Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. - Edward de Bono Q. Really, what’s the big deal about being more creative? Why would I want to be? K. S. Toronto
A. In every aspect of our lives-our homes, parenting, gardens, meals, finances, how we market ourselves, and even the way we look and dress, “today, perhaps more than at any other time in history, the pressure is on us all to be more creative,” says author David Baird in his book A Thousand Paths to Creativity.
Yet, current studies have verified my observations as a teacher: Children lose touch with their creativity as they grow older until it’s barely evident when they’re adults. Research indicates:
- Most children at the age of five ask 30 questions an hour; by the age of seven they ask just 2 or 3 questions in the same time period
- Intuition also drops dramatically, becoming negligible by the time kids enter first grade
- Although creative genius is displayed in 95% of children between the ages of 3 - 5 years of age, it is displayed in only 10% of people who are 20 years old.[1]
Yes, the current buzz words are creativity and innovation.
Think about it. Today’s world is changing so rapidly, if we pay heed to the media, read studies or follow statistics, it seems one must be superhuman to just keep up with the ‘game.’
The concept of addressing our individual and collective creativity has become so vital that it is emphasized in virtually every sector:
- Creativity in Home, School and Work: Creativity and Innovation Day, April 15 (birth date of the penultimate Renaissance man Leonardo Da Vinci), launched in 2001 is now celebrated in 106 communities across 43 countries worldwide.
- Creativity in Business: In his Business Week online article reviewing the 2005 World Economic Conference held in Davos, Switzerland, David Nussbaum points out that,
“Two things, at least, are clear. First, top managers of global corporations are convinced that innovation and creativity are critical to the future success of their companies. Second, to make that happen, a massive hunt for creative talent around the world is under way.’
- Creativity in School: Starting with the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State College-State University of New York, under- and post- graduate creative studies are now offered in institutions worldwide.
The British School Association adopted creativity as its mandate: on its website, the Arts Council of England wrote,
“We believe creativity is not simply about doing the arts – it is about thinking, problem solving, inventing and reinventing and about flexing the imaginative muscles. Working with creative professionals from many different disciplines helps develop learning skills that are transferable and creative thinking.”
- Creativity Organizations: In 2005 an international online Creativity Portal and the Creativity Coaching Association were each established.
It is Charles Darwin who concluded, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change.” Demands, responsibilities and challenges face us at every turn in our personal and professional lives. How, then, can we not only survive, but thrive?
Professionally, we might:
- Become skilled at identifying issues and creative problem-solving. (Try brainstorming 30 possible uses for a pencil.);
- Undertake innovative initiatives;
- Capitalize on the skills, talents, experiences and extended networks of personnel and associates;
- Start or join a support association;
- Hire a coach or consultant. (Many of the largest, most successful organizations and CEO’s rely on the advice and guidance of specialists in their fields.)
Personally, we might:
- Eliminate self-imposed, artificial restrictions (“I can’t!” “It’s impossible!” “Won’t work!”);
- Embrace new experiences (different foods, genres of books, films, magazines);
- Expand thinking through creative exercises (word games, new skills, workshops, courses);
- Change patterns of behaviour and routines;
- Surround ourselves with like-minded, positive people;
- Be spontaneous and somewhat daring, especially if there's not much to lose;
- Recognize and let go of life-long personal prejudices, self-conceptions and set boundaries; and
- Open our minds to new possibilities.
There are limitless resources upon which one can draw to creatively maximize professional and personal potential. One just has to be willing - and prepared - to do it.
Future columns will deal with each point above. Do you have an experience to share about any of these matters?
_________
[1] Radical Change Radical Results by Kate Ludeman and Eddie Erlandson
4 comments:
Hi Nellie,
* With respect to Appreciation, did you know that there is a movement happening called, Appreciation Day, or more formally, Gratitude Day?
Yes, you are privy to an underground movement happening in North America. Every Wednesday at 5:30am, myself and 1 of my business partners have our gratitude call. We each share what we've been grateful (appreciative) for, for the past week.
This is now spreading. A number of my mastermind group partners have taken it on with others. The partner I speak with is developing a Gratitude calendar in Miami and is 2/3 of the way through creating it. We've taken September to be Gratitude month.
See, a ground swelling movement is happening, right before you.
*With respect to losing our creative genius by the age of 20, is it also that as people get older, they get resigned. They give up, quit generating, quit creating and buy into that nothing is possible, rather than anything is possible?
How many people as they get older get tired, sick? Isn't that a sign of resignation? Rather than the conversation of, I can take a stand that, no matter what, anything is possible, I decline to give into that conversation.
How many conversations today are, what is possible, not what is wrong (thanks to our media)? Which puts us into a frame of mind to create, not fight.
