According to research, there are two kinds of creators—which kind are you?

Conceptual innovators have big ideas —often early in their careers. Albert Einstein is a prime example.

At 26 years old, he turned conventional physics on its head with a revolutionary theory that is complex, mind-bending, and distilled so simply that almost any school-age child could easily recall it. In the arts, Andy Warhol's signature graphic images of flat, bold colors are another example.

The downside of being a conceptual innovator is they often become captives of their early achievements. They can develop fixed habits of thought and resist change.

Einstein, for example, never moved far beyond his original successful ideas. He famously opposed quantum mechanics theory even though his work laid the groundwork for it. Warhol produced variations on the same theme like a factory.

Conceptual innovators become less original the deeper they become entrenched in their way of thinking.

Experimental innovators, on the other hand, solve problems through trial and error and evolve as they go along. Because they don't have specific solutions in mind, experimental innovators are constantly learning from doing— finding new ways to look at problems.

The intense color works Matisse painted between 1900 and 1905 brought him notoriety as one of the Fauves (or "wild beasts"). Yet he didn't stop there.

In his 70s, struggling with health issues and confined to a wheelchair, Matisse pioneered a cut-out technique that would define his late work. These cut-outs, with their bold colors and simple, elegant forms, are considered some of his most innovative and influential works.

Experimental innovators are less constrained by their past ideas. By continuously working through problems, they slowly and habitually expand their range of thinking and vision. Ideas expand like ripples on the lake when you toss in a rock.

As a result, many experimental innovators do their best work later in life.

So if you feel you missed your one big idea, take comfort. You have time to be creative. Keep experimenting!

If you haven't had your best idea yet, there may still be time.

According to research, there are two kinds of creators—which kind are you? CONCEPTUAL IN

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