pump for paint opens new manufacturing options.
The "envision" brain mode is using your imagination, vividly seeing what could be. You pose a possibility and then envision all the ways it would play out.
The "evaluate" mode uses an explicitly judgmental process. All creative professionals know that many more ideas are generated than can be used. In fact, many of them are really bad ideas. Doing the hard work of sorting and rejecting some ideas so you can focus on good ones is at the heart of good creative work.
The "transform" mode, she says, happens when the negative feelings about yourself and life fuel creative work. I actually totally disagree with this mode being on her list. There are a lot of creative professionals who struggle with negative feelings. But I think feeling blue doesn't in and of itself contribute to creativity. I think creativity can help alleviate or channel those feelings. But it's a separate thing. Correlation does not equal causation.
The last mode is the "stream" mode. This is when you get so caught up in what you're doing that time fades away and you zone out. It's when the challenge matches your skill level and there is real time feedback (even if just your own feelings on how you're doing). This mental process often generates ideas and work that feels effortless and even from beyond ourselves.
But, again, creativity requires all these modes. It's not staying in our favorite mode. It's being proficient in each. And it's being able to slide back and forth without a major loss of energy or time. When someone can do this, they can be creative in any field.
Creativity, the author argues, is not a single mental process, not a magical gift some have and others don't. Rather, it is the ability to engage in and transition between several ways of thinking.
The first thinking pattern she discusses is the "absorb" mode, where you are open, curious, and nonjudgmental about what's happening around you. The key here is to see with fresh eyes rather than filter the world though your assumptions.
The "reason" mode is a deliberate problem solving mode. You systematically analyze the gaps, look for patterns, test ideas, etc.
The "connect" mode is where you reach for associations, finding similar themes but in non-obvious ways. This is where you see how building team cohesion is like baking a cake, or how thinking of paintbrush bristles like a pump for paint opens new manufacturing options.
The "envision" brain mode is using your imagination, vividly seeing what could be. You pose a possibility and then envision all the ways it would play out.
The "evaluate" mode uses an explicitly judgmental process. All creative professionals know that many more ideas are generated than can be used. In fact, many of them are really bad ideas. Doing the hard work of sorting and rejecting some ideas so you can focus on good ones is at the heart of good creative work.
The "transform" mode, she says, happens when the negative feelings about yourself and life fuel creative work. I actually totally disagree with this mode being on her list. There are a lot of creative professionals who struggle with negative feelings. But I think feeling blue doesn't in and of itself contribute to creativity. I think creativity can help alleviate or channel those feelings. But it's a separate thing. Correlation does not equal causation.
The last mode is the "stream" mode. This is when you get so caught up in what you're doing that time fades away and you zone out. It's when the challenge matches your skill level and there is real time feedback (even if just your own feelings on how you're doing). This mental process often generates ideas and work that feels effortless and even from beyond ourselves.
But, again, creativity requires all these modes. It's not staying in our favorite mode. It's being proficient in each. And it's being able to slide back and forth without a major loss of energy or time. When someone can do this, they can be creative in any field.
November 24, 2010
I bought this book on Kindle and it is not a good idea to. You can't really see the graphics and charts. Shelley Carson offers some of the suggestions in her book to go to her website for. I went to her website many times looking for what she said was there and it isn't. Her web page is disappointing. It is all about her and promoting herself. I did email her about not being able to find access to what she said was there. She never did email me back. I was disappointed in her site.
The book has a lot of exercises for you to do and is very time consuming. Personally I like to read a book and occasionally jot down an idea. This one is not that way. Be prepared to spend a lot of time to get through this book.
The book has a lot of exercises for you to do and is very time consuming. Personally I like to read a book and occasionally jot down an idea. This one is not that way. Be prepared to spend a lot of time to get through this book.
July 22, 2025
“You are now fluent in seven different brainsets, and you are an expert at moving flexibly among them. Go out and light up the world with the unique and innovative ideas that only your creative brain can produce!”
I loved this book! I felt like each chapter had a tangible takeaway that I can implement into my every day. I am shutting the book feeling very inspired, and encouraged to grab ahold of my creative hat!
I would recommend reading this book if you’re interested in creativity, interested in neuroscience, or a combination of the two! This book could be read in both a communication/art major class as well as psychology.
You cannot read this book in one sitting, or even 13 sittings! To soak it in full, you need to dedicate additional time to work through all of the exercises.
I loved this book! I felt like each chapter had a tangible takeaway that I can implement into my every day. I am shutting the book feeling very inspired, and encouraged to grab ahold of my creative hat!
I would recommend reading this book if you’re interested in creativity, interested in neuroscience, or a combination of the two! This book could be read in both a communication/art major class as well as psychology.
