cre·ate
/krēˈāt/
verb
bring (something) into existence. (Oxford languages)
When was the last time you colored or drew a picture? If your 3rd grade self-portrait is the first thing that pops into your mind, you might be wasting your creativity.
Believe it or not, we all have creative potential. A creator brings together a set of unique ideas to create something new. No artistic ability required. When you got dressed this morning, you created your outfit. You are a creator from the moment you wake up each day.
Something happens as we transition from childhood to adulthood. We lose touch with that part of ourselves that understands that being a creative is just a part of being human. When was the last time a four-year-old refused to color stating, “I’m just not the creative type.”?
You don’t have to decide whether or not you are creative. You just have to decide what you want to create.
Creating is an important part of our mental wellness. Research has connected creativity to positive affect (a positive state of well-being) and internal motivation. Creative expression can help you relieve stress and help increase your productivity at your work. Creativity helps with decision making and conflict resolution.
Being creative isn’t just about sculpting a masterpiece or writing your own award-winning secret cookie recipe. It’s about allowing your imagination to link your thoughts or ideas into something new.
Creating is free from judgment. No one has to judge your creation for creative expression to exist. In fact, much of what we create in our daily lives is for our eyes only. It doesn’t make you any less creative.
Here are some ways that creativity might benefit you:
It can help relieve stress
It can help you become a better problem solver
It can help you see things from a different perspective
It can help you take risks
It can help you work better with others
Being creative is an important ingredient when you’re going through life changes and transitions. It better equips you to adapt to changes and helps you to be more resilient. If you are able to see things from new perspectives, then you are able to grow and learn from any change that you might be facing.
You don’t have to take extreme measure to unleash your creative potential. If you don’t consider an “artist” or you believe that you reye for design is blind, start small.
Draw or paint a picture
Write a letter, story, or poem
Identify shapes in the clouds
Come up with your own recipe (it doesn’t even have to require cooking)
Build something (like a pillow fort!)
Solve a riddle or puzzle
So, go ahead, string a couple of thoughts or ideas together and create something new.