We Can ALL Be Creative

When I hear someone say, “Hey you’re the creative one, I’m not,” I shudder. Whether someone is a “left brain” or “right brain,” it’s my belief that everyone, in their own way, can be creative.

In fact, we all can apply creativity to our jobs and to our everyday lives. All it takes is effort and a little creativity to make our lives “happen” vs. sitting back and simply letting things happen to us.

Creativity can be found when pen gets applied to paper, paint to canvas, and even fingers to a keyboard (whether it be a computer keyboard or musical instrument). Creativity is where an idea begins . . . and who can say where it ends?

It Takes All Kinds

Can an accountant be creative? Sure. While most of us probably think numbers and spreadsheets get pretty “dry” and dull after a while, I call a numbers wiz who brings a fresh eye to the books and finds tax savings or profits where there were none before VERY creative. (Note to my accountant, let’s not get too creative, though, OK?)

CEOs can be creative, too, and they don’t have to be the heads of toy companies. They can be creative in the way they lead or manage or express the visions of their companies. Case in point, Apple CEO Steve Jobs. He was pretty creative, wouldn’t you agree?

Even the groundskeeper at your local sports complex can be creative, from mowing patterns in the grass, to plantings and flowers that add a dash of color throughout the seasons, to figuring ways to drain excess water from the fields after a storm.

Creativity at Work & Home

There are many, many ways to be creative in the marketplace:

• Ingenious marketing campaigns drive business and create demand.
• Cutting edge leadership and management techniques motivate staff and boost productivity.
• Product line extensions allow companies to capture market share, such as introducing a new smartphone, or a new model Toyota.
• Creating new products and new markets altogether, such as Ford’s Model T (back in the day) or the iPad or the Tesla.
• And much, much more . . .

Likewise, there are myriad ways to be creative in our personal lives:

• Surprising our partners/family with new and exciting meals.
• Decorating our homes or planting gardens.
• Finding fun ways to grow relationships with loved ones and spouses.
• Planning trips or vacations, etc.

The Need for Creativity

Without creativity, there is no innovation; there are no new ideas. Life—personal or professional—stagnates. Without creativity, we are only treading water, waiting for someone else to come along with that next big “thing,” that next great idea. But great ideas are not guaranteed. They take effort and they require the right conditions.

As people, we can’t afford to become creatively apathetic. From youngsters in pre-school, all the way to seniors enjoying their golden years, we should be doing all we can to encourage creativity . . . and I’m not talking government programs or incentives. I’m talking parents, teachers, spouses, partners, friends, strangers, business colleagues, direct reports, independent contractors—EVERYONE!

Make More Time for Creativity

Here’s an easy way to add more creativity to your life. Simply excuse yourself from your day-to-day routine on occasion and expose yourself to some other stimulus that lets you tap your inner child. Maybe it’s a walk on the beach, meditation, a trip to the mall, a good glass of wine, or simply listening to your favorite music. Just let the ideas flow. You might be surprised where they take you!

A life devoid of creativity is boring and dull and dissatisfying. Of course, being creative doesn’t mean you have to whip up a gourmet meal ever night, write the next great American novel, or dream up whatever will one day replace the iPad—but it could. You can be creative in small, thoughtful ways, too, that make you and those around you feel energized, happy, and looking forward to the next moment, the next day, the next “creation.”

First and foremost, creativity should be and needs to be FUN.

How are you already creative in your life? How might you be even more creative?

RECOMMENDED READING—Ideal for inspiring marketers, artists, teachers, and anyone who needs fresh ideas for work and home, Jump Start Your Brain by Doug Hall is an oldie but a goodie that helps readers crank up both their craniums and their careers.

Let’s Get Creative

Let Barrel O’Monkeyz can act as your seasoned, outsourced marketing and creative team. Our barrel is full of talent and creative minds ready to grow your business and prove we don’t just monkey around! Contact Barrel O’Monkeyz Today