Do you struggle with the idea that you are creative? Creativity isn’t about a single, brilliant, completely original idea. You are a human being, therefore you have the capacity to be creative. What is Creativity? Creative folk have a lot to say about that.
What is Creativity
If you doubt whether you are creative, you may need to be reminded what creativity is. These folks, from many walks of life, share their thoughts.
Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something.
Steve Jobs
Every new idea is just a mashup or a remix of one or more previous ideas.
Austin Kleon
Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.
William Plomer
Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas.
Donatella Versace
Creativity is intelligence having fun.
Albert Einstein
Creativity is a continual surprise.
Ray Bradbury
Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.
Osho
Creativity is bound up in our ability to find new ways around old problems.
Martin Seligman
Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work.
Rita Mae Brown
Creativity is not talent but attitude.
Jenova Chen
Rather have a definition? You can find many definitions of creativity. Many of them limit their definition to involving the arts. One of the best definitions can found on California State University, Northridge’s site. Cited as being from Human Motivation, 3rd ed., by Robert E. Franken: “Creativity is defined as the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others.”
You Are Creative
Sometimes life gets us down. This is especially true during stressful times. We can feel as if we don’t have a creative bone in our bodies. During those stressful times, those times when you can barely move–give yourself a break. But in less stressful times, don’t allow that negative thinking to continue.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
Pablo Picasso
No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.
Oscar Wilde
Creativity is not just for artists. It’s for business people looking for a new way to close a sale; it’s for engineers trying to solve a problem; it’s for parents who want their children to see the world in more than one way.
Twyla Tharp
Don’t Fear Being Creative
The most talented, thought-provoking, game-changing people are never normal.
Richard Branson
Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.
Salvador Dali
Creativity is a mansion. If you’re empty in one room, all you have to do is go out into the hallway and enter another room that’s full.
F. Gary Gray
Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.
Brené Brown
Creativity is always a leap of faith. You’re faced with a blank page, blank easel, or an empty stage.
Julia Cameron
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.
Maya Angelou
Creativity isn’t a Gift
Creativity isn’t only about art or writing or music. While there are some folk who hit the genetic jackpot with extra creativity, everyone has the ability to be creative. After all, every time you solve a problem in your life—you are using creativity.
You have the capactity. Therefore, change your thinking. Change your definition. Above all , remember what F. Gary Gray said above–if there’s one room (area) where you aren’t creative, find a room that’s full of creativity. Whatever you do, don’t allow that room of creativity to wither. Think of it like a muscle. Exercise your creativity every day.
Still don’t think you’re creative? Challenge these nine myths and reclaim your creativity.
You are creative.