Wish you could be more creative? Well, you can. You can teach yourself how, and that is what this article is all about.
Creativity is about finding the expression that is original, aesthetic, and distinct which you can call your own. No matter how creative you are at this point, you can always become a lot more creative. Whether you get bored at your creative efforts or you’re excited about them, you can continue to improve in so many ways. Below are some helpful tips that can help you bring out the best – the most creative side – in you.
Don’t Believe the Myth That Creative People Are Geniuses
It is very easy to look at others and associate their creativity with their natural gifts. It’s true that some people are born with the propensity to be creative. But creativity can be learned, cultured, improved upon, and transformed into one’s distinct style. Penn State University professor of chemical engineering Darrell Velegol says:
“It’s a myth that only some people are born creative. In fact, all of us are born with creative ability. This ability can then be radically enhanced by learning a process for creativity, which we lay out in this course. Creativity can be learned – that’s the key.”
If others can be very creative, you can also be as creative as they are. You do not need to be a genius to be more creative. You only need to find your own unique language.
"If you can find new ways to look at old things, you’ve discovered creativity." http://t.co/RC6ojm59gj
— David Leonhardt (@amabaie) December 16, 2013
Be Courageous Enough to Try New Ideas
This has to do with your self-confidence. It’s easy to feel like you’re not going to do it well, just because you haven’t done it before. If you admire people who are creative in organizing events like parties and weddings, it can be a sign that you can do well at it also. Instead of thinking that you’ll not succeed, just take the plunge and give it a try.
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Take the time to study what others are doing. You can find ideas at places like http://www.getskills.com/ and http://www.lifehack.org/ and other websites dedicated to creativity. I even have a Pinterest Board dedicated to creativity: http://www.pinterest.com/amabaie/creativity/, which you can follow for ideas.
Pay attention to how they do what they do. Compare different styles to see what they all have in common and what variations there are. Don’t be shy to copy those things that are common to many, and to adapt aspects that vary from one person’s style to another’s. And give some thought to what brand-new variations you might bring to the table.
If you can find new ways to look at old things, you’ve discovered creativity.
You could very well unlock a geiser of creativity from inside, that you did not even know was lurking just below the surface. You’ll never know until you try.
Get Close to People You Admire for Their Creativity
Creative people can help you get out the best in you. If you hang around people who seem bored, tired of life, and always complaining, you end up feeling like your energy level diminishes. But if you hang with people who are confident about their creativity, they communicate positive vibes that make you want to discover more of who you are and what you can do.
Yes, it’s true – you can tell a lot about somebody by the company he keeps, because that company shapes who you are.
Creative people can have a great influence on your creativity. Famous writers, singers, guitarists, painters, and others always experience the influence of a successful artist whose work they love. Find yourself a muse or two, or at least some creative people to hang out with.
Work with What You Already Have
You do not need to invent something new or come up with a new style of doing things. Everyone is capable of doing something. You can be a single mom who can successfully juggle an online job, taking care of the kids and doing home chores, or you could be a writer with limited imagination and a huge wish list. The truth is that you have something to work on. You can discover new ways of honing your creative skills by rethinking your style or looking at those with similar skills.
Choose the Right Time to Test Your Creativity
The best time to test your creativity should be when your energy levels are high. You’ll find it very challenging thinking new ideas or trying new things when you’re bored or tired. Creativity takes mental energy. You should be able to identify the time of the day when your energy level is high. It is that time that you should try new things.
Capture your ideas. Make your own Idea Journal
Make your own repository for all of the things that interest and inspire you. It can also provides a safe environment to experiment and grow creatively. Ideas are fleeting. Be prepare when they arrive at your doorway. Unless you write them down, you will likely lose most of them.
Creativity has no limits. It can grow everyday with the right motivation and the desire to do things better. This means that you can discover own creativity each passing day as you immerse yourself in the reality of your life.
Feel like getting more creative? Eat, Pray, Love Author Elizabeth Gilbert speaks about her own fear of both failure and success, and how to overcome both to keep honing one’s creativity.