You cannot read this book in one sitting, or even 13 sittings! To soak it in full, you need to dedicate additional time to work through all of the exercises.
February 2, 2025
Shelley Carson’s Your Creative Brain takes an academic approach to understanding creativity through the lens of neuroscience. She introduces the seven creative brainsets: Connect, Reason, Envision, Absorb, Transform, Evaluate, and Stream. These are collectively known as CREATES. These brainsets represent different modes of thinking that contribute to creativity, each with distinct cognitive processes and neurological underpinnings.
I appreciated the depth of Carson’s explanation of the brain’s role in creativity. She highlights key brain regions, detailing how they function in different creative states. Her breakdown of deliberate vs. spontaneous creativity is especially compelling.
Beyond theory, Carson also offers practical strategies for handling criticism, which is invaluable for anyone sharing creative work.
The book feels like a structured course, blending theory with exercises. While this might work well for some, I was looking for a deep dive into the concepts rather than a workbook experience. I trust that the exercises are helpful, but I skipped them entirely.
Carson’s framework made me more aware of how I navigate my own creative process. I tend to gravitate towards the reason brainset, which can sometimes limit my creative flow. It made me question where else I might be limiting my creative thinking.
I’ve also started keeping a list to help identify creative problems—things that bother me and things that slow me down.
Overall, Your Creative Brain offers a welcome blend of neuroscience and creativity research. Even though the workbook format wasn’t for me, the neuroscience-backed insights made it a worthwhile read. If you're interested in the science behind creativity and enjoy an interactive approach, this book is a solid choice.
I appreciated the depth of Carson’s explanation of the brain’s role in creativity. She highlights key brain regions, detailing how they function in different creative states. Her breakdown of deliberate vs. spontaneous creativity is especially compelling.
Beyond theory, Carson also offers practical strategies for handling criticism, which is invaluable for anyone sharing creative work.
The book feels like a structured course, blending theory with exercises. While this might work well for some, I was looking for a deep dive into the concepts rather than a workbook experience. I trust that the exercises are helpful, but I skipped them entirely.
Carson’s framework made me more aware of how I navigate my own creative process. I tend to gravitate towards the reason brainset, which can sometimes limit my creative flow. It made me question where else I might be limiting my creative thinking.
I’ve also started keeping a list to help identify creative problems—things that bother me and things that slow me down.
Overall, Your Creative Brain offers a welcome blend of neuroscience and creativity research. Even though the workbook format wasn’t for me, the neuroscience-backed insights made it a worthwhile read. If you're interested in the science behind creativity and enjoy an interactive approach, this book is a solid choice.
November 29, 2010
I really wanted to like this book, and part of me does (I find neuroscience fascinating), but my brain now feels like a fried brain. :(
It is packed with information (which I usually love) but this (for me) I found to be a bit overwhelming. The quizzes (which I also usually like) are quite time-consuming (be sure you have plenty of uninterrupted time and lots of energy before tackling the second quiz), and I found them to be a headache to score.
Another thing that makes me rate this as two stars ("it was okay") instead of three stars ("liked it") is that throughout the book the author directs you to her website for what sounds like helpful printouts, but they're not anywhere to be found (I kept looking over a three-week period in November 2010). So not helpful!
Also, (I just realized) the extended title, "Seven Steps..." is a bit misleading, as there isn't really a list of seven steps per se....
It is packed with information (which I usually love) but this (for me) I found to be a bit overwhelming. The quizzes (which I also usually like) are quite time-consuming (be sure you have plenty of uninterrupted time and lots of energy before tackling the second quiz), and I found them to be a headache to score.
Another thing that makes me rate this as two stars ("it was okay") instead of three stars ("liked it") is that throughout the book the author directs you to her website for what sounds like helpful printouts, but they're not anywhere to be found (I kept looking over a three-week period in November 2010). So not helpful!
Also, (I just realized) the extended title, "Seven Steps..." is a bit misleading, as there isn't really a list of seven steps per se....
January 31, 2018
I had one major problem with this book. It came from a library and the answers were already filled in. To me, there is nothing more irritating than a book that has words written in the margins. Though I suppose if it were my own copy I would still not give it the best grade out there since it is one of those books where you are encouraged to write in it or treat it as a workbook. I can't abide by that notion, so I would probably have gotten a notebook for that purpose.
The book uses advances in neuroscience and psychology to create a brain environment that is conducive to being inventive and creative. So it has you think of words and solve puzzles and things like that. According to the book, there are seven states of creativity and all of them must be used for maximal effect. Which states are most effective depends on the person in question and how they apply that creativity. So if you are a person making a movie, it might be bad to be too creative. The book put it this way; if you keep having new ideas and can't implement your old ideas, then it isn't really helpful to be so creative.
