Everyone is Creative… Somehow

TL;DR: Creativity Unlocked

• Creativity is for everyone, not just artists or geniuses.
• Brain science: Creativity links multiple brain regions and evolved with humanity.
• Overcoming blocks: Identify fears, embrace mistakes, change your environment, and set small goals.
• Creativity fuels progress in art, tech, and problem-solving.
• Practical tips: Break tasks down, shift perspectives, and try new experiences.

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Imagine a world totally void of creativity. It’s hard, isn’t it? Creativity is the impetus behind innovation, propelling industries forward and adding vibrance to our lives. It shapes art, influences technology, molds culture and inspires new solutions to age-old problems. 

But so many of us believe that being creative is a gift reserved for artists or geniuses, those remarkable individuals who have a seemingly magical ability to create. That belief isn’t just false but also damaging, as it discourages people from embracing their own creative potential. Creativity is innate in every one of us.

Let me reiterate that: you are creative.

No matter who you are, there is creativity inherent in your humanity. It might not mirror the creative endeavors you typically categorize as “creativity,” but you are a creative person.

In this post, we’ll delve into the science behind creativity, exploring how the brain processes innovative thoughts and ideas. We’ll also tackle the common barriers that stifle creativity, such as fear of failure or self-doubt, and provide practical, actionable tips to help you uncover and nurture your unique creative spark. 

Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.

Albert Einstein

Whether you’re a professional artist seeking fresh inspiration, an entrepreneur looking to innovate, or someone who believes they lack a single creative bone, this blog aims to help you tap into your inherent creativity. 

The Science of Creativity

What is creativity? 

Researchers tend to define it as originality and effectiveness, but we’ll simplify that even further. Effectiveness, or utility, is elusive. Is a poem useful? What makes a sculpture effective? 

The challenge remains: how do you quantify creativity? One way is by observing divergent thinking—coming up with novel solutions to a problem or new uses for an everyday object. Neuroimaging via FMRI shows creativity links disparate brain regions—a rare coupling of cognitive control and default mode networks (the things that are firing when you’re basically running autopilot). The frontopolar cortex is crucial for creative thinking. Stimulating it enhances creativity, according to research. But creativity isn’t about one brain region—it’s a synergy of mechanisms, researchers say. It would be nice and tidy to think about creativity being the domain of a singular cerebral structure, but that’s not the case.

In the article “The Origins of Creativity,” researchers emphasize that creativity has evolved over millennia, starting from early hominids to modern Homo sapiens. Our ancestors showed minimal innovation for millions of years before a significant leap in cognitive function—potentially as a result of the advent of cooked food—led to the development of art, technology, and culture. This indicates that creativity is a deeply ingrained part of human evolution.

Overcoming Creative Blocks

Creative blocks are universal, and they’re the bane of any creative person’s existence. But, they’re not impossible to break through.

Identify the Cause

First, take a moment to figure out what’s causing the block. Reflect on your thoughts and emotions to find the source. Is a fear of failure slowing you down? Maybe it’s perfectionism, where nothing seems good enough to move forward. Or maybe you’re just tired, and fatigue is draining your energy and creativity.

If fear of failure is stopping you, remember that mistakes are a natural part of the creative process and can lead to growth and new ideas. Knowing that every successful person has faced setbacks can help you overcome the fear and embrace your creativity with more confidence.

Change Your Environment

Sometimes, a change of scenery can help shake things up. Go for a walk, check out a museum, or just switch up your workspace to a coffee shop or anywhere different. According to an APA article called “The Science of Creativity,” being in nature can seriously boost your creative thinking by cutting stress and lifting your mood, probably because our minds love to wander when we’re outside.

Set Small Goals

Break your project into smaller, manageable tasks. Tackling a big project in bite-sized pieces helps reduce the feeling of overwhelm and gives you a sense of accomplishment with each step you complete. 

It keeps your motivation and focus strong. For example, if you’re writing a novel, don’t get intimidated by the idea of finishing an entire book; just focus on a chapter at a time, refining your plot and characters as you move along. This step-by-step approach makes the task more approachable and allows for tweaks and improvements along the way.

Finding Your Creativity

Explore Different Mediums

If you don’t consider yourself creative, maybe you haven’t found the right medium yet. Creativity takes many forms and isn’t limited to traditional arts. Experiment with various forms of expression—try your hand at painting, immerse yourself in the world of writing, explore the intricacies of coding, or even your culinary skills in the kitchen. Even modern video games are goldmines of creative expression, from in-depth character customization to the potential for what is essentially dozens of hours of creative puzzle solving to reach objectives. Each of these activities offers unique challenges and rewards. By pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone, you might just discover a hidden talent you never knew you had.

Practice Mind-Wandering

Studies reveal that purposeful mind-wandering can lead to creative insights by allowing the brain to explore various connections and ideas that might not surface during focused thinking. Allow yourself some downtime to daydream and explore different thoughts, as this relaxed state can foster innovation. Paul Seli, an assistant professor of psychology at Duke University, found through his research that ideas plucked from the hypnagogic state (the transition between wakefulness and sleep) were often more creative and original than those generated while fully awake. This state of semi-consciousness allows the mind to process information differently, making unexpected links that pave the way for novel solutions and breakthroughs.

