The Creativity Myth

“I’m just not a creative person.”

I call bullsh*t.

BS also called on anyone who says they don’t have time for creative pursuits or that it’s too late in their lives to begin.

Creativity is not some magical, mystical power reserved for the rare genius, those lucky enough to be inspired by a fickle muse, or someone born with a unique talent.

What Creativity Is

Creativity is an inherent instinct we all possess. It’s a skill you possess and can develop through practice.

Sure, you employ your creativity when bringing something new or innovative into the world. But you also tap into your creative capacity when solving interesting and even wicked problems or figuring out how to navigate a difficult situation.

In its purest form, creativity is how anyone makes change happen. It’s a tool used to get closer to what you want, whether a painting, poem, healthy relationship or meaningful life.

Now let’s debunk the three most persistent myths about creativity so you can reconnect with and leverage your creativity to get closer to what you want.

Myth 1: Genius is only for the chosen ones.

You might think that a “genius” is someone born with a lightning bolt-shaped scar on their forehead and an uncanny ability to paint the Mona Lisa with their eyes closed.

But the truth is, there’s no such thing as a creative genius who’s inherently more talented than everyone else.

Genius is not a birthright; it’s a result of hard work, practice, and dedication.

For example, Picasso created over 50,000 works of art throughout his life.

Talk about doing the work and putting in the time!

So, the next time you feel like you’re not a creative genius, remember that it’s more about the care, consideration, time, and effort you put in, not the metaphorical lightning bolt on your forehead.

Myth 2: Inspiration strikes like a bolt from the blue.

We’ve all heard the stories of artists, writers, and inventors who claim they had a sudden burst of inspiration that led to their most significant work. But let’s be real: that’s not how creativity works.

Inspiration doesn’t typically come out of nowhere; it’s a result of constantly feeding your mind with new ideas and experiences.

It’s like a creative bank account – you’ve got to make deposits to have something to withdraw when you need it.

So, instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, go out and collect experiences, read books, or immerse yourself in art. You’ll be surprised how your creativity starts to flourish.

Myth 3: Uniqueness is the holy grail of creativity.

It’s tempting to believe that true creativity means coming up with something that’s never been done before.

But let’s face it, in a world with billions of people, it’s pretty hard to be 100% unique.

Instead of focusing on uniqueness, think about what you can bring to the table that’s authentically you.

Maybe you have a quirky sense of humor or a deep passion for a specific topic.

Embrace your individuality and use it to make your work stand out. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel – you just need to give it your personal spin.

Conclusions

Creativity is not some mythical unicorn that only a few lucky souls can possess. It’s a skill that can be cultivated and nurtured through practice, experience, and embracing your individuality.

So, let go of those outdated myths and start redefining what creativity means to you and how practicing and leveraging it can work for you.

And remember, it’s not about being a genius, waiting for inspiration, or striving for absolute uniqueness – it’s about putting in the work and discovering your own creative path.

Scott Perry, Encore Life Coach at Creative on Purpose

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