Did you know? We are all creative..

From the moment we are born, we bring with us an innate inclination towards creativity. Children are naturally curious, exploring the world with uninhibited wonder and imagination. As we grow, our creativity is nurtured through play, storytelling and artistic expression. Yet, as we transition into adulthood, many of us succumb to pressures of society and begin to lose touch with our creative selves.

The ‘Adobe’s State of Create 2016 studies discovered that only 41% of us see ourselves as creative. Wow!  I find that statistic staggering but think there are a number of reasons for this:

1. We think of creativity as an output, a painting, a great piece of graphic design, a sculpture, a great play, designer clothing etc, etc, But creativity is not confined to artistic endeavours alone, instead it permeates every aspect of our lives, from problem-solving in the workplace to making everyday decisions. It’s more about a way of being, a way of approaching daily tasks than a highly valued output.
2. Our education system and expectations in work and society play a pivotal role in shaping our perception of creativity. We’ve become about standardised curriculum and testing often prioritising conformity over creativity. This inadvertently sends the message that there is a singular, correct way to approach problems and that there is a right and a wrong answer. This can mean that creativity is squashed or goes unnoticed or where some individuals feel their divergent thinking is undervalued or even discouraged.
3. The fear of being judged or failing is another significant factor contributing to the widespread belief that creativity is a rare commodity. Society tends to celebrate success while overlooking the importance of failure in the creative process. Embracing mistakes as valuable learning experiences can help dismantle the fear that stifles creative expression.

The shift that needs to happen:

1. It’s time to shift our perceptions and beliefs in what it means to be creative. Creativity is not confined to artistic genius; it encompasses problem-solving, innovation, and the ability to think outside the box. If we can recognise and embrace diverse forms of creativity empowers individuals to tap into their unique strengths, and when we do that we can create an environment where people flourish, give their best and are more engaged.  

2. For us as individuals, we can develop our creative muscles by adopting a creative mindset.  This involves overcoming our fears and being open to new experiences, experimenting and taking risks.  From a business perspective, we need to encourage environments that make time for,  value and reward diverse perspectives that can facilitate the development of creative thinking. 

3. We also know that creativity flourishes in collaborative settings with space for exploring diverse ideas. When we create a safe, non-judgemental space to share different thinking and perspectives, (however crazy) this can spark new insights and innovative solutions. Collaborative practices not only validate individual creativity but also reinforce the reality that creativity is a collective, accessible resource.

The idea that only some people are creative  is a pervasive myth rooted in societal influences, fear of judgment, and a narrow definition of creative expression. It is time to embrace creativity as an inherent aspect of being human, and that each person possesses the potential for creative thinking. By challenging misconceptions, fostering a creative mindset, and embracing collaboration, we can collectively unleash the creative potential that exists within all of us. It’s time to celebrate and nurture the creativity that makes us uniquely human. The world needs the creative versions of us!

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