Why Creativity will Overcome COVID-19
The world has changed due to the global pandemic and we’re optimistic some of the changes are for the better. Yes, there have been devasting consequences however we choose to remain positive. We now see creativity being appreciated to a greater extent. We’ve had to adapt quickly and that’s led to a greater appreciation for creative thinking.
We were already on this path in some ways before COVID-19 struck. As AI (Artificial Intelligence) and automation take over traditional workplace roles, it’s the truly creative minds that stand out from the crowd. As someone interested in visual communication, we greatly appreciate creative minds. It’s the artists of the world that will emerge as the leaders of the new economy. Creativity had become a rare and precious skill and we are now seeing it emerge again. The workplace is changing quickly, and companies need people who will bring creative ideas to the table. It’s these people who come up with new methods and techniques, that can transform an industry.
The challenge is, many people think they don’t have creative talents. In some industries, people recognize our creativity however it’s a skill that can be found in every area of life. Most of us treat creativity as a gift, and only a few people are born with this spark. Creativity exists in you however it may not have been fully realized. Creativity is a skill that you can cultivate. If you want to acquire the best roles in an organization or change the world, it’s time to get creative. The question is – how do you unleash your creative talent?
Start looking at things from a different perspective
This is the key to creativity. Maybe you have been stuck in a cubicle workplace every day, interacting with the same types of people day in, day out. Maybe being forced to work from home has helped you perceive the world differently and helped you become more productive. Right through life, starting as young children, our environment has a huge impact on the way we think, learn and create. Immerse yourself in the creativity of others to find inspiration. Don’t let your lack of skills or experience stop you, get started and find people who will support your creative pursuit. Connect with people who see the world differently and challenge you. Surround yourself with creativity that inspires you.
Take up a creative interest where you can interact with a diverse range of thinkers. Stop looking at life the same way and start considering other perspectives. The key to creativity in life and the workplace is satisfying needs and solving problems. This proverb applies best here: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Just look at the global supply chain industry and how it’s adapting out of necessity due to the pandemic.
You’re likely to be most innovative when you’re frustrated by something. Hasn’t the pandemic frustrated us all? Just like an artist often harnesses the emotion of pain to produce outstanding works, consider the tasks you don’t enjoy doing at home or work. There’s no way you’re the only one who’s frustrated by doing those tasks. You could be the one who finds a creative solution to that problem. Getting outside to clear your head and enjoy the beauty around you is a great way to refresh your mind. You may be too close to the problem to see the solution and need to slow-down using mindfulness training to gain clarity. Maybe you can find a way of simplifying a certain task or eliminating it completing by introducing a creative idea. Maybe it’s your million-dollar idea!
Creative people have three main traits
One way to start thinking creatively is to study creative people and copy their characteristics. The primary trait they have is their belief they’re creative. It’s a mindset! 90% of being creative is the belief you are. In this way, you’ll gain confidence and you’ll more easily have a great solution when an opportunity appears.
The second trait of creative thinkers is their flexibility when they think. These people ignore the usual ways of thinking and choose to think in new ways. They’re willing to break all rules and take some risks. Try this with a simple task – choose your most annoying daily task and consider ways to avoid or minimize this task. Overcome the doubt, if there was a solution to the problem, what would it look like?
Many of your creative ideas will have minimal impact on your daily life however you are in the process of thinking creatively. Some companies employ people for doing exactly that. On occasion you may stumble upon innovative ideas that disrupt your workplace. The solution to your problem may have far reaching implications.
Innovators tend to expose themselves to different viewpoints and new experiences. They open their minds to different stimuli, so they create new electrical pathways between brain cells. In this way, they open new channels of thought.
Force yourself to try something new
You need to exercise your brain, not just your muscles. You can open your mind to new stimuli in a variety of ways. Read different publications – don’t read only those you’re interested in, choose different subjects, so you can learn something new. If reading isn’t your thing, try listening to a broad range of podcasts. Choose different topics weekly. Again, try new perspectives – don’t stick only to those you like. Force yourself to experience and acquire new tastes.
If you develop the ability to think creatively, you’ll be prepared to deal with difficult situations when they arise. Most importantly, you’ll recognize opportunities that other people miss. When you open your mind to new ideas, you’ll get more out of your life and increase your creative skills in a broad range of ways.