Pablo Picasso once famously said, ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.’ The statement holds universal truth: the innate creativity we possess as children often wanes as we mature into adulthood.

Most of us wish to be creative. Creativity elevates every individual. It’s what makes a scientist, entrepreneur, musician, actually everyone extraordinary. And it is not reserved for the artists, it is a fundamental aspect of human expression, kind of a skill. And as every skill it can be trained and developed. 

In our grown up lives, in a consumer society we tend to put off creativity aside while fitting in our roles. We prioritise efficiency, we stick to norms and rules in the pursuit of career development and social approval. The rebellious spirit of adolescence is swapped for the conformism of adulthood. Of course, we still value and search for creative solutions – we organise brainstorming and ideation sessions to come up with better and creative ideas. But is that enough really? Being truly creative requires conscious effort and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Why is creativity important? 

So, what’s the point of putting that extra effort to reach creativity? Creativity is the heart of real progress and development. Without it, we are doomed to stagnation, to mundane everyday life lacking thrill and true meaning. Creativity is the medium to leave our mark to the world, truly express and eventually, fulfil oneself. What would happen in a world without creativity – we’ll surrender to monotony and mediocracy. Martha Graham has said it beautifully:  “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

What is creativity?

Well, the definition of creativity is fluid as is creativity itself. But the most widespread is that creativity is our unique ability to solve a problem in a novel and original way bringing value to the world. It encompasses more than just generating ideas; it requires the ability to make sense of those ideas and recognize their potential impact.

Exploring ideas while maintaining focus is fundamental for creativity. Psychology says that central to the creative process are two forms of thinking: divergent and convergent thinking. 

Divergent thinking is similar to the free-flowing thought process in childhood – it encourages us to explore a myriad of possibilities. By distancing from the problem at hand we can come up with a variety of options. Divergent thinking demands spontaneity and an open mind, ability to resist the innate urge to solutionize or prematurely critique an idea. Feedback is killing the creative flow so restrain from it fiercely.  Instead, dig deeper, push beyond the obvious solutions. 

Convergent thinking in contrast, is characterised by focus, concentration and critical analysis. It is the next step in the creative problem-solving process. Here comes handy the analytical thinking which most of us have been trained into at school, university or work. It helps us evaluate ideas and filter them through the lens of practicality and value. 

While some people tend to be more creative than others, creativity is not just an inherent trait. It is a choice. It turns out that just asking people to be more creative results in them acting more creatively. They should decide not to follow someone else’s opinion or stick to the safe popular notion, but to dig deeper in the world of ideas. And when they find an ideа – to be brave enough to present it and sell it to others. According to the cognitive psychologist Robert Sternberg,  three skills are necessary to unleash creativity  – the ability to see problems in new perspectives, to recognize value by saying “no” to those that aren’t worth doing and to effectively present and sell your ideas to others. 

This last part – to sell your creative ideas – is especially difficult. Creative breakthroughs are often met with resistance. Truly creative ideas might be disturbing for the crowd which as a rule values the mainstream, the established path. Creative ideas challenge the established order and disrupt the status quo. The pursuit of creativity often comes at odds with our innate desire for social acceptance.

Interestingly, according to psychologists our need to be liked actually blocks creativity. If an idea you share is widely accepted from the beginning, you should question its creative value. Unleashing creativity often requires facing opposition and staying firm in your convictions. 

How to access creativity?

Research shows that one of the best ways to enhance creativity is through meditation. Shutting the world with all its distractions and concentrating entirely on the present is  needed to spark creativity. The images of monks meditating to access some hidden truths might be for real! Through meditation and mindfulness practices a person opens her mind, perceives the world a little differently. Actually it is convergent thinking into action.

Play fosters creativity as well. It brings psychological freedom. Remaining playful through adulthood is immensely beneficial. Nurture your playful nature. 

Welcome constraints. Although not wanted, constraints are opportunities to access your creative self and figure out a way.

Research has shown that intrinsic motivation enhances creativity. So, people who engage in creative activities for the sake of the activities themselves and not for the sake of extrinsic constraints of rewards and approval, are better able to come up with original and valuable ideas. So, love what you do. Do what you love!

Be authentic. The most important one. Authenticity. Creativity cannot be faked. That’s copying. Creativity comes when copycat vanishes, when you let your true self out, when you expose yourself, when everything comes from within and reflects you, the real you. 

Lloyd Alexander was right, “We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.”

Creativity begins with not knowing, with a question,  with what if. 

So, how to unleash creativity? 

Embrace uncertainty. Look inside. Most importantly, remain true to yourself, be authentic in everything you do. Restrain from feedback and critique. Keep an open mind. Dig deeper. Often the first solution you see is the bland one, not the creative. Creativity must be accessed and looked for deliberately. Creativity is a choice we make every day. If you want it, work for it, put effort. In pop culture creativity is often depicted as a spontaneous “Eureka” moment but reality and science don’t back up that notion. Be prepared to face objections and embrace your authenticity.

Find your time to stop consuming and start creating, expressing your true self, showing the world your own perspective of reality. Creativity is to invent. Often with whatever is available and not the perfect tools or environment. Embrace imperfection. Create.

Resources:

Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention, M Csikszentmihalyi

Thinking styles, RJ Sternberg 

An investment theory of creativity and its development, RJ Sternberg