Can Creativity Save the World?
As an Artist, Idealist, Citizen Scientist, and human, I hope so. In the recent dire fights and heartbreaking violence between countries, the identities we carry must fall away in the face of catastrophes. Whether today or in the years to come, we are all hoping for a better future that ignites hearts with optimism, not fear. Creativity is part of the solution. It doesn’t matter if you label yourself as ‘creative’ or not — it’s the approach to thinking, ideating, and collaborating we can all embrace.
As a self-taught Artist, I didn’t grow up believing that art and creativity would transform the world let alone the opportunities in my life. The narrative that I grew up with was the ‘Struggling [misfit] Artist’.
“Creative people come up with ideas that are like undervalued stocks, which are generally rejected by the public at large. When creative people propose their ideas, others often view them as counterproductive, bad or even foolish. Creative ideas are often rejected and the person who proposed them is viewed with suspicion and perhaps disdain and derision. Creative ideas are, by definition both novel and valuable, so why are they rejected?” Moller, Claus. “Creative intelligence.” Claus Moller Consulting (2005).
Creativity, especially now, with the Creator Economy (aka Influencer Economy), the concept of creativity is often reduced to the bucket of content creation facilitated on social platforms. Could creativity break free from the content box and do more than generate revenue?
Yes, and it starts with adopting Creative Intelligence as a way of thinking and being.
Creative intelligence is the capacity to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and problem-solve in unconventional ways. This type of intelligence enables us to adapt to changing circumstances, find unique solutions, and discover new opportunities. Creative intelligence goes beyond simply being artistic or having a flair for the dramatic. It involves connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, thinking beyond boundaries, and identifying patterns and opportunities others may overlook.
Creativity can be cultivated and enhanced like any other type of intelligence.
Here are a few strategies to unleash your creative potential:
Embrace curiosity: Curiosity is the key that unlocks creativity. Cultivate a sense of wonder and explore different domains of knowledge. Challenge yourself to ask questions and seek answers beyond the surface level. You will open your mind to new ideas and perspectives by nurturing your curiosity.
Embrace diversity: Expose yourself to diverse experiences, people, and cultures. Engage in conversations with individuals from different backgrounds, fields, and disciplines. This exposure will broaden your perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and stimulate your creative thinking.
Practice divergent thinking: Divergent thinking is generating multiple solutions or ideas. Engage in exercises encouraging you to think beyond the obvious, such as brainstorming sessions, mind mapping, or creative problem-solving challenges. Practicing divergent thinking will enhance your ability to come up with innovative and original ideas.
Embrace failure: Failure is an inherent part of the creative process. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and as stepping stones towards success. Don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas, even if they don’t work out as planned. By embracing failure, you will develop resilience and gain valuable insights to fuel your creative endeavors.
Create space for reflection and solitude: In our fast-paced world, creating moments of stillness and solitude is essential. Allocate time for self-reflection, meditation, or engaging in activities that recharge your creative energy. Solitude allows your mind to wander, make connections, and access your creative subconscious.
The Impact of Creative Intelligence
Embracing and leveraging creative intelligence can have significant benefits in both personal and professional spheres. In the workplace, creative individuals contribute to innovative problem-solving, dynamic team collaboration, and the ability to adapt to change. Organizations that foster a culture of creativity and encourage out-of-the-box thinking are more likely to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
On a personal level, creative intelligence promotes personal growth and fulfillment. It encourages individuals to express their unique perspectives, pursue their passions, and contribute to their communities and society as a whole. Being creatively intelligent allows individuals to challenge the status quo, devise new solutions to pressing problems, and inspire positive change.
“The only thing that has remained constant is change. To move forward with new ideas, we must consider change within the larger context of creativity, globalization, technology, and the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge. What takes place in the larger world affects every one of us every day and that is a good thing. We all live on the same planet and we all have a responsibility to contribute our gifts and talents to making this small planet a better place.” Ambrose, Don, et al. “Stream of Consciousness on Creativity, Globalization, Technology, and What Is Happening in a Rapidly Changing World.” Creative Intelligence in the 21st Century: Grappling with Enormous Problems and Huge Opportunities, SensePublishers, Rotterdam, 2016, pp. vii–ix.
Conclusion
In a world that is increasingly complex and uncertain, creative intelligence is becoming an essential skill set. By embracing curiosity, diversity, and resilience, individuals can unlock their creative potential and thrive in personal and professional domains. So, let us unleash the power of creative intelligence and pave the way for a more innovative and dynamic future.
If you want to explore this further, subscribe and follow along for more Creativity and Curiosity Unfolding.
