Have you ever wondered what incredibly creative minds do differently? The greatest creators and thinkers throughout time are many and varied but they all hold some core commonalities in the way they approach the world.
Here are 12 things incredibly creative minds do differently:
1. They are always learning.
Incredibly creative minds are always learning. They see every day as an opportunity to learn something new, whether it be learning about a different culture, a new artistic technique or simply a new fact. Creative minds are eager to learn, with this being one of the most notable habits of creative people.
2. They see every failure as one step closer to success.
Creative minds view failure for what it truly is, an opportunity to learn and grow. When you’re doing creative work failure is part of the game, it’s inevitable but it doesn’t need to break you. Creative minds are always ready to dust themselves off and try again, seeing every failure they have as just one step closer to success. Famous author Stephen King received 30 rejections for his first book Carrie before finally being published, he like many other famous creators, simply didn’t give up. He kept on trying until he was successful seeing every failure as one step closer.
3. They indulge in daydreaming
Creative minds indulge in their daydreams because they understand the power of the mind when it wanders. When the mind is not actively working on solving specific problems or completing a set task it is free to imagine, create and dream big. The most amazing creative minds know the power of this and indulge in daydreaming wherever possible.
4. They are intensely curious.
The most incredible creative minds are intensely curious about the world around them. They are interested in how things work and why. This curiosity encourages them to learn, investigate and constantly seek out new and novel ideas that spark their minds and help them do their very best work.
5. They connect the dots.
Steve Jobs once said creativity is all about connecting the dots, and he’s right. It’s about connecting seemingly disparate ideas and crafting something new with them. Creative minds know this well and use it to their advantage by bringing together a multitude of different inspirations to create something truly amazing.
“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something.” – Steve Jobs
6. They tap into the power of collaboration.
Great creative minds understand the power of collaboration and they aren’t afraid to tap into it. When two creative minds come together new ideas emerge, meld and surface with the potential to birth amazing things into the world.
Designers and artists understand the power of collaboration well, for example designer Yves Saint Laurent and artist Andy Warhol who collaborated in 1974 to create some amazing silk screen portraits or the 2008 collaboration of architect Zaha Hadid and design house Chanel that resulted in the creation of the mobile Chanel Pavilion Gallery that traveled the world.
7. They ask the big questions.
Incredibly creative minds get big answers because they ask the big questions. They aren’t afraid to dream big and they don’t limit themselves to the bounds of what they know or what’s been done before. By asking the big questions incredibly creative minds dive deep and are able to get to the heart of the issue at play.
8. They understand the power of saying no.
Creative minds deeply understand the power of saying no. Not every opportunity is the right one and there is never time to do absolutely everything. By saying no to some things incredibly creative minds carefully curate what they allow into their lives and make more time and head space for their most important projects.
9. They take time out when they need it.
The best creative minds know that burnout is real and that sometimes the mind just needs a little time out to relax, rejuvenate and be ready to create again. By taking time out the best creative minds are on the ball and ready to make big things when it matters most.
10. They seek out new experiences.
Incredibly creative minds are always seeking out new experiences. They are open to doing and seeing new things because they know that within these new experiences is the inspiration and perspective they need to create their best work.
11. They are always open to new ways of expressing themselves.
The most creative minds don’t restrict themselves to one medium or way of creating. Instead they are always open to new ways of expressing themselves. Some of the greatest creators of all time have been prolific in their multitude of creative expressions. One of the best examples is Leonardo da Vinci who was a painter, sculptor, mathematician, inventor, architect and musician (to name just a few of his many creative expressions!).
12. They follow their true passions.
Perhaps most importantly of all, incredibly creative minds follow their true passions. They understand the power of doing something they believe in wholeheartedly and are not afraid to chase after their true dreams. Indeed, following true passions is one of the cornerstone habits of creative people. Even when the going gets tough the best creative minds stick to what they believe in and love because it is what drives them.
You might also like: 7 Things Smart Learners Do Differently
Featured photo credit: Be Colorful by Vinoth Chandar via flickr.com