So the book is meant to help in several ways, and it does do that pretty well. However, like I said, I don't usually write in my books unless it is information that shows that I own the book or something.
The book uses advances in neuroscience and psychology to create a brain environment that is conducive to being inventive and creative. So it has you think of words and solve puzzles and things like that. According to the book, there are seven states of creativity and all of them must be used for maximal effect. Which states are most effective depends on the person in question and how they apply that creativity. So if you are a person making a movie, it might be bad to be too creative. The book put it this way; if you keep having new ideas and can't implement your old ideas, then it isn't really helpful to be so creative.
So the book is meant to help in several ways, and it does do that pretty well. However, like I said, I don't usually write in my books unless it is information that shows that I own the book or something.
March 14, 2020
I had a brain infection in 2014 it gnawed on scar tissue from an ear surgery I had at the age of 7, and was the result of un-diagnosed Lyme disease. I was diagnosed with remitting relapsing Multiple Sclerosis before I went to Connecticut in 2007, so the doctor never considered testing for Lyme until an MRI discovered the brain infection. I suffered a bit of aphasia, which sometimes lingers. I've always been creative but words became phantoms. I needed to retrain my brain because as a writer the almost right word just isn't good enough. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to become more creative. I love acronyms, and this one stayed with me:
Connect
Reason
Envision
Absorb
Transmission
Evaluate
Stream
Connect
Reason
Envision
Absorb
Transmission
Evaluate
Stream
February 3, 2020
This book changed my perspective on creativity. It helped me understand that improving creativity is not only possible but there are processes that can assist with this. I greatly appreciated the neuroscience prospectives.
January 1, 2026
Four stars instead of five because of how dry some parts were, it took me four years to finish. However, it is very helpful and insightful, well worth the read. I have an ebook copy but am considering getting a printed copy for my shelves because the exercises are so good.
June 25, 2024
This book probably has the most detailed explanation regarding creativity. Best to not rush this book as there's exercise in the book for every phase that you can do to enhance your ability.
December 18, 2025
I read portions of this book for my Creative Imagination class. I assume I would have loved it if the professor applied the book in any sort of way to the actual class.
August 28, 2011
Good ideas on how to access divergent thinking.
Carson uses the acrostic CREATES to explore & discuss different states of mind in the creative process: Connect, Reason, Envision, Absorb, Transform, Evaluate, Stream.
Absorb: uncritically take in all that is around you, most sensory of all stages, openness to novelty, new experiences & ideas, a knowledge gathering stage, easiest to do when in a positive mood
Reason: consciously manipulate information in your working memory to identify & solve a problem, use research & planning skills plus discipline to implement solution
Connect: defocused state where brain can make disparate connections, generate multiple solutions to a problem (usually referred to as brainstorming)
Envision: visually manipulate objects in your mind, imagine, hypothesize
Transform: use negative mood to create works of art, transform distress through self expression
Evaluate: consciously judge the value of your ideas, use the criteria of usefulness & appropriateness, cull & select ideas at this point, don't use this state of mind too early in the creative process
Stream: improvisation (also referred to as flow or being in the zone), used when a person has developed expertise in a certain skill area
Carson suggests using physical exercise to stimulate the brain when trying to generate ideas and music, meditation, or sleep & dreams to allow for a more relaxed, unfocused state to incubate divergent ideas and connections
Her book is filled with exercises to use to stimulate various parts of the brain and the accompanying stages of creativity.
I highly recommend this book.
Carson uses the acrostic CREATES to explore & discuss different states of mind in the creative process: Connect, Reason, Envision, Absorb, Transform, Evaluate, Stream.
Absorb: uncritically take in all that is around you, most sensory of all stages, openness to novelty, new experiences & ideas, a knowledge gathering stage, easiest to do when in a positive mood
Reason: consciously manipulate information in your working memory to identify & solve a problem, use research & planning skills plus discipline to implement solution
Connect: defocused state where brain can make disparate connections, generate multiple solutions to a problem (usually referred to as brainstorming)
Envision: visually manipulate objects in your mind, imagine, hypothesize
Transform: use negative mood to create works of art, transform distress through self expression
Evaluate: consciously judge the value of your ideas, use the criteria of usefulness & appropriateness, cull & select ideas at this point, don't use this state of mind too early in the creative process
Stream: improvisation (also referred to as flow or being in the zone), used when a person has developed expertise in a certain skill area
Carson suggests using physical exercise to stimulate the brain when trying to generate ideas and music, meditation, or sleep & dreams to allow for a more relaxed, unfocused state to incubate divergent ideas and connections
Her book is filled with exercises to use to stimulate various parts of the brain and the accompanying stages of creativity.
