Creativity: The Survival Skill of the 21st Century
For years I never considered myself to be creative - after all, I can’t draw, sing nor play an instrument. Yet the more I learned about creativity, my creativity, the more I understood what it means for me to be creative and how I can foster my creativity and the creativity of my clients. The highly creative approach I have cultivated creates an environment where I can achieve goals, and help my clients achieve theirs, while feeling alive and connected throughout the process.
It’s been said that creativity is the survival skill of the 21st century, -- creativity is the multiplier of intelligence and it sharpens our competitive edge. In this day and age, everyone must learn how to be a better problem solver. And this is vitally important because, after all, aren’t we all paid to solve problems?
Creativity is a muscle, the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. The results of enhancing your creativity are improved work products, morale, productivity and health -- plus it’s fun!
The first step is to acknowledge how creative you really are. Maslow said, ”A great soup is more creative than a mediocre painting.” Each of us has immense creative capacity. Some of us express it through the “traditional arts,” others through their dress, others through their approach to their work and others through their personalities. How do you express your creativity?
My creativity gets expressed through my design and facilitation of group processes. My father’s get expressed through gardening; my partner expresses her creativity through crafting. My friends: through their creation of food, beers and wines. My client’s through their flexible and innovative thinking applied to tough problem.
Creative ideas influence how we understand our environments and result in something new and useful. Creative people are able to draw parallels between diverse ideas and connect seemingly disparate notions to come up with something fresh and original that solves a problem or improves something. Creative ideas can come from anywhere, from any of your senses. You just need to open them and be receptive to receiving and connecting the dots.
By repressing, consciously or subconsciously, your inner creative genius, you are missing out on developing and realizing your innate gifts - and the world is missing out on the gifts you are here to give.
Whether you are a small businessperson, farmer, community organizer, service provider, student, teacher, or anything else, having access to your inner creative is a powerful tool to achieve your potential, uncover your passion, connect with your colleagues and surroundings and develop authentic self-expression.