In a Previous article, I've already described how solitude can become your best creative ally — a subject that comes up often in innovation conferences that I have the opportunity to give, which does not fail to raise a lot of questions. So here are some details, following the recent publication of an article that caused debate on the subject.
In a column published on the BBC website, British journalist Christine Ro wonders about health and creative benefits of solitude. She is interested in cases of voluntary loneliness — since forced isolation would be harmful to cognitive development and would even reduce life expectancy. And what she discovers is absolutely fascinating.
Being alone - a chosen solitude - has benefits in terms of mental health, leadership, and creativity
We tend to run away from loneliness and fear it. However, as the English writer points out, recent scientific research suggests that being solitary - or at least choosing to be lonely for a certain period of time - has potential benefits, especially for mental health, leadership and creativity.
In particular, the journalist cites the fascinating work of Gregory Feist, a researcher specializing in the psychology of creativity, at San José State University (California). The scientist discovered that personality traits commonly associated with creativity are open-mindedness, self-confidence and independence. It also shows that the most creative temperaments (artists, scientists...) care less about social norms and have a preference for solitude. The writer's conclusion is therefore simple: to be creative, you sometimes have to be a bit alone. But can we really deduce a systematic cause and effect relationship?
What exactly would solitude allow?
Loneliness would allow reflection and observation required for creative process. We tend to believe that creativity necessarily comes from a collective process. We often praise the merits of brainstorming sessions, collaborative processes... But creativity requires sustained attention and a great deal of focus. As Susan Cain, the founder of Quiet Revolution :”To truly chart our own path or vision, we need to be ready to sequester ourselves, at least for a while..”
Therefore, there is no need to become a full-time hermit to maintain health and boost your creativity. Besides, loneliness is not necessarily good for everyone — at least not in the long run. But what if you at least tried to carve out dedicated moments to find yourself alone and without any external solicitation?
Do you feel able to put up with loneliness? Will you be able to resist all the digital over-solicitations, which prevent stay Alone, even when you is alone?
