THE COMPLEXITY OF CREATIVITY

I have always been fascinated by creative people.  Are some folks just born creative?  Is it an inherited trait?  Can we learn to be creative?  Does it really come down to right brain versus left brain?  I have read extensively, about the creative mind… about creative people… I still do not understand the how and why of it all.  There are a few things I do understand, however…

CREATIVE PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT… for better or for worse… they are different.  The benefits of being creative are obvious and many.  But to some, creativity can also be a curse.  Creatives often have changing interests, making it hard to focus.  They often feel misunderstood which lends itself to being extremely sensitive.  They tend to overthink things… even irrelevant things, because everything matters to a creative person.  They are often misunderstood, because they communicate in non-traditional or artistic ways such as painting, poetry, singing or music.  In a twist on an old saying… “There is a cloud for every silver lining.”  Still, if given a choice… I believe most of us would choose to be creative.

THEY ARE CREATIVE BECAUSE THEY ARE DIFFERENT… not different because they are creative.  In the world of creativity… duality rules!  Creatives often have conflicting traits.  They can be an introvert and an extrovert… a perfect example is the shy person who transforms into an energetic and confident performer, once they walk out on stage.  Creative people have a great deal of energy… but need a lot of rest and quiet time.  How else do you work long hours or travel constantly and still appear enthusiastic and refreshed?  Those of the creative ilk, are generally very intelligent, but can also be naïve.  Their minds generate a host of new ideas, but it is not always easy for them to differentiate between the good ideas and the not so good ideas.  Creatives tend to be playful spirits… but also possess the doggedness to pursue their goals and make them a reality.  They are often humble… yet proud.  This comes from knowing that in their chosen profession, they have been greats before them who contributed in an incredible way… they are also aware that in comparison to many… they have accomplished much, and have a right to be proud.  In summary, creative people live life intensely… from all sides.

NOW, MORE THAN EVER, OUR WORLD NEEDS CREATIVE TYPES… with new ideas, visions and the energy to birth them.  We need those who are curious, adventurous, spontaneous, independent, enthusiastic, passionate, willing to push forward, able to draw outside the lines, not easily content, courageous, unpredictable… in other words creative!

FOR THOSE OF US, WHO ARE NOT NATURALLY CREATIVE… there are things we can do to find that spark.

• Look for inspiration, even in the smallest or unlikeliest of places.

• Get it out there, now… perfect it later.

• Play more.

• Surround yourself with other creative types.

• Don’t be afraid to fail.

• Look for the awe and excitement in everyday things.

• Allow distractions when looking for inspiration.

• Explore… see new things.

• Kill whatever kills your creativity… simplify your life and do away with negatives.

• Have fun and enjoy what you do.