The article presents an approach to creativity and creative problem solving from a self-regulatory theory perspective. Self-regulation is defined as a motivated cognitive process that determines how and when individuals determine what they need or want, how they choose to do it, and how they actually do it. The creative process is described as an action process. Regulatory fit theory is applied to explain how the degree of fit between one's regulatory mode orientation and the task requirements of each stage dictates how one moves through the multi-stage creative process. The authors propose that the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and creativity is a blend of both.