Whoever Says Creativity Is Inborn Is Just Giving Themselves an Excuse

What if I told you creative people are found to be more attractive by others? According to a study done by Christopher Watkins,

“Creativity can enhance your attractiveness both as a potential date and as a potential social partner” ^[1].

This may sound great, but there is more to the study than just this. Other factors that come into play include gender and physical appearance. Surprisingly, the effects of creativity are stronger for average looking people than people who are genetically gifted. Creativity is also thought to be more beneficial for men^[2].

At this point you may be thinking, “HOW DO I MAKE MYSELF MORE CREATIVE!”

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let us first define what creativity actually is.

Creativity Is Intelligence Having Fun.

What is creativity? Rollo May, the author of The Courage to Create said,

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,”

As a matter of fact, creativity does not only make one more attractive; creativity also accompanies with many benefits. Below you shall see some of them:

• Become a better problem solver: creativity allows one to overcome challenge with innovative methods.
• Save Money: creativity yields inner fulfilment, which reduces the urge to consume.
• Embrace Freedom: creativity helps one fully engage with him or herself, surpassing all detrimental self-judgement.
• Relieve Stress: creativity invites us to fully utilise our mind, our hand, and our energy, which awards us contented happiness ^[3].

There Is a Big Common Misconception about Creativity.

Many people have a misconception about creativity — it is something inborn. If we aren’t born creative, there is no hope. This is not true. Demian Farnworth, a Senior Content Writer at Lutheran Church Extension Fund, says this is not only a myth, but also an excuse.

The truth is anyone can learn to be creative, including you!

Now that we know what creativity is, it’s time to learn how to become creative.

What Separates Creative People from the Majority is that They Think Outside the Norms.

A change in mindset is the first step to becoming creative. Think outside of the box! If you run into a problem and can’t solve the problem, then the problem usually isn’t the problem, the problem is the way you are looking at the problem. “Divergent thinking is essential for a creative mind,” says Eddie Opera, a neuroscientist who has spent years studying the brain and creativity ^[4].

There are both pros and cons to thinking outside the box. The pros are that you will become a better problem solver. Switching the way you think is essential. It can make an almost impossible problem become seemingly simple. Thinking outside the box is also good for innovation and communication.

The cons are few and far between. The major con to thinking outside the box is that it can be extremely frustrating. If you’re not feeling creative at the moment, then stop. Don’t return doing whatever it is you’re doing until you’re in the proper mindset.

Moreover, Creative People Do Not Let Others’ Opinions Bother Them.

Self-consciousness is an assassin of creativity. How can you be creative if you’re constantly worrying about what other people think?

Put other people’s opinions to the side and just be you. Let your mind go to work. Creativity is often sparked when we are alone. Find yourself a quiet, judgment-free zone in order to boost creativity.

Creative People Understand the Importance of Harboring a Clear Goal.

Creativity is innovation. Innovation is progress. And progress leads to somewhere different than the starting point.

To become more creative, start with an end vision. This will allow you to develop a path; however, this is not a set path. Think of all the different ways you can reach the end point. This will get your creative juices flowing and allow you to think in more innovative ways. If you get stuck don’t worry. Everyone gets stuck, even some of the best minds in the world ^[5].

Creative People Also Excite Their Brains with New Events Consistently.

Switch up your daily routine. Go to different places and meet new people. These places and people can provide you with new insights and ideas that you’ve never had before. There have been studies that show how new experiences affect the neurons in the brain to help boost creativity ^[6].

“When you meet new people or try unexpected events, it creates an idea cocktail in your brain,” says Mikael Cho, founder of Unsplash and Crewlabs.

Your Life Will Be More Colourful Once You Introduce Creativity into Your Life

Life is more fun when we are creative! You’ll become a more interesting person with cooler ideas. You may even find yourself out and about with some hot dates (wink wink). Pick up these common characteristics of creative people to help yourself become more creative!

Featured photo credit: Stocksnap via stocksnap.io