John Cleese on Creativity

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John Cleese on Creativity

Creativity

Creativity is what you make of it; everyone is creative, as each of us are capable of making things. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

‎Why is it that many equate creativity with being able to paint, draw and the like? Creativity is really about being able to visualize beyond the norm. Creative people do not see obstacles or problems; instead, they see solvable challenges. Many may even get a charge out of it. They thrive when faced with a challenge because it provides an opportunity to try something new and to experiment.

Creativity is looking at things upside down instead of right-side up. Creativity is using different tools and materials in a new way to achieve different effects. Creativity is seeking tools and/or materials when others do not work or are unavailable. For example, suppose you ran out of dish soap. Creative people would find seek alternatives such as a bar of soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, lemon juice, vinegar, etc.

Creative people are often: inventive, inquisitive, optimistic, enthusiastic, energetic, determined and open to possibilities. They are not attached to one idea. They are comfortable with surprises. In fact, many creative people get excited with unexpected outcomes.

Children are naturally creative. They are open to try new things and experiment. Unfortunately, too many adults teach children that there is only one way to do various things “right”. They give them rules, procedures and routines to the point where these children lose sight of their creative nature. They succumb to only doing things one way because they want to please and be loved.

Too much television watching and video game playing also zap creativity out of humanity. Sometimes it seems that the days where we used our imagination are gone. We have grown dependent on doing things only one way; but, it is not too late to develop our creativity. We only need to challenge ourselves with little problems.

Playing the “what if” game is a good way to enhance our creativity. Again, children are great at doing this. Remember all the “what if” questions you used to ask or your children asked you? What if don’t have this, that or the other? What if it rains? What if the store is closed? What if they aren’t home? What if everything were the color purple? What if there were no spoons? You can go on and on.

Another great activity to do is to invent new purposes for various items like a paper clip, a sponge or whatever. What are other uses for a towel, a hair brush, a toothbrush, an old car tire, etc? This can be quite fun to do and a great way to develop and expand your creativity. Can you think of some other ways to develop your creative ability? I can. And so can you!

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