ABSTRACT
After more than half a century of research, professionals haven't done much better in defining creativity in a clear and consistent manner; more than 100 definitions can be found in the research literature on creativity. As a noun, creativity is the ability to produce high-quality, appropriate, and novel outcomes. Imagination and creativity are abilities that have been the subjects of study for many centuries, and innovation might be regarded as an outcome of both. One major stream feeding the creativity lake is that of the "third fores" psychologists who looked at creativity in terms of mental health, a way of living, and a major element in self-actualization. In the past, the creative process often was looked at as a natural gift available only to the geniuses among us. It usually followed a general pattern of inspiration enriched by a period of incubation leading to execution.
