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…on creative tasks in particular, some research suggests that people perform more innovatively when they are offered no extrinsic rewards; offering them a reward can actually reduce their creativity.

People who are internally driven to create do seem more creative than those who are just doing it for the money.

The heavy burden of the evidence is that creativity is much more available to us than we think.

…studies show that virtually any external attempt to constrain or control the work results in less creativity.

…extrinsic motivation that’s controlling is still detrimental to creativity, but extrinsic motivators that reinforce intrinsic drives can be highly effective.

Having a lot at stake inhibits creativity. So does searching for the one right solution.

Since judgment hinders imagination, separate the creative act from the critical one; separate the process of thinking up possible decisions from the process of selecting among them. Invent first, decide later.

Regular short walking breaks in the workplace also increase motivation and concentration and enhance creativity.

Deadlines, especially for creative tasks, can sometimes reduce intrinsic motivation and flatten creativity.

Nostalgia, research shows, can foster positive mood, protect against anxiety and stress, and boos creativity. It can heighten optimism, deepen empathy, and alleviate boredom.