Blogpost by Elizabeth Ribons
" Inspiration and creativity can solve just about any problem" -George Lois
Take a momnet to consider that. Without creativity, we would not have innovation and would repeat the same things again and again. There would be no growth. Human beings are blessed with the innate ability to.....create. It is in our nature to create, learn and expand.
When people say they are not creative that simply couldn't be further from the truth.
We create and design daily. Deciding what to wear, eat, our schedules and which way to approach the day. We rely on our creativity to help us navigate life's challenges and manage the day-to-day.
And the joy we get from creating something positive? A dinner, gardening, writing a story, solving a puzzle? It is the joy of creating a solution, an outcome, and expanding ourselves.
So why do people think they are not creative? Because they decided that they weren't artistically inclined early on in life? Or sadly, someone told them that they weren't. That is untrue. We are all creative. Creativity is not just for creatives. The key is identifying where our creativity flourishes.
And, each of us can reacquaint ourselves with that creativity to solve a problem, reframe a situation and come up with solutions, innovate and reset or reinvent.
"Every problem is an opportunity in disguise" - John Adams
So if creating is joyous....Why aren't we excited when we meet a challenge in life or are problem-solving in business?
People like to do the thing they know they can do. To have security - it is a normal thing to want. And, being creative doesn't have certainty attached. We don't know for sure what the outcome will bring. And worse....we might fail. But, think about it. When we fail we learn. When we learn, we grow, and when we grow we create solutions and expand our life.
Failure: A necessary part of achieving success so therefore if you want to succeed, learn to fail fast and frequently.
To be creative and be right? That usually doesn't work. And some might see others succeeding in life, career, or business and think "Wow, they are such lucky people"
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" -Seneca
Well then it must be hard work - right? Yes, partially but at the root of it? We must be comfortable with unknown outcomes, fails, and let's face it- the possible embarrassment or shame around that. And that is where the growth ends - right there.
- In business, we must remain ever designing and creating. Asking ourselves how we can enhance the client experience, product and systems. Get into the mind of the customer and really tease out what could be better.....And it always can be better. By fostering creativity and problem-solving in ourselves and work -we are intentionally staying relevant and the business evolves and thrives.
- In a career, we have to think like an entrepreneur and we are the brand. How can we deliver a better product? Where can we grow and expand? This is especially important for those reaching the pinnacle of their career and not wanting to be "aged out" Where can they continue to grow? Staying relevant is key.
- In a work setting, we need to consider the group and the overall desired end result. Here are some tips on Keys To Expanding Creativity from a recent article in Forbes
- In life, we get to a crossroads and if we are not able to see where we might create a new path for ourselves we can get stuck....Where we are comfortable with what we know. But it is no longer creating growth in us or others.
- You are necessary - all of your skills, strengths, abilities and you can repurpose those into another career, business, interest, social interest or purpose.
Find your creativity. That comes from PLAY. Just like that little saying when we were children." If at first, you don't succeed? ....Try, try, try again"
Be ready. You might get some push back but let's face it - It is usually from the less courageous, tired, comfortable, or stuck types. Be the example - show them it's possible.
Start with small steps to exercise your "What if" muscles and when one effort or idea fails get used to saying: "Ok - good. I know more now. What did I learn?" And apply it
Fail - fix - redesign - try it. And get used to saying "NEXT!"
How many novelists write a perfect book - right out of the gate? How many scientists come up with cures right away? How many works of art have been discovered underneath a masterpiece?
For those of you looking at what your next might be? You don't need to know that answer. Be willing to begin looking at opportunities to explore it, evolve, and expand into your new NEXT.
NEXT Career & Life has workshops, On-Demand Courses, and Groups to inspire and empower. To help you gain tools you can apply in Career, Business, and Life - again and again. Learn to embrace What's NEXT.
Interested in reviving your creativity so you can thrive? SUBSCRIBE and be updated on events that inspire, encourage and empower your NEXT.
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