Innovation and creativity optimization requires mental agility. When we can flexibly move between and integrate our two hemispheres, we can tap our 'two brains'. They work best together, collaboratively. We have a right and left-brain for good reason… good reasoning.

When we are too far on the 'logic' left-brain side, we see only the trees. If we are too far into the intuitive right-brain side, we focus too much on the whole forest without enough detail. One is not better than the other, though in our changing world mental agility requires both. For example, there is a common formula for creativity. Here are four steps:

1. Design and frame the problem you want to solve
2. Immerse yourself in the data - examples, specifics, known conclusions
3. Let it all go - relax and let your mind wander and question your conclusions
4. Execution - implementation

Step one is setting the intention. You need to be clear about where you want to go and why. You need to put your intention into context and, hopefully, define a clear 'why' - otherwise it is theoretical. Step two is where most people stop and get stuck. They get stuck in the, known world. They think that just because they see it, know it, and it is accepted by the masses as 'true' (data), that is all there is. When conclusions are drawn only from this inductive left-brain way of seeing a problem, innovation is seriously constricted.

Step three is where we need to spend more time. In our ADD world, where even blind activity rules, this step is overlooked most often because most people are not even aware of it! Our educational system does a poor job at teaching deductive reasoning, which is primarily a right-brain contribution. Our imagination, intuition, and feelings are shamed right out of the equation by statements such as, "Stop that daydreaming, grow up, and get busy."

'Imagination is the preview to life's coming attractions' ~Albert Einstein

Educators should listen to the words of a practical genius. Now step four is the most challenging of all for many. I think a significant reason is that most people are skipping not only step three but also step one! Most people barely know their problem. They look at the data from the 'known world' and they are off and running. Then we wonder why productivity and innovation are so stalled. Leaders wonder why implementation is so poor. It's difficult to execute a blurry, half-baked vision. There's no purpose or passion to fuel the project in the long-run. People burn out.

So learn how to 'retrain your brains' - yes, two brains really are better than one; brain hemispheres, that is.

Author's Bio: 

Valencia Ray, M.D. teaches business owners and corporate leaders how their amazing brain can actually hijack personal power -- not in the abstract, but in the context of integrating business and personal life. Dr. Ray, a board-certified eye surgeon and medical business owner for over 20 years before selling her practice, shares her own life changing process. By sharing her story, she helps others to expand their vision and learn that by living with purpose and confidence, it is possible to have a more integrated, healthier lifestyle – with less struggle, more inner peace and more abundance.

For more information and to contact her regarding dynamic, inspirational keynotes, trainings in collaborative leadership and team building, entrepreneurship and coaching programs, visit her website at http://www.ValenciaRay.com.