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

• 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...

Instead of thinking of a cut-and-dry end goal to certain situations, creative people sit back and examine the problem in different ways before beginning to work.

If you find yourself stagnating by focusing on generic problems, try to re-conceptualize the problem by focusing on a more...

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.