How To Be Creative-the Simple Technique Anyone Can Learn
Some people suggest that creativity is only bestowed upon a gifted few, and the majority of us should give up before we begin, resign ourselves to a life of middle of the road mediocrity, rather than aspire to achieve anything creative.
Those people are narrow minded, and we shouldn’t take any notice of them!
There is a contrasting belief that in fact EVERYONE is potentially highly creative, in a variety of ways, which is the belief I much prefer to hold, and my experience as a coach has proved this to be accurate time and time again.
Surely some are more creative than others though?
True, there are some who seem extraordinarily talented and creative. And that talent, and their pioneering creative work should receive all the plaudits it deserves, for it inspires and touches the lives of so many others.
But how much of this creative development in such a person is down to natural talent and how much is due to the opportunities and support they’ve had in their life?
Each of us, with the right guidance and encouragement, someone who will hold our hand along the way and say “it’s ok to create”, “it’s ok to experiment and try different forms of creating”, and “creative expression is a natural and vital part of life”, can go on to achieve new levels of creativity.
As you read this, how often in your creative life have you had support like this? And conversely, how often have you had someone say something like: “Don’t be stupid, you’re not creative” or “Who did you think you are even trying to sing/ write/ dance/ paint...” ?
So if I haven’t had this positive encouragement, how do I become creative? How and where do I begin?
The answer is simply to begin today. Paint a few strokes, write a few words, play a few chords, take a few pictures. Then tomorrow do a little more. And the next day, and the day after that.
The hardest part isn’t creating. It’s being brave enough to start. And once you do, you’ll amaze yourself.
So do it today, right now. Then commit to a minimum amount each day for the next week. Make it 15 minutes at least, 30 or 60 if you can, and just create. Think of it as a daily appointment with your creative soul or source.
If you were to take creativity as your religion, this time each day is your creative prayer and worship. Treat it with the same commitment and reverence and importance as a priest would a spiritual activity.
What then, at the end of a week of creating every day?
After the end of the first week, notice what you notice about your creative efforts. Pay more attention to the daily practice than what you’ve actually created, as it’ s the discipline that will lead you to creating great and wonderful works.
When you feel you want to, increase your daily amount of creating. Start to think maybe about linking your sessions together to work on a larger creative project rather than a new piece each time.
This really is the basis, the secret, to being more creative. You can only go so far in your thoughts and plans, then you’ve got to simply step up to the plate and regularly create.
Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin is the author of “Create Create!”, a FREE twice monthly ezine for people who want simple and powerful articles, tips and exercises to help them unleash their creative talents. Sign up right now and get your FREE “Explode Your Creativity!” Action Workbook, at www.CoachCreative.com
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