The Myth of Creativity

Do you think of yourself as creative?  Or do you think you missed that gene? 

I believe the problem lies with how we define creativity.  Typically, we buy into the notion that only special, talented people are creative – and you have to be born that way.  Such a reductionist mindset diminishes confidence in the creative abilities we all possess.

In his book, The Courage to Create, Rollo May offers this definition: “Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being.  Creativity requires passion and commitment.  It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and points to new life.”  Sir Kenneth Robinson defines creativity as “applied imagination”. For art educator Cindy Foley, creativity is “the manifestation of ideas”.

With that perspective, the barriers to creativity fall away!  Scientists are creative when they formulate new theories.  Doctors are creative when they develop new procedures.  Social workers are creative when they suggest strategies for struggling families.  Community leaders are creative when they bring about new solutions for challenges in their communities. 

So, unlock your creativity:  imagine, explore, discover, question, invent, experiment, innovate, envision and grow! 

Check out Seven Habits of Highly Creative People, a homage to Stephen Covey by Linda Naiman, Founder of Creativity at Work:

Seven Habits of Highly Creative People

Artfully yours,

Susan Greene