Looking at a situation that has already occurred and asking yourself, “What could have happened?” can boost creativity for short periods of time.

According to an analysis by Jeremy Dean:

• Analytical problems are best tackled with thinking about what could have been

Creating “psychological” distance may be useful for breaking through a creative block.

Try to imagine your creative task as being disconnected and distant from your current position/location - this may make the problem more accessible and can encourage higher level thinking.

• Role mismatch.
• Too much/too narrow end-goal restriction. 
• Strict ration of resources, including insufficient time.
• Lack of group diversity produces less creative results.
• Discouragement. Too much criticism, endless evaluation...

We are often in two very different states of mind when 

• absorbing an activity and 
• when we are trying to create something.

Turn off your “work mode” and consume more inspiration in the form of reading, watching, and observing.

From a new study on creativity in the workplace:

Creativity increased when both positive and negative emotions were running high. Next time you’re in a strong emotional state, try to sit down and focus that energy on creating something.

Research suggests placing self-imposed limitations can boost creativity. 

It forces your brain to come up with creative solutions to finish a project around the parameters you’ve set.