3 Myths About Creativity

Myth #1: Creativity belongs to the few. We tend to make comments, such as "that person is just so creative" or "I'm not really that creative." We assume creative minds are few and far between because they seem to be in short supply.

Truth #1: Creativity belongs to everybody.
As Sir Ken Robinson underlines in his renowned TED talk, schools are designed in such a way that creativity has a slim chance of survival. That's because creativity is often not encouraged or taught! Creativity is evident in our early years and is unfortunately educated out of us. Creativity is at the core of what makes us human: we should not only use our creativity muscle but strengthen it with regular exercise.

Myth #2: Creativity requires inspiration.
While inspiration is great, it's not necessary to be creative. In fact, seeking inspiration or spending too much time planning will stall your creative process rather than push you closer to actually creating.

Truth #2: Creativity requires action.
Creativity is what happens when you use your imagination and possibilities emerge. But these creative ideas must come out of your brain and body and move into action.

I love to paint, but I need to bring my brush to canvas and actually start painting to let my creativity flow. Creativity begins once you actually start creating something.

Myth #3: Only new ideas are creative.
The idea that something brand new must be brought to the table for it to count as creative is what repels most from attempting to be creative. Considering the mass amount of creative ideas that already exist, we are certain to experience the recycling of ideas. This myth is what holds far too many back from sharing their creativity with the world.

Truth #3: YOUR ideas are creative.
Yes, you! Do you find yourself holding yourself back and wondering what it is you have to share with others that would be worthwhile? I guarantee you have creative ideas and creative acts boiling up inside of you. Creativity is combining two or more already existing ideas together and presenting them through a unique lens: YOUR own.

​So stop doubting your own creativity, and start using it already!