How to foster creativity?

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Creativity is a gift given to everyone. I genuinely believe that having a creative outlet is an essential part of life. It’s a perfect method of personal expression. Necessary to feel more, enjoy a more and to discover a greater state of meaning and happiness.

For some people, creativity appears to flow abundantly like a dam bursting its banks. For others, they either do not realise their creative potential or do not spend enough energy and time in creative practice.

Humans have evolved due to our ability to create. Progression is measured by the creativity of our society. Its purpose is to assist us to continually improve. Progression is survival.

In an article by John D. MacArthur, he states that an intelligent person knows how to select and what to choose – what to leave out and what to keep. A creative person knows how to combine. That is creative intelligence.

Our creative intelligence is what has given us tools for survival, tools to find greater joy. It is the result of our ability to think, plan, speak, communicate, tell stories, do art and science. As we combine the strength of knowledge and memory we discover more. You see creativity is truly a beautiful thing.

Now, are you feeling the urge to create?

The question I address is how does one foster creativity?

We can first seek a higher level of knowledge. It is easy to know something based only on what we are told, however, knowledge can be taken for granted and limiting if not explored further. Be guided by your curiosity. Seek to understand instead of just accepting.

Creative knowledge is our ability to assess things from what we have stored in memory. To combine the varieties of information that exist and forming our own beliefs, opinions and values. That is what will assist our progression. The knowledge that we think about and ask questions upon is what creates differing perspectives – beneficial for innovation.

James Altucher talks about idea sex – that is to combine one idea with another. This produces unique ideas, individual ones. Ones that may result in the next millions dollar success story. Ones that may assist humanity to continue to overcome global challenges.

We do this by using the information we store in memory. Memory is the key to creativity. Research indicates that memory and creativity decline in unison. How to do we improve memory? By using it. Consume and digest.

To improve knowledge and assist our creative flow we must consume content. That is a great source of new learnings and knowledge. Go broadly at first and then niche down. Find what interests you, what strikes a chord and then narrow down – go deep. People that flourish with creativity are often consuming ten times more than the amount they create.

Creative spark and flame are not only found in books, magazines, video and audio. They also evolve in the community. From our relationships with one another. Inspiration, motivation, ideas, techniques, learnings, knowledge and wisdom can be gathered in community activity.

Don’t be a hermit, get amongst it. Find people who have similar interests. Join groups. Visit art galleries. Think outside the box. Try something new. Go somewhere different. How you express your creative style need not be the same way as you gather it. Grand ideas or great art may come from entirely different fields than that in which they become.

Finally, it is important to slow down, find space and pause. Silence in the mind. Uninterrupted space to explore thought. To quite the energy. To regroup.

Gather, consume, connect and then find time to ponder, contemplate and assemble. From there, it’s a matter of creative expression. And creativity doesn’t lead to the accomplishment of a masterpiece straight of the bat. The importance and grandness within creativity are found in practice. Start and once in flow you will find it hard to stop.

Practice your art. Personal expression through the creative process will make you feel alive. It’s one path to extended happiness.

Leave your thoughts, comments and questions below. Reach out directly by email of social media. Peace, Passion & Purpose.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.