Tag: creativity

Creative Efforts: Capabilities and Limitations

Humans are creative beings. Most people limit themselves in countless ways. They may say “I’m not artistic” or “I’m not very creative.” However, everyone has creative powers that can be tapped into with dedicated time and effort. The world around us exudes creativity; an open mind will find time and energy for important creative efforts even in the most unconventional outlets.

Muses are all around. Something as simple as taking a walk around the block can inspire one person but make another even more bored or uninspired. Creative influence is obviously subjective, however most individuals are too busy looking for something extraordinary. Creativity is all around especially in the realities of day-to-day life.

School and Creativity

Traditional schooling often diminishes creativity for numerous reasons. First, the American public school system overemphasizes the importance of traditional education. Unconventional styles of learning are usually discovered by students who feel unsatisfied with their often outdated curriculum.

Also, the public school system doesn’t place much importance on art, music, and other creative endeavors. Anything that can be considered creative and nontraditional is typically viewed as ‘extracurricular.’ Schools all across America continuously cut art, music, and theater programs year in and year out. Students are told what’s important and what’s not based on which departments receive the most (and least) funding.

Lastly, the American school system doesn’t tend to highlight the most creative students. The students who usually receive the most school wide and public recognition are those who obtain the school/district’s top grade point averages (GPA). An individual who has a high GPA might be able to think well analytically but might not have much experience or exposure to creative endeavors.

The American public school system must place more emphasis on untraditional teaching/learning methods, place more importance towards the arts, and recognize more creative students. When changes are made in favor of creative learning, then America will see more free-flowing creativity in society. Less people will place limits on themselves because they will already know what they are capable of.

Creative Efforts in Adult Life

The average American adult doesn’t think of themselves as creative. Wake up, go to work, spend time with family, eat, and sleep. This routine doesn’t seem very creative at all to many. However, people often devalue the importance of things they spend time on when they aren’t working, eating, or sleeping. Every (normal) adult has at least one hobby. Most hobbies require some level of creativity. Working out can be creative depending on how it’s viewed. At the same time, reading can be considered one of many creative efforts in an adult’s daily routine.

Creative efforts in adult life usually take a backseat to other priorities. Most adults say to themselves “only if I had the time.” Countless people go their whole lives telling themselves this same lie. We all have the same twenty four hours per day. There will always be time for what we want to do. Time is real but is also an illusion. People make time for what they want. No excuses.

Young adults are often so caught up with working that they forget to make time for themselves. Creativity will not be an active part of someone’s life unless they actively look to do something creative. An active effort must be made willingly and routinely.

Numerous adults around the world wake up everyday wishing they could spend their time differently. Sure, everyone won’t always have their dream job. However, even before/after work, there will always be time when time is made for important creative efforts. Some individuals neglect any sort of creativity all together; the people who actively look to become better as creative beings consciously put in the required time and energy.

Creativity and Nature

The physical world around us displays countless forms of creativity. The roots on a tree, clouds in the sky, animals moving throughout the forest, and leaves rustling on a cool day all are part of Earth’s creative powers. Nature is often seen as one of the most influential muses for countless creatives all around the world. What better place to look for inspiration than the natural world in our own backyards?

Nature often provides an essential influence towards countless creative efforts throughout the world. The natural world is free-flowing and typically undisturbed by external forces. Humans can look to nature to understand more about creativity and life as a whole.

Natural influence brings about more natural and adaptable thoughts, ideas, and creations. Anyone can be in nature but few take the time to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

Creative Efforts: A Dawn of the Unknown

Any type of creative work starts from one common place. That place usually doesn’t have a name, direction, or clear sense of purpose. Influences along the way help artists, creatives, and designers around the world understand more about what they are trying to accomplish and/or work towards.

Anyone can start something creatively, but everyone doesn’t finish or even come close to finishing a project or creative effort. Creativity is all about exploring the unknown to get to a point that feels more comfortable, understandable, or better explained than before.

Creativity: The Individual Power of the Mind

Creativity cannot be bought nor captured or held on to forever. It comes and goes like the seasons in a calendar year. Nobody can ever seem to hang on to it for their entire life. Creative moments come in flashes and require high attention to detail in order to translate them into something worthwhile.

Everyone can be creative. However, limited individuals seem to exert creative energy on a regular basis. Some may keep it around longer than others. Creativity is something that should never be taken for granted in life.

Mind Games

The human mind is more powerful than most would think. Most people don’t tap into their full potential and put themselves down. We constantly hear “I’m not creative” or “I’m not artistic” or “Creativity doesn’t come naturally to me.” Instead, these phrases should all include one key word to put a positive connotation on them. By adding the word yet, the potential to be more creative is virtually endless.

When someone says they aren’t creative yet, they actively acknowledge their room for growth. Someone who limits themselves through their words will rarely reach their full potential. The mind can play many games, even on itself.

Creativity- Atlanta

Creative endeavors don’t have to be limited to traditional art. Someone may be creative through sports or business- two realms that are not typically viewed as “creative.” However, creativity is all around us when we stop trying to force things and start to look outside the box.

Humans are often more capable of achieving amazing feats than they originally think. The mind can play games on itself. The first step to limiting the power of these mind games is to first acknowledge they are present. The mind can only work in an individual’s favor when a person is actively aware of their mental capabilities.

Creativity and Individualism

Individualism is actively stressed in Western cultures. Obviously there are benefits and drawbacks that can be viewed closely and from afar.

Creative abilities are usually tied to one person. However, creativity is not confined to an individual. Certain cultures stress the importance of individualism in order to tap into one’s creative endeavors. American culture definitely emphasizes the ability to think creatively on one’s own.

Creativity- Olympics

While there are obvious drawbacks to individualism like social isolation and a decreased sense of belonging, there are numerous advantages especially for creative purposes.

An individual has the freedom to think creatively and outside of the box when working by themselves. They don’t have to directly report to anyone else or follow strict guidelines. Individualism allows humans to express themselves freely and openly. Creativity relies on a certain extent of freedom; creatives who embrace their individualism often find their unique lane efficiently and in a healthy way.

Feeling rushed in anything will usually not provide satisfactory results. Individualistic creative efforts allow people to work at their own pace and level of comfort. Individualism gives a sense of freedom and stresses the importance of self-determination and self-reliance.

While everyone has their own skill sets and unique talents, healthy levels of individual work allow creatives to tap into what they do best.

The Journey of Creativity

Being creative isn’t an accomplishment but rather a life long journey. Any world-renowned artist will say have a creative mind isn’t enough to be successful. It’s what people do with their creativity that sets them apart from the pack.

One can argue that creativity is a muscle that needs to be used on a consistent basis. Like shooting a basketball, creativity has to be used regularly to upkeep its potential. Just a few days or a week off will often set someone back more than they would ever realize.

The journey of creativity is virtually never ending. Many creatives don’t feel completely satisfied with their work; they continually look toward what’s to come next.

There is a fine line between expressing dissatisfaction and not being complacent. Creatives want to reach their full potential at every possible moment. However, everyday won’t be productive or successful in every aspect. Creativity has no end goal- it’s a never ending process that doesn’t befriend perfectionists.