Creativity. It is a form of self-expression that defines who we are as individuals, as a culture, and as human beings. Some have a knack for building fine pieces of furniture while others can paint beautiful landscapes or portraits. Some can write heart touching symphonies or speak a perfect word of encouragement just when we needed it. All of us have some level of creative thinking in our very being. It is what makes us unique and sets us apart from other people. I would like to look at few creative areas we visit in our daily walk through life.
1. Creative for fun.
This is probably the most popular reason for creativity. We get personal satisfaction, enjoyment, or simple stress relief from, for example painting, restoring a classic car, gardening, etc. For me, the most important one is a sense of accomplishment. We also have the personal freedom to do exactly what we want, without outside influence or restriction.
2. Creative for work.
Is that possible? Sure it is! People get creative for work daily. Writers for a TV sitcom for example must come up with entirely different situations and circumstances to make us laugh every week. Clothing designers come up with new styles to make us look good all the time. Automotive designers try to make cars that look good going down the road at 70 mph.
3. Creative for Survival.
I work in the automotive industry. Living in a suburb of Detroit, The Motor City, you either work in the medical field, or you work in an automotive related career. As most of you know, the global economy has sent a lot of jobs overseas. We are asked now to find ways to work more efficiently, faster, and cheaper. When faced with possible job loss, and with a family at home, you realize without your income, the consequences could be catastrophic. Your creative juices get kicked into survival mode. You now must find ways to increase your value as an employee. Creativity now becomes a required skill on the job.
Maybe you have seen some of the TV shows that show how people survive unthinkable odds in some remote locations of the world. Perhaps they suffer some type of accident or animal attack. The body kicks into “survival mode” and makes us do things that we normally would not do, given the circumstances. This instinct of survival can be a very powerful tool to save our very life!
4. Reaching Others
There are several examples on being creative to make a difference in people’s lives. This is a recent example that I used to show that people still care. I went to a fast food restaurant the other day and saw a young couple with a flat tire. The man could not loosen the last 2 lug nuts on the tire. Without even thinking, I pulled next to them and offered to help. He was about half my size, and looked like he was about to give up. I took the lug wrench and loosened both with minimal effort. They thanked me and I told them “you’re welcome, glad to help”, and went on my way. I did not do it to brag about it later. I did it to try to make a difference. When you plant tomato seeds you get tomatoes, right? The same principle applies with our attitude and how we treat others. I may not be able to change the whole world, but I can be creative at making a difference one person at a time.
Now as far as methods of creativity, they are as different from person to person as a fingerprint. You need to find what works for you. I love music. Almost all styles are in my collection. Music is a powerful motivator. It can stir the imagination and bring old memories to life. When I used to oil paint (it’s been awhile) I would listen to music by John Serrie, Scott Duncan, Boney James, Yanni and many others. Music helped inspire my painting. Search for something that inspires you, and use it to help you achieve your goals. Whether it is for career, personal, or spiritual, run the race to win! I hope you have an outstanding day!
