And we must
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Are you creative?
The usual answer I get when I ask this question of a coaching client, or in a workshop, is “No, I’m not good at drawing or painting”.
For some reason, many people associate creativity solely with creating art. Art, by a definition that is so narrow that it only includes things like drawing or painting.
Seth Godin defines art differently:
Art is the work of a human, an individual seeking to make a statement, to cause a reaction, to connect. Art is something new, every time, and art might not work, precisely because it’s new, because it’s human and because it seeks to connect.
By this definition, each of us is a potential artist. Each of us has the ability to be creative. Each of us can create something.
What stops us?
Perhaps our mindset. The “I’m not creative” narrative that runs through our head. We can be limited by the way in which we define what creativity is, and what it means to create something.
Perhaps our habits. It’s much easier to be a consumer of other people’s work. With the 24/7 of social media, or the availability of streaming music/tv/movies, or the fast food/eating out/ubering in culture, we can be lulled into everyday consumption habits.
Perhaps our fear. We are often paralysed by the fear of it not being perfect, or even good enough. We ask ourselves: what if it fails? or what if it works? The voice of the imposter whispering in our ear “who are you to think you can create!”
Perhaps our overwhelm. It’s too hard to choose what to create — especially when the choices are infinite. Staring at the proverbial blank page can make starting the most difficult part. Into the ‘too hard basket’ go our desires to create something.
The choice to create is with you. Creating gives us a sense of purpose and of self. We are energised when we create. Our confidence and capability grows, motivating us to create more and becoming a virtuous circle of creativity. We feel satisfied when we have produced something new, when we look back on the results of our efforts. Our overall wellbeing is enhanced when we choose to create.
I choose to create every day.
I have a daily writing habit that culminates in blog posts, social media content, and progress towards my first book. Creating something that brings my ideas into the world to share for the benefit of others.
In my work, I create new solutions to age old organisational problems. I help my clients see how new ideas or thinking can take them closer to their vision and goals. I create experiences for people that help to change them and the way they work and live.
Even cooking a meal, or baking, is an act of creativity. Creating something new from the ingredients before me, something designed to sustain us, nourish us and connect us.
What if you were to reframe how you view creating? What do you create already? What might you create?
We can choose to consume or we can choose to create.
What do you choose?