Ok, so that’s some of the good stuff. Now, how can I BE more creative and avail of these benefits, I hear you ask? Read on…
The Benefits of Being More Creative
There is a lot of useful information out there on the benefits of expressing and exploring your creative side, so I’m trying to wrap all of that up into something insightful, useful and actionable for you. I’ve helped 10,000s of adults get creative in my creative studio in London and virtually with M.Y.O and also with Creative Jungle Company that was launched in 2020, so know quite a lot about this topic, as have seen it first hand with adults on a daily basis. Let’s go!
If you just want the list of benefits and haven’t time to read the full blog, no worries, they are below. There are more, but this is what I focus on.
1. Become a better problem solver
2. Improved self expression and awareness
3. Reduced stress, anxiety and mood disturbance
4. Expanded sense of time
5. Feeling of freedom
6. Stress relief
7. Feeling of pride
8. Being able to create something special for people
Read on to get the full picture on the benefits of being more creative.
- First, I fly through technology usage and why I think it can be a little stifling to your creativity if used too much, then define creativity and mindfulness.
- Then I run through what can happen if you don’t explore your creative side and go into detail on the benefits of being creative.
- I end with some simple suggestions on ways you can be creative.
Remember, everyone is creative, including you. Doing it more could unleash a superpower you, your friends or company need right now.
Technology — Good / Bad?
In previous blogs (Digital detox — necessity or luxury), I’ve discussed that the ease of access to technology (AKA smart phones) has a lot of benefits, but also a lot of drawbacks. Do you find too much technology a good or a bad thing?
Many, including myself, find it stifling and that it can lead to discontentment. For example, hours can whizz by over the course of a week from checking Facebook, Instagram or Twitter feeds, YouTube rabbit holes or scrolling through the news. Experiences can be diluted by having to take a mega selfie to share, rather than being in the moment and enjoying it.
I recently started to make a conscious effort to detach from technology -> first hour after I wake is now tech-free and I check social media rarely, especially after unfollowing a bunch of people / influencers who I hadn’t actually been in touch with for years or were no longer relevant. So far, so good. I have actually found that time slows when you do this, so you can get more done (not just work) and ultimately you can start to feel more in control and content with life.
Much of the present day usage of technology can reduce creativity. It may seem fine to regularly ingest tonnes of images, text and emotion from social media posts. But, at the end of the day, it actually means your brain isn’t really creating anything meaningful (that’s a big word I know, but I hope you know what I mean). So, as a general take away, think about ways in which your potentially non-useful use of technology can be reduced (check out the before-mentioned blog for some tips on that too). You may save hours of your time each week, which will allow space for more ideas to bubble, increased focus and reduce negative emotions that social media can spark.
What is creativity?
Ok, so it’s important to be clear on this, so let’s start with a definition. The Oxford Dictionary defines creativity as…
“The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.”
That’s lovely. When you read that, I think very few people will genuinely think “Nah, don’t want any of that mate”. Do you?
You see, creativity can be channelled and honed in tonnes of different ways, not just on a canvas or through arts and crafts. It could be through a board game, party planning, articulating a business problem — but it is often through channelling in colourful and creative ways that we get the full benefit from it, as the creative output becomes a tangible thing. I had the perception for years that being creative involves painting a masterpiece, like Van Gogh, or writing and performing a song. Both of which I felt I couldn’t do, so my creativity was locked in a box, as it were. I’ve grown to realise, like a lot of things, creativity just needs an outlet that works for you. Sure, practicing can make you more confident and comfortable with your creative output, but just doing it is fun and relaxing if you embrace it. It took Van Gogh many years before he made the paintings he is remembered for. He led a complicated life, but practice and perseverance gave him the ability to create his masterpieces. It’s funny that even now, when I think of creativity, I am drawn to painters and musicians, rather than architects, interior designers, warehouse managers, mechanics, accountants (budgets!) and all the other people who require creativity regularly and may not realise they are creative. Everyone has creativity in them, but many don’t explore, express or appreciate it when they do it, for a variety of reasons, so the benefits may not be felt. Read on and that perspective may change.
It’s also worth noting that creativity involves two processes: thinking, then producing. If you have ideas, but don’t act on them, you are imaginative, but not creative.
To paraphrase a Picasso quote (back to the painters!) “Creativity [Art] washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Ahhhh
Ok, one more definition and then into the thick of it!
Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties
Creativity is inherent in all of us. The only limitation is in our mind because we do not believe in it. If we search inside ourselves, we will be surprised to see our mind buzzing with ideas. And I seriously mean each one of us. Everyone. In fact, the mere fact that everyone is different with varying opinions, views and the ability to think new things makes us creative. But expressing about the things you are passionate about requires a lot of boldness & courage.
Expressing creativity means picking something that is deeply personal to you & sharing it with others at the risk of being judged. For many of us, our creativity is somehow diluted by the pressure to conform to societal norms or our fear of being judged or rejected. So the one who is free of this fear, can truly be called an artist. After all, a true artist is someone who doesn’t conform to what the world says, but focuses more on what he feels and expresses through the art. This same is applicable to entrepreneurship also. All entrepreneurs are artists & their ideas are the creative expressions. All of us have great ideas but we can’t take that one major step (leap of faith) because we are fearful about the uncertain outcomes. Most of us are scared of diving into the unknown, of uncertainty, of unfamiliarity, of not knowing what’s going to happen. We are scared that things could go wrong, that things will be uncomfortable, and that things might not go as expected.
So here it is !! People have a right to voice their opinion. So no matter how good or bad you are, you will be judged. However, should you let the fear of being judged deter you? Many would say yes (out of confusion & fear), but if you are true to yourself and your creation, you should not let that fear dictate how you express your ideas. Instead, you should try to build up the strength to take both praise and critique in your stride. No one should have the power to make you question your creativity if you truly believe in it. So inculcate positivity, learn to let go, and develop the resilience to bounce back with your full might after any negative episode.
My own creative journey has definitely been one of personal growth & reflection. I used to let go my creative ideas because I didn’t have the courage to put myself out there. It was more about outcome, judgements & certainty based results. Thankfully, I’ve gotten to the point where I think expressing creativity through writing, designing & blogging is worth taking the risk of receiving negative feedback. My 63 years old mother has started painting once again after all these years. Recently she has lost her husband, lost her memory during a major brain stroke. Yet she has painted this beautiful Lord Ganesha out of her gratitude & devotion. She is courageous enough to not get afraid of the fear of judgement.
Throughout my life I have drawn inspiration from my mother. Today, I encourage you to pursue your own creative ideas, even if you are fearful & anxious about it. When you share your creativity with the world, you inspire others to be vulnerable & share their ideas too 🙂
