3 Signs You Are Creative (That Have Nothing To Do With Art)
It’s hilarious that I’m writing this blog post because I believe everyone is an artist and a creative being. HOWEVER, not all of you see yourselves that way. I know I did not see myself as creative at one point in my life. I thought “creative people” were people who were “good at art.” That was until I received some words of affirmation that changed my life! Let’s take a walk down memory lane…
The year is 2012. I am sitting in my first performance review at my first full-time corporate job, and my manager says, "You are SO creative."
Wondering who she was talking to, I looked over my shoulder. My manager and I were sitting in that small conference room, so I quickly accepted she was talking to me.
I thought to myself, "Me? Creative?" I hesitated to respond. I didn't see what she saw. We weren't talking about line drawings or paintings; we weren't in an art gallery, and I hadn't produced anything creative for her.
"I don't see myself as creative." I said, "Creative people are good at art, and we're in business. What do you mean by that?"
She shared that the creativity she saw in me had nothing to do with "art" and had everything to do with my perspective and ability to lead and problem-solve innovatively. This reframing of what creativity can mean awoke something in me that has continued to shape my path and guide my steps to this day.
When one can deepen their understanding of self and connect to their definition of what it means to be a creative being, they can access all the doors, windows, nooks, and crannies available for self-actualization and purposeful living in this lifetime.
Without further adieu, here are three types of creativity for all you “I’m not creative” people.
You Are Resourceful
You Think Outside of the Box
You Are Intuitive
You Are Resourceful
You can create something out of nothing. You can fix random things like an old clock or a jammed doorway. You likely have a weird tool or widget you’ve kept over the years “just in case.” Where others see that all is lost, you see hope and possibility. You’re likely a very positive person.
Resourcefulness is a form of creativity because you are willing to engage with problems. Problems in real life are no different than a crossword puzzle. Each takes time, attention, and thoughtfulness to complete. Want to know what else takes time, attention, and thoughtfulness? Art. It’s just that your art is problem-solving. As a former people leader, I know that is a super underrated skill among top performers.
You Think Outside of the Box
You see connections where others don't. You’re willing to make connections where others don’t (or aren’t supposed to). You are naturally curious. You might spend time wondering about your world, and maybe who on either side of the world may be wondering about something similar. You probably love talking to people about what or who they know.
Thinking outside of the box is a form of creativity because you are willing to make connections. Connections are the building blocks of any “good art.” You are creative if you can take this, that, and the other thing and be the bridge that brings them all together.
You Are Intuitive
Ever had an idea land in your head? Or an intuitive knowing drop in out of nowhere? Same. Now, picture a two-lane highway running above your head. One lane is creativity. The other is intuition. They are super close in nature and run in the same direction on the same idea highway. You're likely creative if you frequently experience a gut knowing or a gut feeling.
Intuition is a form of creativity because, like art, intuition can heal and inspire those who engage with it. Because of how similar intuition and creativity are, it’s nearly impossible to have one without the other. If you’re new to connecting to your intuition, check out my Intuitive Leader Masterclass! What’s manifested with intuition is carried forward in similar energy — it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!
So, do you still think you’re not creative?
Hopefully not. There are so many ways to demonstrate your unique creativity besides “art”. And MAYBE, if you start to work with your form of creativity, you might start creating your own unique art. I’ll be ready to cheer you on if and when you do!