We limit ourselves with labels of what we aren’t and what we can’t do, but many of these conceptions are capable of growing and expanding over time. Creativity is one of these assumptions that is commonly interpreted as a preconceived trait, yet it is a skill that grows with practice. Similarly, we begin with an interest in a sport or instrument and familiarize ourselves with rules or the strings, then we practice with matches or simple songs, until we know it by heart. To allow your own heart to sprout creativity, immersion, observation, and pleasantness are the pillars.
Creativity is not Random
We reference art such as Clair De Lune, The Nutcracker, and Starry Night. We recite scenes from our favorite movies. We are impacted by breakthroughs in science in our everyday lives. These successes derive from attempt after attempt, not randomness. Michelangelo explored sculpting (e.g., Leah, Tomb of Pope Julius II, and Pietà), architecture (e.g., Interior remodeling of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Porta Pia, and Laurentian Library), and painting (e.g., Doni Tondo, The Entombment, and The Battle of Cascina). While most of his pieces are unheard of by many, most people know Michelangelo for the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling or his sculpture David.
Immersion
Immerse yourself in diverse ideas. Knowledge is not finite and not linear, so continue to read and watch media outside of what you know. As your unique knowledge expands, it can be easier to build on the existing and create something new.
Brain Dumping
The Artists Way by Julia Cameron recommends “morning pages” where you write three pages of any ideas that come to your mind. You release stresses in your mind and you take note of the special moments in that day. While three pages of writing can be a great goal, freewriting in general lets you loosen up your thoughts and helps you logically analyze your day.
The Next Level
Video games reward creative achievement, introduce captivating storylines that you play a role in, and allow discovery and experimentation. The genres of video games with the highest potential of creativity are “sandbox, puzzle, and simulation games.”
سلام, Salut, Hola, Dia dhuit
Learning a new language promotes creativity, as well. As you learn a language, you are learning about the culture, history, social norms, values, politics, and location associated with the language. You actively engage and introduce yourself to something you have some unfamiliarity with and recognize the variety of the world.
The film in your mind
Introducing yourself to the array of knowledge out in the world does improve creativity, but to build something with these ideas, it is recommended to observe your own mind. Writing down your thoughts and jotting down your day is one way of accomplishing this, but simple daydreaming encourages you to reason with some ideas and design abstract images and thoughts together with others.
Patience
David Kelley, a Stanford professor of mechanical engineering and co-founder of Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, shares a different approach to creativity: pacing yourself in life. By steeping yourself in gratitude and pleasantness in the most mundane moments, you can think more clearly and express confidence. “The idea is a sandwich happens a lot,” Kelley says in reference to his advice on enjoying the most prosaic occasions.
Works Cited Below:
- https://bebrainfit.com/be-more-creative/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5587106/
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelangelo/The-Medici-Chapel
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Michelangelo
- https://stanfordmag.org/contents/how-to-be-creative
- https://blog.calm.com/blog/how-to-spark-creativity
- https://myweb.fsu.edu/vshute/pdf/rahimi_shute.pdf
Edited and Reviewed by Brie Goss
