I’ve been thinking about being creative, and about what makes us creative, or want to be. I’m sure you know people who are extremely creative. I know I do, both in my personal and online life. I’m blown away sometimes by what I see other people doing; it makes me feel positively inadequate, I can tell you.

Of course, creativity comes in all forms. Most people tend to think of it in an “artsy” way, and I do as well sometimes. For me, it’s writing primarily, but it’s also knitting. It’s putting together a good story, weaving characters and plot together to make something that others will enjoy. Or it might be combining color and pattern to make something functional and beautiful that others can use and appreciate.

My day job doesn’t have anything to do with either of those; I’m a programmer. However, finding an elegant solution to a problem is creative too.

So, what makes a person creative, or not? I have a bit of a theory about how creativity works for me.

1. First, I have to have the time to BE creative. If my work doesn’t require much thought, or doesn’t allow much time for thought, I’m not as likely to be able to be creative. If I’m up against a deadline or feeling a lot of pressure, then I’m probably going to take a straightforward approach and skip the creative one. Likewise, if I’m too exhausted by my work, I’m not going to be able to be creative. I need enough rest to fine that creative spot.
2. I need adequate resources to be creative. Folks who can’t support their families or themselves, or who are struggling financially simply aren’t going to have as much energy to spend at being creative. If you can’t pay the power bill, you’re not as likely to spend time working on your novel! I’m sure most of us have had money problems at one time or another, so you understand how adequate resources are a necessity.
3. I need to be relaxed to be creative. I’m not implying that a certain amount of stress isn’t good, or isn’t even able to spark your creativity. However, if you’re under a lot of stress, for long periods, your creative work will suffer. I’ve continued to struggle with this drain on my writing. I’m fortunate that I have another creative outlet, knitting, that I can use to relax and work through stressful times.
4. You have to allow creativity to happen. I’m sure everyone has heard this in one form or another before, you can’t wait for the muse to just show up. I have to work on being creative. Maybe I make time to write daily, or I make an effort to find solutions to my work problems that aren’t obvious. Whatever you do, make an effort to be creative even when, and especially when, you’re not feeling particularly creative.

Being able to approach life creatively, whether it’s work, home or a creative pursuit, is a talent to be fostered and appreciated. Let’s do one thing this week differently, and more creatively, shall we?