I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2012
What separates humans from most animals? Creativity - according to Shelley Carson. You need to be creative to enhance the quality of your life. But not only that, you need to be creative to survive. Creativity is not just for artists, writers, and musicians - every aspect of the modern way of life requires human creativity to sustain it. Carson assumed one had to be like Einstein or Mozart to be gifted with creativity; but from her research on the subject, she determined that creativity is actually an innately human talent all people possess.
Because Shelley's book purports to be instructional, for the purpose of unlocking the creative potential of self-determined "un-creative" people, I am interested in how it could inspire innovative curricula. Specifically for creative people to teach so-called "un-creative people" how to be more creative in one or more aspects of their lives... without devolving into "art therapy" or "arts and crafts" coursework.
Note: so far, I've been reading pages online from Amazon or Google. But I plan to get my hands on a copy.
Because Shelley's book purports to be instructional, for the purpose of unlocking the creative potential of self-determined "un-creative" people, I am interested in how it could inspire innovative curricula. Specifically for creative people to teach so-called "un-creative people" how to be more creative in one or more aspects of their lives... without devolving into "art therapy" or "arts and crafts" coursework.
Note: so far, I've been reading pages online from Amazon or Google. But I plan to get my hands on a copy.
December 8, 2011
Shelley Carson provides a valuable contribution to the research and literature on creativity. Based on findings from neuroscience, Carson identifies and explains seven "Brainstates" associated with creativity: Connect, Reason, Envision, Absorb, Transform, and Stream. While these ways of thinking have been identified by other authors, Carson provides some evidence of a neurological basis for each. This is a fascinating addition to the discussion! Much of the rest of the book has more of a self-help feel. While I found the exercises and suggestions potentially helpful, they were of less interest to me than the "harder" science the book offers. Worthwhile reading for anyone interested in creativity or seeking to increase creative thinking.
June 21, 2011
I enjoyed this book very much. It supported previous books I have read on the subject of creativity. It proveds the reader with a well thought out plan/exercises to stimulate creative ideas. However, I was distracted and sometimes confused by the medical explanation of how the brain works...I would rather focus my energies on the different brainsets that stimulte creativity rather than frontal lobe, hiipocampus etc...Anyone who is interested in pursuing a broader vision of creativity will enjoy this book
January 6, 2013
This is one of the best books on creativity research I've read in a long time. The author has substantial knowledge on the subject, and the book is a treat all the way through. You'll finally get a deeper understanding of how our brain works and why it is capable of such amazing feats.
I particularly liked the way the chapters are organised and mental exercises mentioned in this book are life-savers.
I particularly liked the way the chapters are organised and mental exercises mentioned in this book are life-savers.
November 22, 2013
This book describes the creative process and presents a model of creativity. Envisioning is one of seven dimensions of this model, which is useful for writers, photographers, painters. For instance, we can become more creative through envisioning---using imagination to generate mental pictures with sensory details, using mind mapping or clustering to generate ideas, generating ideas by sketching, doodling, or diagramming.
January 24, 2014
"Remember that nobody has your unique combination of knowledge, memories, and skills stored in their brain. This unique combination is what you will share with the world - if you don't do it, your unique combination will be lost forever." ~Shelley Carson, PhD
Some great creativity tips. The exercises were fun too!
Some great creativity tips. The exercises were fun too!
December 13, 2016
I'm not sure why this book has been rated down due to it's academic jargon. I picked it up because so far it seems to be one of the only one that incorporates actual neuroscience rather than throwing around "accessible " words like "brain mapping" which explain, well, nothing. So far it seems like a good introduction to the brain for those unfamiliar
August 6, 2016
This is book is like candy for brain junkies. It was fun to discover how my creative brain works (and how it could work better). The exercises are time consuming, but worth it if you'd like to increase your productivity and efficiency.
Read
December 19, 2015read again in Sep 2014, Dec 2015
February 23, 2014
Not my favourite book, found the whole thing frustrating and the exercises weren't helpful or enlightening. I wouldn't recommend this book.
Want to read
December 27, 2012nice
July 8, 2015
Perfect!
The Exercises are Remarkable!Never stop taking notes along!
Change is gonna come!
The Exercises are Remarkable!Never stop taking notes along!
Change is gonna come!
October 2, 2013
Book suggests many exercises for readers. I yet to practicee any of them.
January 18, 2014
Very clear and useful. My brain style is "absorbent" - and I was certain I'd test as an "envisioning."
July 4, 2014
awesome!
October 4, 2015
Great books
It put into words some of the ways that my brain works and I learned a lot about myself.
I hope others read it to learn more about themselves too.
It put into words some of the ways that my brain works and I learned a lot about myself.
I hope others read it to learn more about themselves too.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews