I’m not sure how many times I’ve heard, “I’m not really creative,” or “I wish I were as creative as so and so…”
I believe that we’re all creative, but we live in a world where we have to have accomplished something to be recognised, and because of this some feel that they offer very little creatively.
This happens because, as a society, we have a fixation with things like,
focusing on who’s the best at, or,
who’s the latest artist having something hanging at the Zeitz Mocaa or the Tate Modern, or,
who’s the greatest of all time at this or that etc?
A while ago I was watching a friend of mine reading a story to a group of young kids aged between 4-6 years old. My friend was reading and using different accents for different characters. She would vary her voice volume, reading loudly at times and then very softly in other sections – to add to the mood. I looked around the room and the kids were sitting there, wide-eyed, wide-mouthed, almost afraid to breathe in case they missed something. It seemed like they were right there living the story.
When the story came to an end, chaos erupted, with the children laughing, jumping, and having fun with each other, some went up to my friend and hugged her in appreciation for reading such a great story in a way that completely entertained them.
For me, this was creativity in action.
Similarly, I’ve witnessed some DIY changes at people’s homes done by weekend tinkerers, eaten meals made by Corporate executives, been blown away by retirees painting, and been mesmerised by entrepreneurs who have creatively changed their venture’s direction to take it to a whole new level.
So, what makes them different from someone who has won the Booker Prize or has an artwork hanging in a high-profile gallery?
Nothing, as I believe that each and every one of them is playing with their brand of creativity.
So how do we discover our unique brand of creativity?
When my first children’s book was published, many people came to me and said, that they had a story to write, and my response was, well “start writing it.”
The reason I tell them this is before the publishing of the book; I had never previously written anything
of substance that I felt was worth publishing. For this book, I thought of a story that resonated with me and wrote it. People liked it, suggested I try and get it published, but mentioned that it would need serious editing. But because I wrote it, I discovered a new form of creative expression which I love.
Their response to my statement has usually been, “but I don’t know how…, ” and my response is, “write one sentence, or one paragraph, or one chapter, one word at a time.” To which they replied (at times), “ What if I’m not good at it or I don’t like it?”
To discover or explore our unique brand of creativity, we must be prepared to try new things and we must know that we could make a mistake. Not a mistake in the creation, but rather by discovering that what we’re exploring might not be for us. There might be a small price for being wrong, but then again, the upside is that at least we’ll know. Imagine if we do discover that it is something we enjoy doing. Either way, the only way to find out is to try, without fear of being wrong.
Why is it important to discover our creativity?
Very seldom, if at all have, I witnessed someone doing something creative and not having fun. I know that whenever I’m taking photographs or writing something, for whatever reason – whether for a personal project, or something more, my state of mind and emotions shift. I have fun, I become mentally calmer, I become physically energised and I connect with my imagination more. I don’t believe this to be selfish, in fact, I believe that it’s a way that I contribute to myself, my well-being, my happiness, and my self-expression. I discover more about me.
My outward expression contributes to my inward growth.
I believe that we’re all creative. Some know what their unique brand of expression is, and some don’t.
For those that feel that they don’t know where their creativity lies and wish to explore further, why not explore, play, be curious, take an adventure, have fun, and be prepared to possibly make mistakes?
After all, what is the worst that could happen?
Gary Hirson is an IMAGINEUR.
Believing in the power of the creative imagination and the need for goal-setting, he combines both elements in his Coaching philosophy and #_Createful_ programs.
With the backing of his Coaching credentials, he has introduced _Createful_ tools via books, online coaching, programs, and webinars.
He has written and independently published and 3 interactive children’s books, introducing tools related to _Createfulness_
Alongside his professional photography business and successful running of two other businesses, which have subsequently been sold, Gary always dreamt of publishing coffee-table books with his name on them. Having now photographed and published two unique books, Gary realised his big dream, but still has many others to conquer.
In addition, the tools he advocates in the books, he uses, along with his experience as a Coach, to aid the youth, entrepreneurs, and creatives to best identify and achieve their dreams.
More about what he does can be viewed at https://garyhirson.com
