The universally acceptable definition of creativity is the process which transforms a unique idea into reality. It is divided in two parts, thinking of the idea or coming up with the idea and then bringing it into being. A person is also called creative if he or she modifies an idea. At the heart of creativity is the thinking process. Which is why the universally accepted symbol of creativity is the light bulb.
Definition of creativity
Just like creators, the definition of creativity is as complex as it gets.
Creative thinking is not always coming up with a new idea. Most of the time it is a mix of two or more ideas already thought by someone else.
One way to be creative is to approach an idea from a new perspective. Dig out new alternatives and options. Uniqueness of an idea depends on factors such as flexibility and unpredictability.
Society and culture many times nurtures creativity. A school or college of learning is also a hub for creativity. Activities like brainstorming or debates also bring out creative ideas.
Innovation is core to creativity. Improvement of an idea, product or a service happens with creative thinking. Creativity also leads to the launch of a new product or technology. For eg between 2013 to 2014, Apple removed the DVD drive from all laptops. That was a huge upheaval but others followed suit. Apple was getting innovative making their laptops thin and light while people blame Apple for having killed the CD.
The thinking process itself might consist of three steps. Gathering new thoughts at one place, mashing up the ideas in mind and shaping the final product mentally.
Every person is born with some amount of creative thinking. It is we who choose if we want to be creative or not. When we say, “I am not the creative type” means that person has trained the mind not to be creative. The opposite is also true. Creative people train themselves to be creative, many times throughout the day. Some even keep thinking throughout the night. Research suggests that creativity is also in the genes.
Need for creativity
The first need is to showcase and show around. Whether creativity leads to a master-piece is decided by an audience.
Creativity also brings out solutions to problems. A creative approach sometimes overcomes insurmountable problems.
Bring out the creativity in yourself
- Focus on one thing, the core. That will get the ideas together in one place and the mashup that follows.
- Set targets. Artists and creators need to create targets by themselves. Once set they need to be achieved.
- Plan a schedule. And see your ideas come to life.
- Accept failures. You are allowed to get it wrong multiple times.
- Rest, Regroup and Repeat.
How to identify a creative person
They are rebels. Attentive and distracted at the same time. Their mind is always in thinking mode so forgive them if they are forgetful. Creative people are focused on their work. They are full of energy and never seem to tire. They have contrasting personalities. Smart and intelligent, they may or may not be good looking but surely are irresistible. If you find them in a fantasy mode, something creative is on its way.
Creative people will stand apart from the crowd.
