Have you ever found yourself stuck in a problem, unable to think of a way forward? We have all experienced moments when the solution seems out of reach.
By learning how to shift our thinking and stay focused on our goals, we can unlock new, creative solutions. Cognitive flexibility and goal-directed persistence are two powerful executive functions that help you adapt and persist in the face of obstacles.
In this article, we’ll explore four creative techniques that can help you think outside the box and find innovative solutions to even the toughest problems.
Whether you’re tackling school assignments, personal challenges, or workplace dilemmas, these techniques will equip you with the tools to think more creatively and continue pushing toward success.
The Science of Creativity
The process of creativity continues to be studied. Creativity in the brain involves the coordination of different brain networks working together. Research shows that the cognitive control network and the default mode network play crucial roles in creative thinking. The cognitive control network handles tasks like planning and problem-solving, while the default mode network is active when the mind wanders or when daydreaming. These systems work together during this time, when they usually operate independently.
In addition, the frontopolar cortex, a part of the frontal lobes in the brain, has been shown to boost creativity through forming new connections when stimulated. Creativity is a collaborative process involving several different parts of the brain and can be fostered through intervention.
Dual Pathway to Creativity
The Dual Pathway to Creativity model was first described by De Dreu, Baas, and Nijstad in 2008 (p. 740). This model suggests that creativity comes from the cognitive processes of flexibility and persistence. Both pathways lead to creative outcomes, depending on other factors, such as the task itself and the person completing it. Situational factors, such as mood and personality, can either encourage or hinder a person’s creative problem-solving process, and these executive functioning skills, that make it possible.
Creative problem solving requires a careful balance of knowing when to shift gears (flexibility) to a new approach, as well as persisting towards a goal.
Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive flexibility is the ability to generate ideas by exploring various possibilities and remaining open to new ideas and perspectives. When it comes to problem-solving, flexibility is the ability to recognize a problem and adjust one’s behavior accordingly, adapt to the unexpected, and remain open to new or different ideas (p. 12). When solving a problem, it is not helpful to fixate on the problem or a solution that is not proving to be helpful. Too much flexibility can result in switching between multiple potential solutions, without spending the time to see what is most helpful. Too little flexibility can lead to getting “stuck” on a solution that is proving to be unhelpful and inefficient.
Goal-Directed Persistence
Goal-directed persistence is having the drive necessary to finish what you’ve started. This is an executive functioning skill that is also called “task completion” at times. This is an important skill for problem-solving because it helps learners stay focused and committed to finding solutions, even when new challenges arise. Lacking sufficient goal-directed persistence can lead a learner to give up before solving the problem.
Other Executive Functions Involved
When problem-solving, learners must be able to monitor their progress toward finding a solution. They need to regularly assess whether their current approach is working or if they need to adjust their strategy. This requires self-awareness, attentional control, and self-control. Without strong attentional control, learners may struggle to stay focused on their goal and might abandon effective strategies too soon in favor of trying something else.
4 Creative Problem-Solving Techniques
The following four creative problem-solving techniques are designed to help learners find innovative solutions to challenges, while also teaching them the importance of flexibility in their thinking.
1. Reframing
Reframing is when you change the way you look at and think about a problem. It helps you see the issue from a different perspective, which can open up more ways to solve it.
For example, a college student struggling to get good grades on essay assignments might think, “Why am I so bad at writing essays?” This kind of thinking can lead to negative thoughts or blaming others (like saying, “The teacher doesn’t like me.”). But if the student reframes the problem and thinks, “How can I improve my essay writing skills?” it shifts the focus to finding a solution.
2. Practice Incubation
Incubation, in creative problem-solving, means taking a break from a problem after working on it for a while. This idea was proposed by Graham Wallas in 1926 as the second step in his four-step creative process. Research shows that stepping away from a problem can help people come up with more creative ideas. Breaks can include deliberately deciding to walk away from the project, or they can include times when you break for meals or for sleep at night. During the break, your brain continues to work in the background, which can lead to sudden “aha” moments. This break also helps clear away unhelpful thoughts, allowing you to return to the task with a fresh perspective.
3. Mind Mapping
Mind maps are a tool that helps students organize their thoughts and think more creatively when solving problems. They can be made online using programs like Microsoft Word or drawn by hand. Mind maps use lines, colors, pictures, and keywords to help the brain remember and connect new information to things we already know. A typical mind map has one main idea in the center, with smaller, related ideas branching out from it.
4. SCAMPER Method
SCAMPER was inspired by the work of theorist Alex Faickney Osborn, who invented the concept of “brainstorming” (referred to as “think up”) in 1938. The SCAMPER method helps students think creatively by using seven strategies to solve problems. These strategies are Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. SCAMPER can be used in many situations, like resolving friendship conflicts. Here’s an example of how the SCAMPER method can help solve a conflict with a friend:
- Substitute – What can be changed with the interaction? Can you change the way you communicate, such as using a different tone or words to express yourself?
- Combine – What features can be combined? Could you find a common interest to strengthen your bond? Could you bring a friend with you who can help mediate the conversation?
- Adapt – What can be slightly altered to improve the situation? How can you adapt your behavior to be more understanding of your friend’s feelings?
- Modify – What can you magnify or minimize in the process to make it more effective? Can you adjust your expectations of your friend to avoid misunderstandings in the future?
- Put to another use – What benefits could be gained from using this process in another way? What has helped in other conflicts you have experienced? What advice would you give to a friend in a similar situation?
- Eliminate – What can be removed or simplified? Is there unnecessary pressure coming from somewhere in your relationship? What unhelpful behavior (e.g., interrupting) could you stop doing to make interactions more positive?
- Reverse – What can be rearranged, flipped, or swapped? Can you change the way you approach the conflict by focusing on a solution, rather than the problem itself?
Other Considerations
Teaching problem-solving skills is especially important for learners who struggle with executive functioning skills. These students often face challenges with flexibility, goal attainment, sustained attention, and self-control. This can make it difficult to apply these skills independently, without some form of intentional support, modeling, and scaffolding. Without necessary support, learners may become overwhelmed when faced with problems to solve, which can lead to avoidance or difficulty completing tasks.
Additional Resources
For learners who need extra support with problem-solving or the executive functions that contribute to this skill, Life Skills Advocate offers personalized EF coaching. Coaching services focus on developing key skills such as cognitive flexibility, goal-directed persistence, and self-control. Whether your learner struggles with managing tasks, staying focused, or adapting to new challenges, EF coaching can provide the necessary guidance and strategies to help learners become more independent. Schedule your free discovery call to learn more about whether EF coaching could be a good fit for you.
Further Reading
- American Psychological Association (2022) – The science behind creativity
- ChoiceHacking (2025) – How to Solve Impossible Problems: Reframing
- De Dreu, Baas, & Nijstad (2008) – Hedonic tone and activation level in the mood-creativity link: Toward a dual pathway to creativity model
- Executive Functioning Success (2023) – 12 Executive Functions of the Brain Spotlight: #2 Goal-Directed Persistence
- Gilhooly (2016) – Incubation and Intuition in Creative Problem Solving
- The BYU Design Review (2025) – Graham Wallas: The Creative Process
- The Decision Lab (n.d.) – SCAMPER
- Wu & Koutstaal (2022) – Creative flexibility and creative persistence: Evaluating the effects of instructed vs autonomous choices to shift vs. dwell on divergent and convergent thinking
- Life Skills Advocate (2021) – Executive Functioning 101: All About Attentional Control
- Life Skills Advocate (2021) – Executive Functioning 101: All About Impulse Control
- Life Skills Advocate (2021) – Executive Functioning Skills 101: Flexibility