What is a paradigm? How does a paradigm stifle creativity?

A paradigm is a preconceived idea of what the world is, what it should be like, and how it should operate.  They are deeply rooted in our minds and become blocks to creative thinking.  A paradigm may also be defined in the following ways:

•   A shared set of assumptions—The way we perceive the world helping to explain and predict its behavior.
•   An overarching model—A concept that is either so widely accepted, or applicable to so many different areas, that it can be used as a type of template for understanding.
•   A set of rules and regulations, written or unwritten—It establishes or defines boundaries and tells you how to behave inside the boundaries.
   Paradigms stifle creativity when they limit or restrict the way people think about possible solutions. Paradigms set parameters and cause thinking to be based on past “rules and procedures” rather than open, creative thinking that can lead to innovative solutions. Creative and innovative thought must break through the barriers that paradigms can present.