What Is Creativity, Exactly?

Welcome back!  Or if it’s the first time at Living Creatively, thanks for joining the conversation.  We’re here to talk about all things creative, in business and in life.  This issue digs into the core of creativity to help define it, and dispel a few misconceptions.

On its own, creativity sounds big.  Intimidatingly so.  When it is reserved for the artistically famous, the ground-breaking innovators and iconic visionaries it can feel out of reach.  But, that simply isn’t an accurate depiction of “a creative person.” 

So, let’s start with a more well-rounded meaning, something a bit more universal.  Across academia, the concept of creativity is usually defined as the generation or recognition of ideas,  alternatives or possibilities that solve problems, originate new concepts, entertain or express visions.  Doesn’t sound very exclusive, does it?

There’s no direct correlation between social status and creative ability. Income, either.  No immediate link of higher education to creativity.  There are no physical characteristics that identify a creative person out of the crowd.  Not only is creativity available to everyone, it’s inside us all. Creativity is ubiquitous, all-inclusive, impartial.  It is the great equalizer.

And yet, according to a global study by Adobe Data, 75% of people think they are not living up to their creative potential.   

Creativity Creates Success

In the business world, creativity is seen as the edge companies crave to leap ahead of the pack.  Creativity is called the catalyst of innovation and described as the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality.  Without it, companies wither and die.  In fact, a recent Harvard Business Review article stated “the strength of the American economy does not rest on manufacturing prowess, its natural resources or the size of its market.  It turns on one factor–the country’s openness to new ideas.”

Creative problem solvers, no matter the industry, are always in demand.  They break barriers, overcome obstacles and energize others to think differently. In Adobe's Hiring for the Future study, 94% of hiring managers say it is important to consider creativity when hiring a candidate.  And according to the World Economic Forum, “creativity is or is related to 9 of the top 10 skills that global executives say is essential for 2020 and beyond.” 

So, creativity is indispensable in business, and a key factor in climbing the corporate ladder.  Luckily, being creative is also a basic human characteristic.  We all have it.  We just need to use it.  

Better Living Through Creativity

We can also define creativity in terms of our own health and wellness, both mentally and physically.  According to Scientific American creativity exercises a handful of neural networks.  Being creative literally exercises your brain, keeping a person healthier and able to live longer than those who don’t.  Creativity has been shown to boost one’s confidence. It doesn’t matter how our creativity manifests–drawing, cooking, writing, building, problem-solving, designing, growing, academics, performing arts, etc.–when we exercise our creative muscles, our lives improve.  In fact, the American Journal of Public Health found that creative engagement can decrease anxiety, stress and mood disturbances.  Studies have also found that the practice of creativity can even help process trauma. 

A source of inspiration, the fuel of positive energy, a remedy within our own mind–as a holistic health treatment, creativity has no equal.  Our creativity should be nurtured, every day.  Even more, it is imperative we share whatever we create with others.  Because creative expression fosters community. 

The Creative In All Of Us

For all those who want to live creatively, here’s good news:  Doctor Jonathan Plucker, a creativity researcher and Psychology professor at Indiana University has shown that creativity is habit forming.  But where to start?  Well, a recent study found that 72% of people have creative insights in the shower.  Scientists consider daydreaming good for your brain, with moments of short mental incubation enhancing creative thinking.  Even walking is said to increase creative output by 60%.

Most importantly, remember that creativity manifests itself differently in every person.  How it is sourced or when the passion hits is uniquely individual.   But one thing is common to us all.  Saying that you’re not the “creative type” simply isn’t true.

That’s my take, but let me know what you think.  I’d love to hear how you define creativity, and continue the conversation.  Or anything else that keeps us living creatively.