How to Make Creativity a Priority
Jobs to do. Bills to pay. People to please. Who has time to create? Creativity is for those who are lucky enough to be creative for a living, or people with too much time on their hands. Right?
Wrong.
While creativity is seen as frivolous or even indulgent, being creative is integral to our sense of wellbeing. Studies have shown it helps us relax, work through difficult emotions and improves our mood.
It’s also fundamental in business. The computer or device you’re reading this on? It wouldn’t exist without creative thinking. The elements that make it easy to use and pleasing to the eye all come from creative minds.
In a study of 324 decision-makers from big companies across the world, Forrester Consulting found companies that embraced creativity outperformed their competitors in revenue, market share, and talent acquisition. And this is why businesses now invest big bucks in creative development.
As a professional writer — a profession that requires creativity on a daily basis — you’d think I get my fair dose of creativity. I write every day, yes, but not for myself. And I believe there’s a difference.
Creativity for creativity's sake is making space for yourself. It’s a space to grow, connect and be mindful. It’s not about the end result, whether it be money, praise or ego. It’s about the process of showing up for what you love.
I’ve found myself leaving my creative practice to one side, and forgetting why I started writing in the first place. So I needed a reminder of creativity’s importance. I found these benefits of taking the time to be creative – and I hope they help you, too
The benefits of creativity
Creativity makes you happier
We’re all busy downloading mindfulness apps. But you know what’s super mindful? Being creative. Whether it’s through writing, making music, or painting—creativity forces you to pay attention in a meditative way.
Creativity helps you express emotions
Emotions have a funny way of hiding from us, and we tend to stuff them down. But our mental health is more stable when we deal with feelings as they arise. Creativity is a useful tool for this. Creativity “bridges the gap between the conscious and unconscious mind.”
Creativity makes you smarter
Neuroimaging studies found creative thinking increases the work of particular “brain systems linked to self-generated thought and cognitive control.” These networks enhance your ability to come up with new ideas and evaluate them.
Creativity helps you solve problems
Creative thinking teaches you to try things you haven’t tried before. It gives you practise in making mistakes and learning from them. Being creative allows you to see beyond the obvious and seek out new solutions.
Learning from creative minds
The benefits of creativity are all well and good, but how do you muster up the energy to get to work? Well, who better to learn about creativity than from the best in the field?
To inspire you (and me) I’ve compiled my favourite quotes on creativity. And I’ve added my two cents’ worth, just for good measure.
"Creativity takes courage." — Henri Matisse
It sure does, Henri. How do you become courageous? You don’t. You call a friend! Scheduling in creativity as a social get-together takes the pressure off, and reminds you that creativity isn't meant to be serious — it’s meant to be fun! Have a scout for a workshop you and a friend can do together.
"The creative adult is the child who has survived." — Julian F. Fleron
Kids see things the way we’re supposed to see them — with wonder. When we grow up, we get bored. Nothing interests us anymore. How do you get this way of seeing back? You create! Creativity is a way to channel your inner child. You begin to notice the little things again because you’re taking the time to discover. You’ll see the world from a different perspective.
“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." — Sylvia Plath
I believe self-doubt is the biggest roadblock to creativity. And as always, Sylvia Plath explains it best. Fear gets in the way of anything worth doing. The fear of getting it wrong? Terrifying. But you know what’s worse than doing it wrong? Not doing it at all. The best thing about creativity is there’s no such thing as wrong or right. It’s the process of being at one with your creativity. Anything goes.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” — Stephen King
Creativity is kind of like exercise — the hardest part is right before you start. And after that? It gets easier. You just have to force yourself to show up at that writing desk, sewing machine or blank canvas and begin. The more you create, the easier ideas flow. Inspiration comes to those who are present for it.
"A creative life cannot be sustained by approval any more than it can be destroyed by criticism." — Will Self
It’s easy to worry about what others will think of your work. Especially if you’re thinking of bringing your art into the light. But as Will Self says, no matter what anyone says, it doesn’t have the power to affect your creative life. It’s yours, and what you experience while creating can’t be ruined by someone’s opinion.
"Creativity could be described as letting go of certainties." — Gail Sheehy
Creativity is imaginative, spontaneous and often, unplanned. You might schedule in creative time, but you never really know what will happen during it. No matter how much intention you set, creative inspiration is unpredictable. This is a good life lesson. To let go of expectations and enjoy the ride.
Make space for creativity
Even if your job requires creativity, being creative for yourself is a whole lot different than being creative for others. It gives you time to reconnect with yourself and reminds you of what you value. It keeps you curious and excited about your life and work.
I hope this blog inspired you to make space for creativity!
