I recently read Steven Johnson’s book Where Good Ideas Come From. While some biological analogies in the work are overstated, Johnson’s key recommendations for fostering creativity are worth noting:

  • Take walks
  • Prioritize sleep (with a note that sleep segmentation might be beneficial)
  • Embrace mistakes
  • Pursue hobbies
  • Engage with unfamiliar people
  • Synthesize different concepts
  • Maintain detailed notes
  • Establish yourself in or near urban environments

The book provides a useful framework for understanding how innovative thinking develops through environmental and behavioral factors.