I ran across an interesting article on creativity, profiling Scott Kim, who makes a living as a "puzzle master" and contributes a puzzle column to Psychology Today. Photo by Scott Kim.

I noted a few things from the article that I think relate to his ability to be creative:

• Kim is a boundary crosser, with a B.A. in music and a PhD in Computers and Graphic Design from Stanford.

• When working, he changes locations throughout the day, to look at the same problem in new surroundings.  In coaching, we call this working with geography.  I've seen how having a client move to another part of the room or stand instead of sit changes how they see an issue. 

• He takes frequent walks, to increase the oxygen that gets to his brain.  More oxygen, increased alertness, better results.  That should be a no-brainer.  (Pun intended.)

The article even has a tip on collaboration, which I can validate with my own coaching training. Instead of sitting across from someone you are working with, sit or walk side-by-side.  The latter configuration provides a context of "looking at a problem together", with the problem out front instead of between us.