Leverage Your Interests

What are you passionate about? Use that as a springboard for creativity. Passion is a powerful motivator that can drive you to explore new ideas and possibilities. If you love music, dive deeper and try composing a song or experimenting with different genres and instruments. Let your emotions guide the melody and lyrics. If you’re into sports, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and think about innovative ways to train or improve your game. Maybe you can develop a new training regimen or technique that sets you apart. 

If you like to cook (like I do) buy unfamiliar ingredients and try to figure out new things to do with them. You might eat a lot of terrible food in the process (like I have), but you’ll have opened up an entire new vein of creative exploration for yourself. Embrace your passions fully; they can lead to exciting and fulfilling creative adventures. 

Learn from Other Creatives

There are hundreds of different mediums you can choose to explore if you want to discover what really makes your inner creativity come alive. We’ve been privileged this year to partner with Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tenn., very close to our home base in Knoxville. Founded in 1912 by members of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women as a settlement school, Arrowmont has evolved over the past 100+ years into an internationally recognized center for creative education that not only calls serious artists from all over the world, but draws people seeking to unlock a hidden creativity within themselves. Through media like ceramics, textiles, wood, jewelry and others, Arrowmont helps people discover the unbridled joy that comes with unlocking creativity.

We’re obviously fond of our friends at Arrowmont, but find classes near you where you can stretch yourself. Find some kind of formal instruction, in some sort of creative act, and dive in. Instructors thrive on helping people discover the joy of creating something—anything.

Nurturing Creativity

Create a Routine

Establishing a daily routine can be a huge benefit in helping maintain and enhance creativity. By setting aside specific times of the day for creative activities, such as writing, drawing, or brainstorming, you create a structured environment that encourages creative thinking. Consistency in this practice helps train your brain to switch into creative mode more easily and reduces the mental friction often associated with starting creative tasks. Over time, this habitual approach can lead to improved creative output and the generation of more innovative ideas.

Collaborate with Others

Creativity thrives on collaboration, as it allows individuals to combine their unique perspectives and talents to generate new ideas. Engage with like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and provide constructive feedback, which can help refine and enhance concepts. In a business setting, fostering a collaborative culture not only encourages innovative solutions but also strengthens team morale and cohesion. By creating an environment where team members feel valued and heard, organizations can harness the collective creativity of their workforce to tackle challenges and drive progress.

Stay Curious

Curiosity is the bedrock of creativity, serving as the driving force behind innovation and original thought. It encourages us to delve deeper, question the status quo, and seek new insights. By continuously asking questions and pursuing new knowledge, we unlock endless possibilities. Attend workshops to engage with experts and peers, read books to explore diverse perspectives, and take courses to develop new skills and competencies. These activities not only broaden our understanding but also fuel our creative potential, enabling us to continuously expand our horizons.

The divergent uses test I referenced earlier is a measure of creative thinking used by researchers in which people are given an everyday object and tasked with coming up with a unique way to use it. For example, if you’re given a sock and you choose to use it to warm your foot, that’s a pretty standard usage, and not a very creative score. But some people have taken the (presumably clean) sock and chosen to use it as a water filtration device.

You can do this yourself. Every now and then, or even every day, challenge yourself to pick up an everyday object around you and think of a different way to use it. You’ll be shocked by how unconventional your thinking can become.

The Role of Environment and Culture

Physical Surroundings

Your environment plays a significant role in fostering creativity. A cluttered, noisy, or uninspiring workspace can stifle your creative energy, making it difficult to focus and generate new ideas. The constant distractions and lack of visual appeal can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. Conversely, a well-organized, aesthetically pleasing environment can boost your creative output by providing a sense of calm and inspiration. Surrounding yourself with elements that stimulate your senses, such as natural light, plants, or art, can enhance your ability to think creatively and approach tasks with a fresh perspective. Creating a space that reflects your personal style and preferences can also encourage a more enjoyable and productive creative process.

Organizational Culture

In a business context, organizational culture plays a crucial role in either nurturing or stifling creativity. Companies like Google and Pixar are renowned for their vibrant and innovative cultures, which actively encourage risk-taking, collaboration, and thinking outside the box. These companies have established environments where employees feel empowered to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo. According to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, organizations that foster a creative culture are more likely to outperform their competitors in terms of innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall business success. By prioritizing creativity and encouraging diverse perspectives, these organizations can adapt more swiftly to market changes and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Cultural Influences

Cultural background also impacts how we perceive and engage in creative activities. Different cultures have unique ways of expressing creativity, influenced by their history, values, and societal norms. For instance, traditional Japanese art often emphasizes simplicity and nature, reflecting the culture’s appreciation for harmony and balance. In contrast, Western art might focus more on individual expression and innovation, shaped by a history of artistic movements and revolutions. Understanding these nuances can enrich your own creative endeavors by offering fresh perspectives and inspiring new approaches to your work. Engaging with diverse cultural expressions not only broadens your artistic horizons but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the vast tapestry of global creativity.

Creativity isn’t the exclusive domain of artists, visionaries, or geniuses. It’s a fundamental human trait, grounded in our evolutionary history, and accessible to everyone. By understanding the science behind creativity, overcoming common barriers, and nurturing your creative potential, you can unlock a world of possibilities.

Creativity is a muscle that strengthens with use. 

Start small, stay curious, and never underestimate your creative potential.