Why It's Time to Stop Saying "I'm Not Creative" 

If you've ever said, "I'm not creative" it's time to stop. ALL children are creative; they have to be to figure out the world around them. And since you were a child too, you were creative once and can be again. Have you ever noticed that before a child speaks, they sing. Before they write, they draw. Before they walk, they dance. Creative expression is innate to us all. 

So, what happened? How long has this been your identity? Today that will change. In 3 steps I will help you re-claim YOUR creative identity... it's time. 

Where did this idea come from? Can you remember the first time you had this thought? When did you start making this statement? 

As children we are often assigned characteristics: the smart one, the pretty one, athletic, artistic, musical, good at math, funny, quiet. Take a moment and think back, what characteristics were assigned to you? Perhaps you were categorized as something that didn’t focus on creativity. Or perhaps you were told flat out you weren't creative or were bad at something creative. 

This is such a limiting practice. Adults have no idea how much damage pigeonholing can do to developing personalities. You are typecast into a role that becomes core to your identity before you have the ability to question it. In some cases, this gives us permission and encouragement to explore our interests, but it also closes doors and shuts off opportunities. 

There may have been a creative event or endeavor where you tried and fell short or failed in some way. So, you decided you weren't creative. Does this sound familiar? 

Or did this idea evolve over time as you were simply not interested in things you identified as creative? So, you let it go to claim something else. Like the idea that if you like math, you can't like art. Or if you like creative writing, you can't like science. Balderdash! We all have a whole brain; we don't have to ignore half of it. 

Creativity is a HUMAN characteristic. It's one of our defining factors as a species. In order to re-claim your creativity, you need to reconsider and possibly re-define what creativity really means. 

1. The ability to use imagination to produce a novel idea or product. 

2. Characterized by originality and expressiveness. 

I want you to hold onto 3 words here: imaginative, expressive, and original. Also keep in mind that if everyone is creative, yes that means you too! 

We often define creative activities as art, music, dance, theatre, writing and they most certainly are. But what about math, science, engineering, or any type of problem solving? What about language and communication? 

I could go on and on but any activity that is done in a way that is imaginative, expressive, or unique can also be characterized as creative. Creativity is more about how we use our brain, the way we do things, and what we contribute. To be human is to be creative. 

In addition, creativity is an active process. You may have a talent or a gift, but that's just raw material. It's passive until you do something with it, until you practice, until you act. All physical skills can be practiced and improved. 

To prove this, I want to share an example from my drawing class. The first day of class I ask students to draw a simple object. Then I ask them to do this again with their non-dominant hand. They always groan and hate it. But I do this to prove a point. I ask them what’s the difference between their two hands? The answer: years of practice. And if practice can take them that far, just imagine the possibilities! 

While there’s a biological need to conform to some degree to fit into society there’s an equal need to establish our individuality. We are all unique in some way. So, ask yourself... 

What do you enjoy? This could be a hobby or how you present yourself to the world, your clothes, hair, makeup. It could be how you cook or prepare food. It could be how you define and create your space. It could be how you experience nature or interact with your loved ones. It could be how you communicate or solve problems and puzzles. 

If this idea feels foreign, I want you to ask your friends and family what your unique characteristics are, they will have answers for you! 

Now that you've thought about it, I want you to own your creativity! The reality is if we tell ourselves enough times, we aren't creative we believe it and our actions reflect that belief. However, the reverse is also true! If you tell yourself, you ARE creative you will believe it and your actions will reflect that. Why limit yourself? You deserve unlimited possibilities. 

When you accept your creativity, you allow that beautiful unique aspect of your personality to grow and expand into new interests. Embracing creativity allows an openness to try new things and a willingness to experiment. These are aspects of play and expression. I think we can all agree that those feelings make us feel young and create positive energy. 

Your creativity may manifest in subtle ways, in non-traditional ways, but I promise you, it's there. How do you make things in your life special? What do you do for fun? What customs, ceremonies, or practices do you observe? How do you solve problems? Those are the things that make you unique. 

Throw out those old beliefs and redefine what creativity means to YOU. How are you now living creatively? How can you add more? What activities do you want to engage in that will enrich your life and open up new possibilities? 

Your starting point is truly believing the idea that “I’m creative in my own unique way.” Own that. Make it yours. 

It’s time to act. Behind everyone who has ever said they weren’t creative is a secret dream. What’s yours? What would you love to do but never felt good enough to try? What if it wasn’t about what other people thought but instead --is about how you feel? 

You’re an adult. There are a LOT of downsides to adulting, but an upside is you can do what you want! Yes, (for those uber-adults) within reason. But this still creates endless possibilities. What do you want to try? You can dive right in or take a class, but I want you to try something! Re-engage with that part of you that as a child was willing to experiment and play. Remember that the experience itself is so very rewarding! 

If you are drawn to the visual arts, I would be honored to be part of your creative journey! In my coaching program: Make Art we can discover what this looks like for you, no experience required! 

Whichever direction you choose I challenge you to take your new creative identity for a spin. You owe it to yourself… it’s time.