The Encarta dictionary defines creativity as "the ability to use the imagination to develop new and original ideas or things, especially in an artistic context." Creativity and imagination are largely linked with right brain functions, whereas analytic and rationalized thinking are more associated with the left brain.
As individuals, we may tend to be more inclined to naturally use one side of the brain more than the other, which would define the ability we have to tap into our creative talents. Of course, there are influences in our life's as we grow up, that are responsible for either nurturing or stifling our creativity. For example, most of our schooling tends to focus much more on learning via the left brain, encouraging logical and objective learning, as opposed to holistic experiential learning which is related to the right brain.
Creating can lead to a deep sense of satisfaction and there are many different ways that people can express creativity. The common factors tend to be that a great feeling of compulsion to do something. Then throughout the process of doing it, a connection with oneself, or even a feeling of motivation or trance-like experience. If the person remains motivated to continue their project until completion, they will feel a great sense of pride once the process is successfully completed. Just imagine if it was a requirement of your job to feel this good everyday! In fact, those who set up their own business often do so as an extension of a hobby or creative process that they already enjoy.
So if you are not a natural creator, how can you develop this skill to create more wholeness and inspiration?
Here are some tips:
1. Have a few sessions of Life Coaching at my practice in St Albans to help uncover the things you value most in your life and begin shaping your dreams. Motivational techniques can also be applied if a sense of uncertainty prevents you from taking the steps you need to make.
2. Listen to music that makes you feel good and switch off the news! Often the news is depressing and can put you in a bad state.
3. Make lots of notes. You never know when those good ideas will sneak up on you and if you don't jot them down, they may be forgotten.
4. Get inspired. Look at other people's creative work, either in the field you are interested in, or just in the natural environment around you.
5. Do some brainstorming around your chosen idea. This will move it from pie in the sky to the specific steps you will need to make.
6. Read books. Books are great for expanding ideas and are "healthier" for your brain than watching the telly all the darn time!
7. Keep your brain fit by doing crosswords, quizzes and participating in creative and intelligent conversations.
8. Be healthy in your body. Your mind and your body are linked so you need to look after both. Feed them healthy food and exercise them both.
9. Write a list about how you will feel and how your life will be affected by expressing your creativity. What will it mean to you?
10. When you get an idea, do something about it, before someone else beats you to it!
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