“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” – Edward de Bono
To be or not to be creative, that’s the question. Before you decide not to be creative, read the following and see how it fits for you.
Fill Your Mind with Many Questions to answer. Start Seeking Answers.
I was recently on a flight from Philly to Phoenix when I noticed the person seated next to me who got a few bags of pretzels. He opened the bags and stacked as many of them as possible into what looked like a fortress. At that point I asked him if he considered himself to be creative. He said “No. I sometimes like making shapes of things with whatever I have at the moment. I told him this is creativity. He did not believe me until I told him I’m a creativity coach. After a few minutes in conversation, he took out his notebook and drew a picture of a person with lot of detail. This event is the result of this article.
More and more organizations, especially start-ups, need employees to be creative. As leader of your organization you hire people who can demonstrate their creative skills and talent by their creative thoughts, ideas and opinions. They key in this is can you execute the ideas for breakthrough results. If an employee is not creative it will be much more difficult for them to let go of the past and accept unconventional ways of doing things.
“Making the simple complicated is easy. Making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” – Charles Mingus
Many people believe that those who are creative are gifted even though this is not true. Those who are considered as not being creative either don’t want to change or you sabotage yourself with excuses. In reality, everyone is creative and a problem-solver. Have employees who believe they are not creative write down all of the accomplishments they have done. Then have them write down all problem solving situations they’ve been involved in. Most people don’t count figuring out solving puzzles, how to avoid a detour to work and back home, situations they made things work in the workplace, or find another menu item at breakfast, lunch or dinner at a restaurant than ran out of their favorite first choice.
Instead, on a routine traditional basis try changing one thing in your routine that gives you better results more efficiently. What are you willing to task a small risk in doing? Few people may notice. At the same time only you know what the small change is.
Trying to see how creative you are is the key plus practice, practice and more practice. The more positive you are in doing the possible the greater your results will be. Too many people know how to draw or even doodle when you feel bored in a meeting or while on the phone. These things by themselves actually are creative they might not be the specific thoughts, ideas or opinions your company wants, yet it gets you to use your creativity skills.
Carry a Journal or Notebook
Write down any thoughts, ideas and opinions for future reference. Being able to write down creative ideas whenever you get them is a great start to fueling your creativity.
Fueling Your Creative Skills with Talent
No matter how you express your creativity you need to have the courage to be confident enough to express your creative thoughts, ideas and opinions. One struggle many people have is how courageous and confident you are about your creative abilities. Step outside of your comfort zone a little at a time as this will help you be more comfortable with getting uncomfortable.
Inspiration Fuels Your Creativity
Ask a lot of questions to help trigger other thoughts, ideas and opinions. These questions need to be thought-provoking in order for you to think differently. To be or not to be creative, that’s the question. Keep questioning for greater creative thoughts, ideas, opinions and understanding.
Don’t let an idea slump ruin your next big breakthrough. Find a Creative Outlet. Before you channel and fuel your creativity understand that you are creative and how creative you are depends on how much time and effort you put into a project. Don’t give up. Take the risk.
“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” – William Plomer