Finding the perfect solution to a problem can often feel like an uphill journey. Whether it’s something simple like a forgotten password or something more intense like coming up with a new business idea, it can be hard to promote creative thought. We often rely on brainstorming and endless research, but the greatest ideas often occur seemingly out of nowhere.

Creativity can be defined as the use of imagination to create something new, and it often requires a spark of inspiration. It is believed by many that the best ideas occur unexpectedly, rather than as the result of a lengthy planning process. Creative professionals have long attributed the most successful ideas to chance, rather than the careful strategy of a meeting.

The concept of chance is an integral part of the creative process. Artists often find that the greatest works come from randomly generated ideas rather than hours spent mulling over a piece of paper. Writers, too, may use the same methods to battle writer’s block. Diminishing the pressure to ‘succeed’ can often prove to be the most beneficial route to an open-minded creative outcome.

Einstein once said that “it is the sudden and unexpected insight of the creative mind which can throw new light on old problems” – and this idea applies to countless breakthroughs over history. From the invention of the wheel to the discovery of penicillin, the greatest positive advances have been achieved due to chance. In fact, there is even a term for this phenomenon: serendipity.

The world around us can be a helpful source of creative thought. Surprisingly, the environment can provide an abundance of visual, audible and experiential stimulators. It is believed that in cases of serendipity — the nature of surprise — these stimulators cause our brains to be less selective in terms of its input. Thus, it is more open to chance.

When seeking out a new idea, it is important to take a break from the mental fatigue that often stops success in its tracks. Give yourself some time to take in the external environment and be receptive to the possibilities of chance. Who knows, you could end up with a revolutionary idea — otherwise only imagined.