The Creative Edge - The Key to Personal and Professional Growth
When we hear the word creativity, we often think that it is a talent exclusive to the special few who have been gifted with the ability to express their ideas through art and performance. However, creativity is within every single one of us. It’s not something that is just given to a select portion of the population. It’s more like a muscle that everyone has and can strengthen in different ways through a variety of practices. If you’re searching for a healthier, more balanced life, exercising your creativity is key.
Cal Newport, a self-proclaimed geek and professor of computer science at Georgetown University says that the idea of following your passion is foolish (Cal’s Interview with the Minimalists). Instead, he claims that we cultivate passion, implying that we do not discover passions but we build them up. Creativity is something to be cultivated over a longer period of time through the process of honing your abilities and leveraging your value. Making creativity a regular part of your day is not just a nice addition, but it is crucial for personal and professional growth.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of embracing your creativity and tangible tips for doing so on a daily basis. The motivations and methods for getting creative below are sure to encourage you to seamlessly integrate it as a part of your regular routine.
Benefits of Creativity
Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
Creativity is all about thinking outside of the box. When we engage in creative activities, we develop the skills to view problems from various angles and devise innovative solutions. These skills are invaluable across all aspects of life as they can help us tackle everyday challenges and navigate complex professional scenarios. By regularly exercising the creative muscles in our minds, we become more equipped to find effective solutions efficiently.
Boosts Mental Health
Engaging in creative pursuits can have a significant positive impact on mental health. Activities such as painting, writing or even doodling can serve as therapeutic outlets, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The same goes for creative physical activities such as dance and hiking. This process of creating something new allows us to express emotions and thoughts that might otherwise remain bottled up. This healthy release and sense of accomplishment can be extremely beneficial for your personal growth.
Fosters Personal Growth
They say nothing profound ever happens when you remain in your comfort zone. Creativity encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and try new things. This willingness to explore and experiment is crucial for personal growth. When we challenge ourselves creatively, we learn more about ourselves. We uncover our strengths and weaknesses, discover new interests and gain confidence in our abilities. This heightened self-awareness and confidence are key components of personal development.
Strengthens Relationships
Even though it may manifest itself in various ways, we now know that everyone has creativity. As with other activities outside of your comfort zone, sharing creative activities with others can strengthen relationships and foster deeper connections. Whether it’s collaborating on a professional project, attending a workshop or creating something in the kitchen with your loved ones, these experiences bring people closer together. Since creativity is so unique to each person, it acts as an opportunity to appreciate different perspectives and talents. Through shared creative experiences, we foster empathy, understanding and ultimately a deeper care for others.
Improves Work Performance
In the professional realm, creativity is a highly sought-after skill. Employers value innovative thinkers who can contribute fresh ideas and new approaches to their work. Cultivating your version of creativity will enhance your personal performance at work and increase your appeal as a team member. This can make you a more valuable asset to your current team and open new career opportunities. Whether developing new products, improving current processes, or finding more personal ways to engage clients, creativity can be a game-changer in your professional growth.
Promotes Lifelong Learning
I love learning. Luckily for me, there is an infinite realm of information and a limited amount of time for me to absorb it, so I can do it for the rest of my life! Creativity is intrinsically linked to curiosity and a desire to learn. The sense of joy and satisfaction that comes with creative activities encourages us to keep engaging in them. This continuous development of skills keeps our minds sharp and adaptable. This is extremely useful in fast-paced business and the rapidly changing world we currently live in. Embracing creativity encourages a mindset of lifelong learning which allows for infinite personal and professional growth.
Cultivating Creativity
Curiosity
Curiosity is the foundation of creativity. New ideas can emerge from even the most mundane tasks by fostering a curious mind. To do so, start by questioning the status quo. Why do you do things a certain way? Is there a different approach to increase effectiveness or efficiency? Even simple changes, like taking a new route to work or trying out a new recipe exercise that creative muscle and spark innovation.
Environment
Your surroundings play a crucial role in influencing your creative abilities. Whether it be your office or your kitchen, a comforting and inspiring space can significantly boost your creative thinking. Surround yourself with objects that stimulate your senses such as art, music, or plants. A clutter-free, organized space also clears the mind, making room for new and brilliant ideas.
Collaboration
Creativity thrives in collaborative environments. Engaging with others, sharing ideas, and receiving feedback can provide new perspectives and inspiration. By broadening your horizon and the scope of the information you take in, your thoughts become more holistic and unique. I highly encourage you to join community groups, online forums or local clubs. These spaces are opportunities to connect with both like-minded individuals and new perspectives that will challenge you to grow.
Daily Practice
As with all healthy habits, consistency is vital in nurturing creativity. Dedicate a small portion of your day to a creative activity every day and diversify what you do! Throughout the week you can practice journaling, sketching, gardening, or even brainstorming sessions. To prepare for creative thinking daily, you have to be well-rested and healthy. Self-care practices such as getting adequate sleep, following a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise are crucial to allowing your creative thoughts to flow freely. The objective of daily creativity practices is to make exercising your creative muscles a habitual part of your week, not just an occasional endeavor.
Embracing Failure
Creativity involves risk and the possibility of what some may call “failure”. However, I firmly believe that every setback is a set-up. Similar to the way that Bob Ross addresses them as “happy accidents”, I believe that “failures” typically refer to an unmet expectation, set by us, that was never meant to be. Each mistake is a step towards a more creative and innovative mindset. We can not let our fear of failure paralyze us in inaction or tempt us to judge ourselves. Rather, we must approach imperfect actions with curiosity and evaluate the path to success accordingly.
Personally, I perform a weekly exercise in which I ask myself what worked, what didn’t work and what could change in both my personal and professional life. It is imperative that we approach these types of exercises without judgment. Instead, we should cultivate curiosity about the solutions we can create that will spark growth. The journey towards a more creative life is ongoing and ever-evolving. Each day offers a new opportunity to explore, experiment, and grow. By embracing and nurturing creativity, we can unlock a wealth of benefits that enhance our lives in countless ways (and science agrees: APA - The Science of Creativity).
If you are interested in learning more about cultivating creativity in your professional and personal life or adopting other healthy habits into your daily routine, check out my bio below to learn more about me and schedule a time to talk!
Claudia is an NBC-HWC Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, the owner of Vibrant Health by Claudia LLC and Virtual Health Coaches LLC. She studied Health and Wellness Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she also completed courses in Gut Health, Hormone Health, and Advanced Coaching. She is a Havening TechniquesⓇ Certified Practitioner and certified 21-Day Sugar Detox Coach as well as a co-author of two Amazon Bestsellers “The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul Aligned Business” and “The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Soul Professional”.