What you're taking on is so important Nellie for people today. You are first helping people to become aware (always the first step in anything), and then empowering them (like your reader who was about to cancel the concert).
We were born geniuses (creative ...) then, life got in the way of everyone. Keep it up!
Kevin Loberg
www.kevinloberg.blogspot.com
Hi Kevin,
Before I begin, I’d just like to say that I so much appreciate your ‘right on’ comments and feedback.
I didn’t know there was an appreciation movement, so I declared November 1st as International Appreciation Day in one of my former postings and will repeat it again next year. It’s a huge failing of many people that they do not honour that which they have and the people who have helped along the way.
I’m fascinated by your and your Mastermind partner’s commitment to appreciation, the calendar and the fact you share your gratitude each week (so early, too!).
Your comments about creative genius are worth pursuing, as well. I’ve been writing a future column focusing on that element.
So, my questions to you are:
-May I share this email with readers by posting it in the ‘comments’ - with your name added along with contact info and/or link, if you wish?
-Do you mind sharing the details of how you keep yourself creatively motivated? It seems you are really dedicated to the process.
Nellie
Hi Nellie,
Before I begin, may I say thank you for your kind remarks.
I've cc'd Robin Katz, as she is the brains behind the calendar and the weekly appreciation day. I'm sure she would be receptive to any questions you may have of her. She is also part of my weekly mastermind group.
With respect to posting any comments I may make, please do not hesitate. As you already know, from my blog, I'm pretty open with all of this.
With respect to how I keep myself creatively motivated, that is something which I've never thought about before. Fortunately, I've surrounded myself with incredibly gifted, creative, open people who, like myself, are committed to living outside our so called boxes. I have to take that one step further. I am so lucky to be attracting & meeting the people I am.
Toronto Nellie, has some incredible individuals which you will need to meet. People, like our mastermind coach Theresa Jabbour, who are committed to living that 'anything is possible'. She is a must to interview in the future.
With respect to being creatively motivated, I personally believe that comes down to 2 things. One, finding out what really inspires you, what really moves you, what you're willing to do no matter what and two, putting the structures in place to accomplish it.
Dreaming without doing is fruitless. Having a structure to accomplish something without the personal drive/interest/passion is useless. So this all comes to becoming clear.
I’m clear that I am creating:
1. Clarity. With clarity, I know that I'm being lead to the right people, situations, opportunities today where I might best serve.
2. Wisdom. Helping others (2008 - Money Magik, coaching, Seniors Project, Book (50 things to do the year you turn 50), real estate services)
3. Personal wants/desires which I share with Vicky.
4. Financial freedom.
I guess beyond that is, a person's beliefs. Where I am today is perfect, I know what I want and, I'm not attached to receiving it exactly as I envision it.
A lot of what I do today is because of the work I've done. I've dealt with alot of unresolved issues in my life. I've cleared, and I'm continuing to clear out the crap in my life so that I just know.
I know that I have a healthy, happy slender body;
I have the perfect living space;
I have an abundance of excess cash coming to me every month;
I love & approve of myself;
I experience love wherever I go;
My mind is at peace;
I am open and receptive to all the good and abundance of the Universe;
I am most worthy of the very best of life and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it;
I know that as I think this over and over, my outer effect patterning will automatically begin to fade, as I internally create a pattern of self worth and, I no longer have the need to delay my good;
I now receive my good from expected and unexpected sources.
The dedication I have today is just a reflection of the people I surround myself with today, the thoughts which I choose and, the actions I take today.
That's all.
Kevin
ps. When you get a chance, there is a book which was brought to my attention which may be of interest to you. The book is called, "The Field" by Lynn McTaggart. In it, the book explores that unlike the Newton or Darwin view in science, we are not a chemical reaction but an energetic charge.
Human beings and all living things are a coalescence of energy in a field of energy connected to every other thing in the world. ie. no me vs everyone else, no having to survive to exist, no me being separate from everyone else, which science, for the past 400 years, has been teaching us.
If there is a purpose and unity to our world and our place within it, we have a very important say in it. What we do and what we think, matters. We create our world. We're responsible for our experience. It's not a matter of us being outside, looking in.
For science, this is huge. For mankind to realize this, is amazing. And you Nellie, are on the forefront of all this.
That is, awesome!
Speaking of the Universe, I believe you might very well be interested in reading a fascinating book "The Universe, Our Guiding Light" that is freshly hot off the press. It beautifully encapsulates 20 Laws of the Universe.
I had the privilege of reading the original edited manuscript written by two elderly mediums who claim its text was given them through channeling. The editor of this book, also the editor of my newest book, wrote a lovely synopsis on the back cover. You can read it and order the book through the website at http://www.enlightenedpress.ca/article.html.
Nellie
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