The Creativity Myth
I love creating. I get excited by speaking to people who create. The bloggers, video creators, Instagrammers, Tik-Tok’ers, artists, singers, musicians and the likes.
But here’s the thing- only a handful of people I know create stuff. Procrastination aside, a lot of them state lack of ‘creativity’ as a blocker to get started.
Here are 7 things about creativity that I observed, and learnt over the years.
- Being Creative ≠ Being Original
Even the best creators we know seek inspiration from somewhere. Don’t let originality stop you.
- Creativity= Connectivity
Art manifests itself when you connect things you’ve read, observed and seen.
- Record Your Ideas
All of us overestimate our ability to remember things. Note down and preferably record ideas as soon as they come to you.
- Open Minded
Creativity ceases the moment you close yourself to a single vantage point. Explore, speak and read about things that don’t align with your world view.
- Expertise is overrated
You don’t need to be an expert to be creative or share things. You can document your journey/learnings along the way.
- Time Complicates Things
Most creators I know sweat the small details. Sit on their idea before they feel bored or discouraged. Always work with a deadline or an MVP in mind. We can figure stuff along the way.
- Be Personal
I often fall into the trap of wanting to sound intelligent and hence creating things that will get me eyeballs.
Create things for personal joy. Because you enjoy doing them!