A Few Thoughts On Creativity

–noun

1. the state or quality of being creative 

2. the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination: the need for creativity in modern industry; creativity in the performing arts.

Some synonyms include imagination, inspiration, vision and originality.

Inspiration? Vision? Progressiveness? No wonder we put a high value on this quality. As a society we certainly view creativity as a key element to achieving  successful work. Therefore, I found all these little tid bits about this trait interesting, hope you do as well.

According to this headline from Newsweek we have a creativity crisis here in the United States:

“The Creativity Crisis

For the first time, research shows that American creativity is declining. What went wrong—and how we can fix it.”

We can take zillions of creativity tests online [Hint-if it takes a test to determine,  you’re probably not].

Multitudes of articles, books and seminars are out there,  all designed to help increase your creativity; “19 steps to increase your creativity” [like this one?]. Hummm, what does that say about us?

Some interesting quotations on the subject

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. ~Michelangelo

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! ~Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

The Possible’s slow fuse is lit By the Imagination. ~Emily Dickinson

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. ~George Smith Patton, War as I Knew It, 1947

Don’t expect anything original from an echo. ~Author Unknown

Here’s some suggestions I found to boost creativity,  [ come to think about  it, several of  these  apply to life in general, not just creativity].

1-Schedule time regularly to concentrate on some type of creative project. It takes time to develop your creative talents.

2- Build Your Confidence

Insecurity in your abilities can suppress creativity, which is why it is important to build confidence.

3- Fight Your Fear of Failure

Let’s face it, many of us are afraid of failure and that  stifles creativity. If this  is a problem for you, remember that mistakes are simply part of the process, we learn something. Behind every “master piece” there are plenty of  those“learning experiences“..

3-Part 2-Be Willing to Take Risks

This goes back to #3. Creativity requires taking some risks. True  sometimes things don’t turn out as you planned, but playing it safe rarely produces a masterpiece.  Occasionally, try a new direction in your work or a new technique. Climb out on that limb!

So-Free That Angel from the Marble!  Go Forth and Create!!